Dumfries Castle

Dumfries Castle was a royal castle that was located in Dumfries, Scotland. It was sited on Kingsholm by the River Nith, in the area now known as Castledykes Park. Castledykes was also known as Castle-ditches.

A motte and bailey castle was built in the 12th century. The town was created a royal burgh by King William the Lion in 1186. The castle was enlarged and rebuilt in stone in 1214. King Alexander III of Scotland visited the castle in 1264 to plan an expedition against the Isle of Man.

Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale captured the castle in 1286. The castle was occupied by the English from 1298.

King Edward I of England stayed at the castle in 1300. Robert de Brus captured the castle briefly in 1306 from the English-appointed constable Richard Siward.

King Robert I of Scotland captured the castle from the English appointed constable Dungal Macdouall in 1313.

The castle was destroyed in 1357 in order to obtain the release of King David II of Scotland.