Site of Lanark Castle

Site of the large and important Lanark Castle.

The bowling green at the bottom of the Castlegate is on the site of Lanark Castle which dates back to King David I (1124 - 1153). The natural earth mound was surrounded by a timber structure, forming a defensive fortress. The castle was regularly used as the King's residence during the medieval period. Robert the Bruce held a court in the castle in 1321. It was also the occasional meeting place of the Scottish Parliament which met here in 1293, 1294 and 1295. The mound was used for military drills and grazing until the 18th century when it was reduced in height and by 1760 a bowling green was established.