SCOTLAND
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
1. Annan - Hoddom Castle
(OS 315572)
A 16th century Tower of unusual design defended
by a moat. An important Maxwell stronghold. Built by Sir John Maxwell,
later Lord Herries in 1560s. Though obscured by more recent additions the
highest point of the original Castle is a beacon platform corbelled out
from the apex of the north gable. Almost continuous Maxwell feuds with
the Johnstones ensured that Hoddom was at the forefront of Border fighting.
The Castle can only be viewed from the outside.
2. Repentance Tower
(OS 317572)
A Watch Tower which stands on Trailtrow Hill a
short distance south of Hoddom Castle. The Tower commands a very extensive
view of the Solway shore. Built by John Maxwell, 4th Lord Herries. The
Tower was used and was fitted with both a beacon and a bell.
3. Beattock - Lochwood Tower
(OS 308596)
A 15th century Castle, with barmkin wall, standing
on the edge of Lochwood Moss. This was the residence from the 12th to the
18th century of the powerful Johnstone family in Annandale. Captured and
occupied by the English from 1547 to 1550 the Castle was also attacked
and burnt by the Maxwells (sworn enemies of the Johnstones). Extensive
remains.
4. Canonbie - Hollows Tower
(OS 338578)
Mid 16th century Pele Tower with ornately corbelled
parapet and a beacon stance at apex of south gable. Survives virtually
intact following extensive restoration in early 80s. A stronghold of the
Armstrongs though the reputed home of the famous Border Reiver, Johnnie
Armstrong (of Gilnockie) is some distance from the present tower.
5. Castle Douglas - Threave
Castle (OS 273562)
A 14th century menacing giant of a Tower, the
main power base of the Black Douglases. From 1455 custody of the Castle
and the office of Steward of Kirkcudbright were vested in a succession
of Royal Appointees and from 1526 were heritably attached to the Lords
Maxwell. This is the earliest and largest Tower in the region.
6. Clarencefield - Comlongan
Castle (OS 308568)
Virtually complete 15th century Castle, seat of
the Murrays of Cockpool.
7. Dumfries - Caerlaverock
Castle (OS 303565)
Late 13th century Castle, Caerlaverock (Lark's
Nest) is one of Scotland's finest Castles. Besieged by Edward I (amongst
others). For many years home of the powerful Lords Maxwell.
8. Gretna - Lochmaben Stane
(OS 331565)
Glacial erratic, a landmark of extraordinary interest,
a place where armies met - on the invasion route between Burgh-by-Sands
and the Scottish ford at Sulwath. Mustering ground for Royal Levies of
Dumfries and Galloway. Criminals were also tried here, Days of Truce observed
here and it was a venue for Summit Meetings. In 1449 the Battle of Sark
fought around the stone. In later years it was cited in Pitcairn's Criminal
Trials - many a Border Reiver got his come uppance at the Lochmabenstane.
9. Gatehouse of Fleet - Cardoness
Castle (OS 260554)
Late 15th century Castle built by Alexander McCulloch.
Cardoness is a well preserved Castle with all the domestic features of
the best of 15th century Tower Houses. This well preserved ruin has
the original stairway and vaulted basement. It stands on a rocky
platform above the Water of Fleet; ancient home of the McCullochs.
10. Langholm - Langholm Castle
(OS 336585)
Ruined Pele Tower was home to the Armstrong family,
ancestors of astronaut Neil Armstrong - first man on the moon.
11. Clan Armstrong Museum
(OS 337584)
An impressive collection of memorabilia and archives
of the Armstrongs.
12. Lochmaben - Lochmaben
Castle (OS 309581)
The later of the two castles in Lochmaben - a
13/14th century stone castle which lies on a promontory at the southern
end of Castle Loch. From the earliest days to the Union of the Crowns,
Lochmaben Castle was of vital strategic importance. For many years a Royal
Castle and from 1524 until 1588 keepership was vested in the Lords Maxwell.
A nature reserve now surrounds creeper-clad ruins of the 14th century Castle,
reputed birthplace of Robert The Bruce. Both James IV and Mary, Queen of
Scots visited here.
13. Kirkcudbright Town
(OS 268551)
13/14th century Castle, once a Royal Castle but
very little remains. The Castle first appears on record in 1288 and was
probably last used by James IV on journeys to Whithorn. Passed into Burgh
hands in 1509.
MacLellan's Castle was built in 1582, the residence
of Sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, Provost of Kirkcudbright, who married
Dame Grissel Maxwell, daughter of Lord Herries.
