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Legend tells that Threave Island was the home of the ancient rulers
of Galloway a thousand years ago. Today there is no trace of their
fortress. The tall, forbidding tower that now dominates the island was
built for Sir Archibald Douglas in 1369. He had recently become Lord of
Galloway, but is better known to history as Archibald ‘the Grim’. By the
time he died at Threave in 1400, he had become the 3rd Earl of Black
Douglas, and was the most powerful magnate in southern Scotland.
Half a century later, when James II took steps to overthrow the
over-mighty Black Douglases, it was Threave that staged the final act in
the drama. After a two-month-long siege, the island stronghold reverted
to the Crown and thereafter played only a relatively minor part in
Scotland’s history.
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Access to the castle is by small boat about 15
minutes walk from the car park, so not suitable to those in wheelchairs.
On this day, Thursday 3rd July, we will also visit the Douglas
Mausoleum and Lincluden Abbey.
View Douglas History in a larger map
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