Hermitage Castle

[cessna152towser]

There was a timber castle on this site as early as 1240, though the present stone castle dates from the 14th century.

The castle's strategic location in Liddesdale made it an important prize fought for by Scots and English.

The castle was a Douglas stronghold for many years.

But in 1492 the fifth earl did a deal with the English that they would regard him as an ally in return for which he would ensure the castle never fell into the hands of another Scottish Lord.

When the king found out the castle was forfeited to the Hepburns of Bothwell.

On 8th October, 1566, James Hepburn, fourth earl of Bothwell was wounded in a skirmish by Little John Elliot, a noted reiver, and Mary Queen of Scots rode from Jedburgh to visit him here.

Bothwell was implicated in the murder of Mary's husband Lord Darnley the following year and later his nephew Francis Stewart succeeded to the castle.

His battles with the king resulted in the castle being forfeited in 1591 after which it passed to the Scotts of Buccleuch.

[cessna152towser]

The union of the crowns in 1603 marked the beginning of the end of Hermitage Castle as a mighty fortress so lets go inside and see what remains today.

We come into what would have been the courtyard of the original timber castle which would later have formed the basement of the stone castle.

Only the lowest section of the stair turret of the central tower remains.

Though we can point the camera upwards from here

And be impressed by the lonely and now roofless ruins.

This archway leads into vaulted basements, too dark to photograph inside.

So perhaps its best to practice the Hamish pose at the entrance to the turreted staircase.

But I haven't quite got it right yet.

Hermitage Castle is open daily from Easter to end of October.
In the care of Historic Scotland.
Admission £3.
Distance from Dumfries approximately 40 miles.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Great pics. I can't wait to tour some castles and old buildings while over there. Over here, if it dates back to the 1800's its considered ancient!

[Hamish]

So perhaps its best to practice the Hamish pose at the entrance to the turreted staircase.

But I haven't quite got it right yet.

No. not quite yet, Alex ............ but, you're getting there!


What a solid-looking castle this one is. Great photos too.

[TimC]

Being in a country that's a mere 230 years old, we lack a long and rich history...and mid-evil castles! Thanks for sharing.

-Tim

[Eujeankilt]

Being in a country that's a mere 230 years old, we lack a long and rich history...and mid-evil castles! Thanks for sharing.

-Tim

If you want to see some antiquity in the US of A, there's always Mesa Verde, Chaco Culture National Historical Park or Canyon de Chelly. Many of those ruins were built over a thousand years ago. You can tour the great houses in several of these places. They are stunning.

Ancient stonework always amazes me, be it Scottish castles, Puebloan ruins or ancient Middle Eastern cities.

Wonderful castle tours C2T!

Dale

[jfellrath]

That is one imposing looking castle. I'd certainly think twice before trying to lay siege to that one. Thanks for the pix!

[pdcorlis]

Fantastic, thanks for the photos!

[starbkjrus]

David,

It never ceases to amaze me that you always take these tours in a coat and tie. Here it's rare these days to wear a coat and tie to the office (I've not in so many years that I've forgotten when I did. Most likely the last time was sometime in the late 80's) Guid on ye!

Keep 'em coming!

[O'Neille]

I like it. Great tour. Here's your tip kind sir (if we ever meet I owe you a pint). The kilted pictures make the castle look better. Thanks, O'Neille