14. Moffat - Devil's Beef
Tub (OS 307613)
A huge spectacular hollow amongst the hills at
the hea of Annandale. Mentioned in Sir Walter Scott's 'Redgauntlet'. This
is where many Border Reivers hid their 'lifted' cattle after a raid.
15. Thornhill - Drumlanrig
Castle (OS 284600)
Built in 1679 for the 1st Duke of Queensberry.
Parts of the structure probably incorporate much of the old medieval Castle
with origins going back beyond 1429. Drumlanrig is rightly recognised as
one of the most important buildings in the grand manner of Scottish domestic
architecture.
16. Morton Castle (OS
289599)
A 14th century Castle situated by its own loch
in the Lowther Hills. Only the central core of the Castle survives. The
lordship of Morton comes on record in the 1170s. The lands passed to Thomas
Randolph whose successors handed the lands to James Douglas. The Castle
was briefly in the hands of the Lords Maxwell in the 1580s.
THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
17. Ettrickbridge - Aikwood
Tower (OS 342626)
Original Tower probably built around 1540 and
extensively renovated in 1602. Recently restored and with a garden inspired
by medieval design and stocked with ancient plants. A Scott tower.
18. Gordon - Greenknowe Tower
(OS 363643)
16th century L-shaped roofless Tower dating to1581
but probably on an earlier foundation. Built by James Seton but afterwards
became a Pringle of Torwoodlee possession. Clockwise staircase gave retreating
defenders advantage of an unhindered sword arm while attackers would be
hindered.
19. Hawick - Drumlanrig's
Tower (OS 350614)
Associated with Douglas and Scott families, dates
from early 1500s. Recently restored as an exhibition/museum of life in
Hawick, tells history of town and surrounding area.
20. Hermitage - Hermitage
Castle (OS 349596)
Eerie14th century Castle on Hermitage Water at
the heart of the bloodiest events in the history of the Borders.Possession
passed back and forward between Scots and English. The families of De Soules,
Bruce, Douglas, Nevill, Dacre, Hepburn, Stewart and Scott have all held
Hermitage at various times. Many associations with Reiver families, especially
those of Liddesdale and Teviotdale. The first Castle on the site existed
in 1296 and from there on it has been added to or rebuilt many times. Violent
history recalls stories of death by boiling, drowning and starvation. Mary,
Queen of Scots rode here in 1566 to visit her lover James Hepburn, Earl
of Bothwell.
21. Hume - Hume Castle
(OS 370641)
A curtain wall built in the early 1800s encloses
the site of a Castle which dates back to the 1200s. It has been held by
the Home family since that time. Many of the Homes were Wardens of the
East March.
22. Innerleithen - Traquair
House (OS 332635)
Site of a royal palace until the Wars to Retain
Independence, thereafter Douglas and then Stuart. The present family have
been in possession for five hundred years. Dating from 10th century and
Scotland's oldest inhabited House; 27 Scottish and English monarchs have
stayed there. Originally a royal hunting lodge, it was owned by the Scottish
Crown until 1478 when it passed to a branch of the Royal Stuart family
whose descendants still live in the house today. From a single Tower block
the building grew, reflecting the growth and importance of the Stuarts
of Traquair, and no exterior alterations were made after the end of the
17th century. At the end of the tree lined avenue leading to the house
are the famous Bear Gates, closed since 1745 pending Stuart return to throne.
Tapestries, silver, relics of Mary, Queen of Scots, it is particularly
rich in associations with Christie's Will Armstrong, the Catholic Church
in Scotland and the Jacobite Risings.
23. Jedburgh - Queen Mary's
House (OS 365620)
Where the Queen stayed in Jedburgh, now an information
centre. A late sixteenth century house which tells the story of Mary, Queen
of Scots. Parts are devoted to the Border Reiving families. Set in gardens
preserving ancient fruit trees.
24. Kelso - Smailholm Tower
(OS 363634)
Built around the early 1500s, a fine example of
the Towers of the period. Held by the Pringles of Smailholm and Galashiels
until 1635 and thereafter the Scotts. Spectacular five storey 16th century
Watchtower with 7ft thick walls sits on isolated crag. Surprisingly, it
now houses museum of dolls, depicting characters from Sir Walter Scott's
'Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders', and tapestries rather than more warlike
reminders of the past. Well restored and tells the story of the Border
Ballads.
25. Melrose - Abbotsford House
(OS 350634)
Sir Walter Scott's home. Set above the Tweed,
originally a farmhouse. Scott largely rebuilt it in 1822. Inside are the
9 000 book library, including many of his works,
an armour collection, his collection of Border weapons, historical relics
and paintings.
