Bothwell Castle lanarkshire - Wee Guides to Scotland castles and mansions

Wee Guides to Scotland
Bothwell Castle

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

Bothwell Castle is one of the largest and most impressive early stone castles in Scotland. A once magnificent round keep stands within a walled courtyard, which rises to 60 feet and encloses the remains of other buildings. The round keep, protected by a ditch, was partly dismantled in the 14th century, but is of particularly fine workmanship. Due to its position, size and strength, Bothwell Castle was of major importance during the Wars of Independence. It was held by the English in 1298-9, but was besieged by Scots and eventually taken after 14 months. In 1301 Edward I recaptured the castle, and it became the headquarters of the English administration. It was surrendered to the Scots in 1314 after the Battle of Bannockburn, and the keep was partly demolished at this time. In 1336 the castle was taken and rebuilt by the English, and Edward III made Bothwell his headquarters, but it was demolished again after recapture by the Scots around 1337. The castle was rebuilt by the Earls of Douglas in the 1360s, but was partly dismantled for materials in the 17th century, and in 1935 placed in the care of the State. Exhibition.

Directions:	Off B7071 at Uddingston, 3 miles NW of Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
Ownership:	HS	01698 816894	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NS 688594 64
Open:	daily all year, except closed Thursday PM and Fridays October to March.
Key:	P S WC £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax: +44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email: goblinshead@sol.co.uk