Seagate Castle

Seagate Castle, nestled in the charming town of Irvine in North Ayrshire, Scotland, is a historical gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. This castle, which once served as a stronghold, town house, and later a dower house of the Montgomery Clan, stands proudly overlooking the oldest street in Irvine. The castle's strategic location near the River Irvine and its historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The History of Seagate Castle

The history of Seagate Castle dates back to the 12th century, with the first record of Irvine appearing in 1163. The castle was initially built to protect the harbour near the Seagate, which was the main route between the town and the old harbour at Seagatefoot. However, by 1606, the harbour had become useless and abandoned due to silting. Despite this, the castle remained a significant landmark in Irvine.

In 1372, Irvine was created a Royal Burgh by King Robert II, and Seagate Castle is the last of the town's old civil and ecclesiastical buildings to survive. The castle we see today is likely the third iteration in Irvine's historical timeline, having been rebuilt in stone in the 1360s and later remodeled and expanded by Hugh, the 3rd Earl of Eglinton, around 1565. The castle's design is more akin to a palace or mansion house, reflecting its status as a showpiece rather than a typical town lodging.

Exploring Seagate Castle

As you approach Seagate Castle, you'll be struck by its Scottish Renaissance Gothic style, characterized by elegant moulded windows and ornate embellishments. The entrance doorway is particularly impressive, with its fine ornamental arched design that opens into the courtyard. The main block of the castle faces the street, with three projecting towers to the east – two round and one triangular, likely due to the lie of the land.

The castle's ground floor is fairly complete, with vaulted accommodation, two guard rooms, and a kitchen with a large fireplace. The kitchen also features an arch, a large window, and aumbries, along with a serving hatch in the adjoining passageway. The upper floors, which include fireplaces and fine moulded windows, were accessed via the round tower from the courtyard. The southernmost room on the ground floor connected to the upper floor via a private stair, likely leading to the great hall.

The Montgomeries and Seagate Castle

The Montgomerie family, who built Seagate Castle as their town house and a jointure house for dowager countesses, played a significant role in the castle's history. The coat of arms of Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton, can be seen on a roof boss in the entrance pend, alongside his initials 'HM' and the arms of his wife, Agnes Drummond, with 'AD' incised. The castle was inhabited until around 1746 when its roof was removed and used in the construction of a new church in Ardrossan parish.

Smugglers and Restoration

After being unroofed, Seagate Castle became a haunt for smugglers, thieves, and beggars. Locals shunned the castle after nightfall, and it was often the first place to be searched if any property was stolen in the town. Despite extensive quarrying by locals, the castle saw some restoration efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1810, Earl Hugh (the 12th Earl) made extensive repairs, and in 1839, a great storm caused considerable collapse of stones into the courtyard. The Earl of Eglinton had the debris removed, and further restoration works were carried out by Enterprise Ayrshire in the 1990s.

Mary Queen of Scots and Marymass

One of the most intriguing aspects of Seagate Castle's history is its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots. It is recorded that she stayed at the castle in 1563, entertained by the 3rd Earl of Eglinton. This visit is said to be the origin of the town’s Marymass celebrations, held in August each year. The festival continues to be a vibrant celebration of Irvine's rich history and heritage.

In conclusion, Seagate Castle is not just a historical monument; it is a testament to the rich and varied history of Irvine and the Montgomerie family. Its walls echo stories from centuries past, making it a captivating destination for anyone interested in Scotland's history. Whether you're exploring its architectural features, delving into its storied past, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Seagate Castle promises an unforgettable experience.