26. Neidpath - Neidpath Castle
(OS 323640)
Original Castle built around 1370, this is a rare
example of a building in the Borders surviving six centuries. In possession
of the Frasers, then the Hays until 1686 and the Douglases. Turreted 14th
century stronghold on rock high above Tweed Valley. Converted into home
in 17th century.
27. Newcastleton - Liddlesdale
Trust Museum (OS 348587)
Portrays the history of Liddlesdale and its people.
28. St Boswells - Dryburgh
Abbey (OS 358631)
12th century Abbey ruin, sacked by English invaders
in 14th and 16th centuries. Remains include delicate rose window in west
wall. Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshal Earl Haig are buried here.
ENGLAND
CUMBRIA
29. Abbeytown - Holm Cultram
Abbey (OS 317550)
Founded in 1150. Tomb of Robert The Bruce's father
(in porch).
30. Bewcastle - Bew Castle
(OS 356574)
Outpost Garrison for the Lord Wardens of the English
West March.
31. Church & Exhibition
(OS 356574)
Small local history display.Shaft of 1300 year
old Anglian style cross with runic inscriptions and carvings of figures
in churchyard.
32. Brampton - Lanercost Priory
(OS 355563)
Founded 1166 by the Augustinians, damaged by Scottish
raiders in 13th and 14th centuries and abandoned 1536 during Dissolution
of the Monasteries.
33. Naworth Castle (OS
355562)
An historic Border fortress built by the Dacre
family in 1355. Originally a stronghold for the Wardens of the West March
and subsequently an impressive residence for the powerful Earls of Carlisle.
Now owned by Philip Howard. Much pre-Raphaelite restoration by Philip Webb
and Burne-Jones following the 1844 fire. Dungeons and 17th century walled
garden. Viewing inside by appointment only but easily seen from road.
34. Brigsteer - Sizergh Castle
(OS 349488)
The impressive 14th century Pele Tower was extended
in Tudor times, with some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels
in the country. Many portraits and relics of Strickland family, who have
lived there for more than 750 years. Panelling, original fireplaces and
windows in Tower Museum. Queen's Room named after Catherine Parr, sixth
wife of Henry VIII. Rock, rose and Dutch gardens in grounds.
35. Carlisle - Carlisle Castle
(OS 339556)
An impressive medieval Castle with a long and
tortuous history of warfare and family feuds. King William Rufus's 1092
sandstone keep changed hands many times during the the years of the Border
Wars. Mary, Queen of Scots incacerated here following her abdication of
the Scottish throne. A portcullis hangs menacingly over the gatehouse passage,
there is a maze of passages and chambers, endless staircases to lofty towers
and you can walk the high ramparts for stunning views. There is also a
medieval manor house in miniature: a suite of medieval rooms furnished
as they might have been when used by the Castle's former constable.
36. Carlisle Cathedral
(OS 339556)
Fine sandstone Cathedral, founded in 1122, has
kept quiet watch over city for over 850 years. Glorious 14th century stained
glass east window and Brougham Triptych altarpiece as well as carvings
and painted wall panels. Sir Walter Scott married here in 1797.
37. Tullie House Museum
(OS 339556)
Tells story of Carlisle & the Border. Drama,
turmoil and tragedies of the Border Reivers are retold in sound and light
show using words of ballad singers and vengeful Borderers themselves.
38. Dalston Rose Castle
(OS 337546)
Residence of the Bishop of Carlisle. Adjacent
to the Cumbrian Way from which its separate Pele Tower can be seen. Viewing
by appointment only but easily seen from the road.
39. Great Salkeld - St Cuthbert's
Church (OS 355536)
Part-Norman Church, ivy-clad Tower of which was
built in 1380 as refuge for villagers against Border raiders.
40. Hutton-in-the-Forest Country
House & Pele Tower (OS 346535 )
Home of Lord Inglewood's family since 1605. Built
around a medieval Pele Tower with 17th, 18th and 19th century additions.
41. Kirkoswald - St Oswald's
Church (OS 355541)
15th century Church.
42. Kirkoswald College
(OS 355541)
Seat of Featherstone family since 1613, was converted
from 1450 Pele Tower.
43. Kirkoswald Castle
(OS 355540)
Ruin with 13th century moat.
44. Levens - Levens Hall
(OS 349484 )
Grey stone Hall built 1250 around Pele Tower,
but mainly Elizabethan, with superb plasterwork and carved woodwork. Cones,
corkscrews, pyramids and other curious shapes of fantastic 17th century
topiary gardens maintained in original forms.
