Affleck Castle, Tower house in Angus, Scotland
Affleck Castle is a four-story rectangular tower near Monikie built from local red sandstone with thick rubble walls and defensive crenellations. The structure includes gun loops on the ground floor and two protective features positioned above the arched entrance to prevent attacks.
Built around 1460, the tower belonged to the Auchenleck family, who held the role of hereditary armor-bearers for the Earls of Crawford. This arrangement lasted until 1746, when the family's association with the castle came to an end.
The great hall on the first floor connects to a private chamber with a small opening that allowed the family to observe activity in the space below. This design reveals how residents arranged their living areas for both comfort and oversight of household activities.
Access to the castle is limited and requires checking ahead about which areas are open to visit, as some sections are not always publicly accessible. When visiting, allow time to explore the different levels and pay special attention to how the defensive features are positioned throughout the tower.
A small chapel inside the tower preserves original medieval stone features including a niche for sacred objects, a liturgical basin, and a holy-water vessel. This intimate religious space was intended for private prayers and personal worship by the residents.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
