Bothwell Castle

On of the most awesome relics of Scotland in the Middle Ages is Bothwell Castle.

The present glory of Bothwell Castle is primarily attributed to Walter of Moray, head of a northern aristocratic clan who took over Bothwell near the second half of the 13th century. He or maybe his son William also known as ‘the Rich’ re-fashioned the spectacular castle in a decadent display of feudal and family pride.

Though the original plans for the castle were never completed because of the outbreak in 1296 of the Wars of Independence it is inconsequential since what is left is still very impressive, especially the great tower (donjon). The building has been described by Dr W. Douglas Simpson as “the grandest piece of secular architecture that the Middle Ages has bequeathed to us in Scotland’.

It is perhaps not surprising that Boswell Castle has figured prominently in the Wars of Independence of Scotland against England. Siege on the castle came one after the other. The most important one was during Edward I’s attempt in 1301.

The Black Douglasses, another prominent and powerful family, took over Boswell Castle after the wars. The castle was renovated in a manner not originally planned by prior owners. But it was impressive, with a vast array of artistic and latter medieval secular themed architecture.

In 1455, after the overthrowing of the Black Douglasses, Boswell Castle was taken over by the Crown, and changes made to it were quite uneventful.