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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. |
