Renfrew Castle

Renfrew Castle was a 12th century castle although nothing of it now remains.

Around 1150 Walter fitz Alan was appointed hereditary High Steward of Scotland by David I and granted the lands of Mearns, Strathgryfe (now encompassing the majority of Renfrewshire), Renfrew and North Kyle. He was responsible for building the first castle which in 1164 was attacked by Somerled, Lord of the Isles.

In 1361 Sir John Stewart, Lord of Crookston, was baron-bailie, responsible for administering the barony of Renfrew on behalf of Robert, 7th High Steward of Scotland.

The castle seems to have been extant in the 15th century but subsequently fell out of use. In 1775 the ditch which once surrounded the castle could still be seen.

Stone from the castle was used to build a soap works in the 18th century which was itself replaced by the now-demolished Castlehill House. The site now falls within Castlehill Gardens off the residential street of Castlehill Crescent.