Newark Castle was granted to Archibald Douglas, Earl of Wigtown around 1423. It was incomplete at this time and work continued until about 1475. The surrounding barmkin was added around 1550, and the present battlements and two square caphouses date from about 1600. The castle was altered for Anna, Duchess of Monmouth and Buccleuch at the end of the 17th century. It was visited by Sir Walter Scott and William and Dorothy Wordsworth in 1831. The castle is believed to be haunted by the souls of women and children murdered by brutal soldiers at the site, who are heard each year on September 13.