Newark Castle
the original tower house, much added-to over the centuries
Ownership
Originally, the land here belonged to the Dennistouns, but it became a Maxwell property by marriage in 1402. They build the original castle here, George Maxell, the Baron fo Finlanstone, started the castle in 1478 - a simple towerhouse within a walled courtyard. The Maxwells were favorites of James IV, who often stayed here at the castle, which was enlarged into a renaissance-style mansion in the 16th century.
The lands were sold to the City of Glasgow in 1668, so a new port could be built (Port Glasgow), although the castle remained standing. It was bought by the Stewarts of Schaw, who lived here until the 18th century. It was rented out to a series of tenants until it was given to state care in 1909.
conical-roofed turrets and modern windows have been added
one of the early corner toweres, now separated from the rest of the castle