Dean Castle
Dean Castle is a 14th century castle located in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. It was the stronghold for the Boyd Family, who were lords of Kilmarnock for over 400 years, and is situated in a 200 acre site situated within the Dean Castle Country Park.
| Dean Castle | |
|---|---|
| Kilmarnock, Scotland | |
Dean Castle seen from the air in mid–2023 | |
Dean Castle | |
| Coordinates | 55.6233°N 4.4839°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NS437394 |
| Type | Tower house with courtyard |
| Height | 3.5 |
| Site information | |
| Owner | East Ayrshire Leisure, on behalf of East Ayrshire Council |
| Open to the public | Yes, free of charge |
| Condition | Preserved (renovated between 2020-2023) |
| Site history | |
| Built | c. 1350 |
| Built by | The Boyd Family of the Burgh of Kilmarnock |
| In use | Until c. 1975 |
| Materials | Stone |
| Battles/wars | Scottish Wars of Independence (indirect, association only) Battle of Loudoun Hill (indirect, association only) |
The Castle takes its name from The Dean or wooded valley, a common place name in Scotland. However, until about 1700 it was called Kilmarnock Castle. Owned originally by the Boyd family, it has strong historical connections with many people and events famous in Scottish history. Robert the Bruce who gave the Boyds these lands; James III of Scotland whose sister married a Boyd; the Covenanters, some of whom were imprisoned here; Bonnie Prince Charlie, whose rebellion was joined by the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock and Robert Burns who was encouraged to publish his poetry by the Earl of Glencairn who owned the Castle at that time.