Threave Castle was built in the 1370s by Archibald Douglas, “the Grim”, later the third Earl of Douglas, soon after he was created Lord of Galloway in 1369.
A small collection of buildings were built around the main keep, including a hall and chapel.
Threave Castle became Archibald’s stronghold and he died there in 1400.
His son Archibald married Princess Margaret, daughter of Robert III of Scotland.
Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas, was appointed Regent to the infant King James II in 1437.
Archibald died in 1439 and in the ensuing power struggle, his 16-year-old son William who was murdered at Edinburgh Castle, in 1440.
Threave passed, with the Lordship of Galloway, to his sister Margaret, the “Fair Maid of Galloway”.