Caerlaverock is probably a great example of what many people think a castle should look like - tall round towers, a high wall, surrounded by a moat. It is quite a beautiful sight and set in a lovely location south of Dumfries on the Solway Firth.

In the early 13th century, John Maxwell built a castle a very short distance from here. Before the end of the century his nephew, Herbert Maxwell, built this castle with its unusual triangular plan.

Being so close to the border with England, the castle was attacked, besieged, damaged and reconstructed many times over the centuries. Eventually, in the mid 17th century, the south wall was brought down during a siege between the supporters of King Charles I and the dissenting Covenanters. After this, the castle was abandoned.