It was built by Edward I in the 14th century replacing an earlier motte and bailey castle, and later rebuilt during the reign of James IV of Scotland.

[3] James V of Scotland was at Lochmaben in November 1542, and watched fires started by the Scottish army from Burnswark Hill.

[4] Mary, Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley came to Lochmaben in October 1565 at the conclusion of the Chaseabout Raid.

[6] The keeper David Maxwell and five others were hanged, despite the efforts of William Stewart of Monkton to negotiate a surrender.

[8] In June 1592 it was said that Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell dressed as a woman, had managed to infiltrate and capture the castle, which was kept by Sir John Carmichael, as part of an uprising against James VI.