Castle Semple Collegiate Church is a late medieval building in Gothic style, founded in 1504 by John, Lord Semple. Lord John was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and his son added a triangular apse to the church to make space for his father's elaborate memorial. The memorial is now gone and the chapel is an empty, evocative shell.
The chapel was probably created by rebuilding an existing structure, perhaps an earlier castle chapel.
History
Sir John provided lands with enough income to support a college of six chaplains under a provost, with a sacristan and two choir boys. The residential buildings for the college members are likely lost underground in the area immediately surrounding the chapel.
The sole purpose of the college was to say mass for the souls of the founder and his family. The prayers were thought to help the speedy passage of the family's souls through purgatory and into heaven.
The roofless church measures just over 71 feet x 24'3" wide, with a striking square tower at the west end. The interior of the church is divided into three sections to create separate burial places. It seems likely that the building was used as a farm building after it ceased to be used for worship.
A short distance away is the RSPB reserve at the south end of Castle Semple Loch.
About Castle Semple Collegiate Church
Address: Howwood, Strathclyde, Scotland
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: Two miles west of Howwood on the B787, then on to the B776. You can also reach the church from the country park by way of the Castle Semple Visitor Centre.
Website: Castle Semple Collegiate Church
Historic Scotland
Location map
OS: NS377601
Photo Credit: Philip Halling, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
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HERITAGE
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castle (Architecture) - collegiate church (Historical Reference) - Medieval (Time Period)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Weaver's Cottage - 2.6 miles (Museum) 
Paisley Museum - 6.7 miles (Museum)
Barochan Cross - 7.4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Paisley Abbey - 7.4 miles (Historic Church) 
Finlaystone House & Garden - 8.5 miles (Historic House)
Dumbarton Castle - 9 miles (Castle)
Crookston Castle - 9.3 miles (Castle)
Newark Castle, Glasgow - 9.4 miles (Castle)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Castle Semple Collegiate Church:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Castle Semple Collegiate Church. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
