Bishop's Castle, Medieval castle near Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland.
Bishop's Castle was a medieval fortress in Glasgow featuring a central tower with kitchens, vaults, and banqueting halls. The structure occupied a strategic position that made it significant to the city's religious and secular life.
The castle was built in the 12th century and served as a residence for Glasgow's bishops for hundreds of years. After the Glorious Revolution in 1689, it passed to Crown ownership and gradually fell into decline.
The site preserves carved stones now displayed in Glasgow Cathedral's crypt, showing fragments of the medieval building. These stones reveal the craftsmanship and materials that builders used centuries ago.
The former castle site is marked by a stone with a modern plaque in Cathedral Square, located east of central Glasgow. The location is easy to reach and requires no special preparation or equipment to visit.
During excavations, archaeologists discovered a medieval roof tile bearing a permanent dog paw print, offering a glimpse into daily life centuries ago. This unexpected find shows how craftspeople worked and where animals moved around the site.
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