Hermitage Castle

The Mysteries of Hermitage Castle: A Journey Through Time

 

Greetings, history enthusiasts! Today, let’s delve into the captivating tale of Hermitage Castle—a brooding fortress that has stood witness to centuries of turmoil, intrigue, and romance.

 

Hermitage Castle: A Brief Overview

Location: Newcastleton, Roxburghshire, Scotland 📞 Contact: 01387 376 222 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

 

Guarding the Bloodiest Valley

Hermitage Castle, perched in the heart of Liddesdale, exudes an eerie aura. Its crumbling walls echo tales of torture, treason, and clandestine affairs. For over 400 years, this castle held the key to controlling the Scottish Middle March—a region perpetually caught in the crossfire of Scottish and English conflicts. George Macdonald Fraser aptly called it “the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain” in his book, The Steel Bonnets.

 

Inhabitants Through the Ages

De Soules Residence (1240s): The earliest records mention the de Soules family as residents of Hermitage Castle. Their presence likely predates the current castle, perhaps situated near the chapel ruins to the west.

Sir Hugh de Dacre (1360): English lord Sir Hugh de Dacre initiated the construction of the present castle. Little did he know that this act would nearly plunge Scotland and England into war.

William, 1st Earl of Douglas (15th Century): William Douglas, one of Scotland’s most powerful nobles, transformed Hermitage Castle. He fortified it against threats, including the advent of gunpowder artillery. Gun holes punctured its thick walls, and a massive gun defence was erected outside to safeguard the western approach.

Mary Queen of Scots (1566): Hermitage Castle played a pivotal role in Mary’s life. When her trusted noble, James Hepburn (4th Earl of Bothwell), was wounded in a skirmish with reivers (cattle thieves), Mary rode 25 miles from Jedburgh to visit him. Legend suggests their secret lovers’ tryst occurred during this visit, although historical evidence remains elusive. Mary’s gruelling journey back to Jedburgh, where her horse stumbled and she fell into a bog, added to the castle’s mystique.

Significance in History and Politics

Border Bulwark: Hermitage Castle symbolized the perpetual struggle for control along the Scottish-English border. Families like the Elliots, Scotts, and Douglases forged their identities amid this cycle of conflict.

Mary’s Connection: Mary Queen of Scots left her mark on Hermitage. Whether or not her visit involved secret romance, the castle became part of her tumultuous narrative.

Abandonment and Preservation: By 1603, the castle lost its strategic importance when James VI of Scotland also became James I of England. Noble owners abandoned it, and decay set in. However, in the 1800s, the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry took up the mantle of preservation, inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s romantic writings.

Visit Hermitage Castle Today

Explore the haunting ruins, imagine the whispers of history, and marvel at the wildflowers along Hermitage Water. Ospreys nest nearby, soaring overhead in spring and early summer. Let this ancient fortress transport you back in time, where legends intertwine with reality.

 

Remember, history isn’t just about dates—it’s about the lives, passions, and secrets hidden within these ancient stones. Share your own Hermitage Castle stories below!

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

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

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