Dumbarton has
the longest recorded history of any fort in Britain. Built on a volcanic plug, this was
the ancient capital of Strathclyde, which was an independent kingdom until 1018. Mary,
Queen of Scots left from here for France in 1548 at the age of five. The rock has been
defended until modern times, and was last used in World War II.
The rock is split in two, with
a level area between which was the site of the ancient buildings. Today only the French
Prison is there, plus the well. This is reached from the King George Battery and
Governor’s House (both of 1735), passing through the guardhouse (16th
century) and the 14th century portcullis arch, which is the oldest surviving
structure. The guardhouse has a display room, with medieval grave slabs and more modern
uniforms. From Castle Road 344 steps climb up to the White Tower, with the highest point
at 240ft, with a viewpoint, flagstaff and remnants of a tower. The east rock, or The Beak,
has a magazine dated to 1748. It was designed by William Skinner to store 150 barrels of
gunpowder.
The whole rock is of interest
for its fortifications, seven batteries with 19th century guns, steep paths,
and spectacular views of Ben Lomond and the Firth of Clyde. |
