Renfrew Castle
| Renfrew Castle | |
|---|---|
| Renfrew, Renfrewshire, Scotland | |
 Renfrew Castle
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| Coordinates | 55°52′48″N 4°23′10″W / 55.880°N 4.386°WCoordinates: 55°52′48″N 4°23′10″W / 55.880°N 4.386°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NS 5086 6787 |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Demolished |
| Site history | |
| Built | 12th century |
| Built by | Walter fitz Alan, High Steward of Scotland |
| In use | Until 16th or 17th century |
Renfrew Castle was situated at the royal burgh of Renfrew, Scotland, which is near the confluence of the River Clyde and the White Cart Water. The original 12th-century castle was built by Walter fitz Alan, High Steward of Scotland, upon a river islet known as the King's Inch. This was replaced in the 13th century with a new castle by the road to the Clyde ferry, which became a royal castle under King Robert II. In the 15th century, the King's Inch site was rebuilt as Inch Castle by Sir John Ross. Both castles were demolished in the 18th century and nothing remains above ground at either site.
The King's Inch was formerly an island in the River Clyde, and was among the lands granted to Walter fitz Alan (1106–1177) by King David I in the mid-12th century, when he was also made first hereditary High Steward of Scotland. The castle was constructed from wood with stone foundations, and may have been a motte. The strategic location of this castle was designed to prevent the eastward expansion of Somerled's lordship in Argyll and the Isles.
In the 13th century the House of Stewart, descendants of Walter fitz Alan, constructed a new residence at the north end of the old High Street of Renfrew. This castle has been attributed to James, 5th High Steward (died 1309).
It was captured by the English during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and King Edward I of England granted Renfrew to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in 1301. In 1310 King Edward II of England ordered that the castle and burgh be sacked after he spent one night at the castle. Renfrew was then given in a charter by Edward Balliol to David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, in 1332. The Stewarts with the help of Sir Colin Campbell of Lochow later recaptured Renfrew Castle.
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