45. Muncaster - Muncaster
Castle (OS 310496)
Home of Pennington family since 1208, it has grown
from the original Pele Tower built on Roman foundations to the impressive
structure visible today. Outstanding features are the Great Hall and Salvin,s
octagonal library and the Drawing with its barrel ceiling. Sanctuary for
Henry IV during Wars of Roses, who made a gift of a glass bowl known as
'Luck of Munster'; replica on display.
46. Penrith - Penrith Castle
(OS 351529)
Ruined 14th century Castle, set in a park on the
edge of the town, was built to defend Penrith against repeated attacks
by Scottish raiders.
47. Penrith Beacon (OS
352531)
Beacon Hill Tower, where warning fires were lit
during Border Wars.
48. Brougham Castle
(OS 353528)
Impressive ruins on banks of River Eamont include
early 13th century keep and later buildings. You can climb to the top of
the keep and survey the domain of its eccentric one time owner Lady Anne
Clifford, who restored the Castle in the 17th century. .
NORTHUMBERLAND
49. Alnwick - Alnwick
Castle (OS 419613 )
Home of the Duke of Northumberland and the second
largest inhabited Castle in England after Windsor, has been in the possession
of the percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. Formidable
11th century Castle, acquired Italian Renaissance-style interior when refurbished
by Percy family in 19th century in preference to the Gothic decoration
carried out by Robert Adam in the 8th century. Attractions include the
dungeon, the gun terrace and the gardens, which offer peaceful walks and
superb views over the surrounding countryside.
50. Bellingham - Black Middens
Bastle House (OS 377590 )
A fortified farmhouse built of stone in 16th century.
Livestock accommodation on ground floor, family quarters above.
51. Woodhouses - Bastle
House (OS 376589)
Restored site with interpretation. Part of the
4 mile 'Reivers Trail'.
52. Belsay - Belsay Castle
(Ruin) (OS 409578 )
Home of Middleton family for 600 years.14th century
Castle, 17th century Manor House ruin and neo-classical Country House in
30 acres of landscaped gardens plus winter garden.
53. Berwick-upon-Tweed
- Walls & Ramparts (OS 399653)
Built by Queen Elizabeth I to protect Berwick
from further Scottish raids after the town had been reclaimed by the English
(for the 7th time) in 1482. A two mile walk leads round the top of
Elizabethan Walls encircling town. A remarkably complete system of town
fortifications consisting of gateways, ramparts and projecting bastions
built in the 16th century.
54. Chathill - Preston Tower
(OS 418627)
14th century Pele Tower with tunnel vaulted rooms
containing a fascinating collection of Border ballads, maps and stories.
55. Chillingham - Chillingham
Castle (OS 407624 )
14th century fortress with alarming dungeons which
has been the continuous home of the Earls Grey and their relations. Often
besieged during the Border Wars.
56. Chillingham - Wild
White Cattle Park (OS 407624 )
This pure bred herd has been enclosed in the same
estate for over 700 years. They are the only survivors of the wild cattle
which roamed the forests of Britain since earliest times. The untamed herd
proved impossible for the raiding Scots to capture!
57. Corbridge - Aydon Castle
(OS 399566 )
One of England's finest fortified Manor Houses
built at end of 13th century. Its survival, intact, can be attributed to
its conversion to a farmhouse in the 17th century.
58. Elsdon - Church &
Cemetery (OS 393593)
Dating from the 14th century this is where the
dead of the Battle of Otterburn were buried. The stone entrance pillars
have grooves made by 'the wild men of Redesdale' as they sharpened their
knives and swords. Three horse skulls found in belfry in 1877, said to
protect it from lightning. Graveyard of more than 100 Borderers killed
at the Battle of Chevy Chase 1388.
59. Etal - Etal Castle
(OS 393639)
14th century Castle remains with exhibition of
Border warfare and weaponry featuring scenes from the nearby Battle of
Flodden.
60. Hexham - Old Jail Border
History Museum (OS 393564)
Museum concentrating on the history of the Border
Reivers with reconstructions, artefacts and interpretation. Adjacent to
the Hexham Tourist Information Centre.
61. Hexham - Moothall Border
Library (OS 393564)
A formerly private collection of books and documents
relating to border history and especially to its music and ballads. The
Moot Hall itself dates back to the 14th century and was the building from
where the Archbishop of York controlled Hexhamshire.
62. Norham - Norham Castle
(OS 390647 )
Towering over a loop of the River Tweed, the Castle
was the northernmost outpost of the powerful Bishop of Durham who had been
given control of this part of Northumberland.
63. Warkworth - Warkworth
Castle (OS 424606 )
The great towering cruciform keep of this 15th
century Castle dominates the town and the River Coquet. Birthplace of Henry
Percy (Hotspur), friend and then foe of Henry IV. |