longbows or crossbows. In the centre of the east wall is a gatehouse, almost high, which was formerly equipped with a drawbridge and two inner doors, with a firing platform above. The curtain wall would have been accessed via ladders or timber stairs. The curtain walls are only from the keep, but it is unclear if there was any direct access from one to the other. The curtain wall is surrounded by a rock-cut ditch that was formerly flooded to form a moat. To the west the river runs close to the keep. The remains of a wall survive along the river bank, curving back towards the north west corner of the keep. A gated harbour was constructed here to provide secure alternative access to the castle. To the north, only an earth bank defends the keep, although the marshy approach to this side would have discouraged attackers. Beyond the artillery house and its ditch, the foundations of older buildings can be seen: these were demolished to provide stone and to clear the field of fire for the artillery house. The outermost defence comprises an earthwork that was hastily built by Lord Maxwell's garrison before the 1640 siege. Notes References External links Threave Castle, site information from Historic Environment Scotland Buildings and structures completed in the 14th century Castles in Kirkcudbrightshire Castles in Dumfries and Galloway Historic Scotland properties in Dumfries and Galloway Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Dumfries and Galloway Castle Threave River islands of Scotland