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Hermitage Castle

Hermitage Castle is one of the most remote castles in the Scottish Borders.

Hermitage Castle History

Hermitage is a very fine and sizeable castle of the 14th and 15th centuries, and stands by the side of the Hermitage Water. The low arched doorway leads to the courtyard, at one time the centre of a 14th century tower house.

This was greatly extended in the late 14th and 15th centuries to form the present elaborate plan, with four towers at the corners and the great oversailing arches between them on the west and east facades.

The Dacre family using English masons probably erected the oldest surviving part of the castle around 1350. The castle soon passed to the Douglases, who remained until 1492, creating what we see today.

In 1491 James IV ordered them to surrender the castle to the Hepburns of Bothwell, with the Douglases receiving Bothwell Castle in exchange. In 1540 the castle was taken over by the Crown, though the Hepburns still held it. Mary, Queen of Scots visited the Earl of Bothwell here on 15 October 1566.

The castle was acquired by the Scotts around 1600, but was then abandoned. The Duke of Buccleuch made some restorations in 1820 and it passed into care in 1930.

Hermitage Castle - Facts

The Hermitage Castle is in the care of Historic Scotland today and it is open for visitors from April to September. The Hermitage castle is in a remote location, the closest village is Newlands.

Hermitage Castle Map&Location

Hermitage Castle Address: TD9 0LU, United Kingdom. Get help with directions using the map provided bellow:


View Hermitage Castle in a larger map

Hermitage Castle Photos

Photos source: geograph.org.uk
Click on the images to enlarge
Hermitage Castle grounds
 
 
Hermitage Castle and chapel remains
The eastern gable of Hermitage Castle
Hermitage Castle inside courtyard
Photos source: geograph.org.uk
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