Condition

2
Castle
Multi-Period
57687
MEL1580
East Lothian

Description

The ruins of Dunbar Castle stand on a craggy rock next to the harbour. Historical and archaeological records indicate that this site has probably been in continuous use as a fort since at least the 1st millennium AD. The surviving masonry is probably of medieval date and is in an extremely poor condition. Loose stonework and collapse stone are in evidence, both on the rock and on the shore beneath. The castle is currently closed and a dangerous building notice is in force. ShoreUPDATE March 2014 As described. The east side of the rocky promontory on which the castle stands forms the western side of the harbour, with a modern quay built against it. Although the building is in poor condition, the main threat is posed by structural decay and collapse of the stonework rather than coastal erosion. The castle and its immediate surroundings remain closed to the public.

Location

367820.00
679300.00
27700
56.0055504
-2.5176117

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Dunbar castle from the harbour 23/03/2014 Dunbar castle from the harbour EllieSCHARP
Dunbar castle from the harbour
Dunbar Castle, coast edge to west of main promontory 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle, coast edge to west of main promontory UKCAP
Dunbar Castle, coast edge to west of main promontory
Dunbar Castle plan view facing north 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle plan view facing north UKCAP
Dunbar Castle plan view facing north
Dunbar Castle detail of east-facing coast edge (interior of harbour) 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle detail of east-facing coast edge (interior of harbour) UKCAP
Dunbar Castle detail of east-facing coast edge (interior of harbour)
Dunbar Castle detail of north-facing coast edge 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle detail of north-facing coast edge UKCAP
Dunbar Castle detail of north-facing coast edge
Dunbar Castle detail of west-facing coast edge 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle detail of west-facing coast edge UKCAP
Dunbar Castle detail of west-facing coast edge
Dunbar Castle and surrounding area 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle and surrounding area UKCAP
Dunbar Castle and surrounding area
Dunbar Castle aerial view 23/03/2014 Dunbar Castle aerial view UKCAP
Dunbar Castle aerial view

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
1860 23/03/2014 EllieSCHARP
Tidal state High
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Threats structural damage/decay
Visibility above ground Highly visible (substantial remains)
Access not accessible, but visible from public path/road/adjacent land
Local knowledge is well known; has local associations/history
Description The ruins of Dunbar Castle stand on a craggy rock next to the harbour. Historical and archaeological records indicate that this site has probably been in continuous use as a fort since at least the 1st millennium AD. The surviving masonry is probably of medieval date and is in an extremely poor condition. Loose stonework and collapse stone are in evidence, both on the rock and on the shore beneath. The castle is currently closed and a dangerous building notice is in force. ShoreUPDATE March 2014 As described. The east side of the rocky promontory on which the castle stands forms the western side of the harbour, with a modern quay built against it. Although the building is in poor condition, the main threat is posed by structural decay and collapse of the stonework rather than coastal erosion. The castle and its immediate surroundings remain closed to the public.
Reassign to priority 2

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