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.