Newark Castle

Overlooking the River Clyde at Port Glasgow, Newark Castle was built by the Maxwell family who were Lords of Newark until 1694. The oldest parts of the castle date from the 15th century and the lofty tower house and the gatehouse were built at that time. King James IV visited there in 1495. Today's visitors can climb to the top of the tower and look up and across the river. Originally the tower was surrounded by a wall but all that remains of that has been converted into a dovecot beside the castle. In the 1590s Patrick Maxwell added a splendid Renaissance three-storey mansion to the tower house. The main hall has been partially furnished by the present owners, Historic Scotland, and a nice touch is to play a selection of Scots instrumental music from the Middle ages which wafts through the corridors of this part of the castle. Since early attempts to cut a navigable channel up to Glasgow had failed, the city bought 18 acres from the Maxwells to construct "New-port Glasgow" which became Port Glasgow. Over the years shipyards were constructed and so today the castle is located beside the cranes of one of the last remaining shipyards on the Clyde! Opening times - 9.30am - 6.30pm Admission Adults - £2 Children - 75p Concessions - £1.50