Bothwell Castle

A Scottish Fortress Through Time!

Greetings, castle enthusiasts and history aficionados! Let’s embark on a journey to the banks of the River Clyde in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, where Bothwell Castle stands as a testament to medieval grandeur, conflict, and resilience. 🏰✨

 

A Chronicle of Stone and Strife:

The Moray Legacy:

Bothwell Castle’s story begins in the 13th century when Walter of Moray’s aristocratic family acquired the land upon which the castle now proudly stands. Either Walter or his son William—known as ‘the Rich’—initiated the construction of this mighty fortress, showcasing their power and influence.

The Morays built a vast castle of enclosure covering 1.5 acres (0.75 hectares). Most striking is the donjon—the main residential tower—one of the greatest stone buildings of medieval Scotland. Imagine its imposing presence, standing over 30 meters tall and dominating the landscape.

Wars of Independence and Edward I’s Siege:

Bothwell Castle suffered several sieges during the Wars of Independence. The most significant was Edward I’s great siege of 1301. The ‘Hammer of the Scots’ brought a force of 6,800 soldiers to the castle, including a massive siege engine called ‘le berefrey’ (the belfry). This tall siege tower allowed attackers to fight their way onto the castle battlements, leading to the garrison’s surrender within a month.

The castle’s partial destruction during this siege didn’t deter its resilience.

The Black Douglases and Later Additions:

After the Wars of Independence, Bothwell passed to another powerful noble family—the Black Douglases. They left their mark by adding an impressive array of fine-quality architecture. The great hall and chapel they constructed still stand today, testaments to their show of power.

The Crown seized the castle after the Black Douglases’ downfall in 1455, and Bothwell’s subsequent history has been relatively uneventful.

Architectural Marvel and Natural History:

The donjon, despite partial destruction in 1337, remains hugely impressive. Its stone foundations and the remnants of the south curtain wall evoke a sense of medieval grandeur.

Interestingly, the exotic sand leek (also known as Spanish garlic) found near the castle is probably a relic of its medieval garden. Introduced from the Continent, it may have been grown for medicinal purposes or even as a vegetable.

Bothwell Castle Today:

Location: Castle Avenue, Uddingston, Lanarkshire, G71 8BL

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:30 - 17:00

☎ Contact: 01698 816894

Bothwell Castle—where echoes of battles, noble families, and architectural marvels intertwine. Have you explored its medieval secrets? Share your photos, musings, or favorite historical tidbits in the comments below! Let’s celebrate Scotland’s enduring spirit.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/bothwell-castle/

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