 Castles in South Lanarkshire
Castles in Wales Castles in England Castles in Scotland |
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Bothwell Castle | |
County |
South Lanarkshire | |
How to get there |
7 miles south-east of Glasgow, off B7071 | |
History
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The castle was one of the most
important Scottish strongholds. It is dominated by the great 13th century round
tower. This was part of an ambitious scheme that was never fully completed. The great tower was built in the 1270s. It is 80 feet high and has walls 15 feet thick. Curtain walls and a strong gatehouse were added later. Bothwell Castle played an important part in Scotland's bid for independence. In 1301 Edward I commissioned an immense siege tower to be taken overland in sections from Glasgow to attack the castle. The siege tower was taller than the castle walls and allowed Edward's forces to storm the fortress. The castle fell to the attackers in just a few days. However, the castle was in such a strategic position in the struggle for Scottish independence that it was attacked and changed hands on numerous occasions during the 13th and 14th centuries. Many repairs and alterations were carried out over the years. Today, apart from the 13th century great tower, the present buildings of the enclosure date from the 14th and 15th centuries. Although derelict, the towers still standing give an idea of the castle's strong presence and importance. |
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