Glasswell

Glasswell was a castle which was long associated with the Murray and Scrymgeour families although nothing now remains of it and its exact location has been lost.

In March 1422 Thomas de Haya, Lord of Lochorwart, granted the lands of Glaskwoll and Torbrwyne to his blood relative, Walter de Moravia de Drumsergert.

In August 1428 Alexander de Moravia was described as Lord of Glasuell while witnessing a charter.

Andrew Murray of Wester-Glenurquharite and Ballantor signed a contract at Glaswell in February 1510 selling and alienating to Master John Skrymgeour of Glastir and his heirs his lands in the county of Forfar, held in feu from the King, for 240 merks. The charter was confirmed by the King in March 1511.

In August 1510 the King granted to Archibald, Lord Douglas, son heir of George, Earl of Angus, and to Archibald’s heirs, the lands and barony of Kyremure which comprised of numerous lands including Glaswele and Terbirnis with the mill, all of which were incorporated into the free barony of Keremure and the town of Keremure was made a free burgh of barony. This presumably refers to the superiority of Glasswell as the Scrymgeours were still in possession at this time.

In November 1571 James Scrymgeour of Glaswell was accused of shirking his military obligations along with Johne Strathauchin of Claypottis, James Scrymgeour of Dudhop, David Fentoun of Ogill, George Skynner of Balȝordye, Sir John Carnegye of Kynnard and Johnne Carnegye of Seytoune, by “Abiding from the Raid of Leith”.

A large castle named Glashwell is shown within a wooded park on Pont’s late 16th century map of Middle Strathmore.

I have placed the site of Glasswell at Mains of Glasswell farmhouse pending further research.