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Hermitage Castle stands by the side of Hermitage
Water at the head of Liddesdale Valley. Also known as 'the strength of Liddesdale', it was
originally built by the English but with its closeness to the Scottish-English border it
changed hands repeatedly in the 14th century.
Families
which held the Castle include Dacres, Douglas + Bothwell. One of the most famous names
linked with Hermitage is Mary Queen of Scots, who rode from Jedburgh to be with her lover
the Earl of Bothwell when he lay wounded after a 'borders brawl'. (15thOct.1566).
Hermitage has a forbidden sinister look and some would say,
feel to it. On the days I have visited, the dull grey weather only added to its grim
appearance. A very imposing site indeed.
Situation: approx.12 miles south of Hawick off the
B6399 in the Scottish Borders.
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