Consider Borthwick Castle, one of Scotland’s best-preserved medieval fortifications. It stands twelve miles southeast of Edinburgh. The castle’s story is rich with history and intrigue.
Borthwick Castle was built in 1430 for Sir William Borthwick. He later became the 1st Lord Borthwick. King James I granted him a licence to build a castle on the Mote of Locherwart. This was unusual because nobles typically didn’t need permission to fortify their castles. Sir William acquired land from William Hay. Hay was jealous of Borthwick’s new castle.
The castle is a tall tower house with walls up to 14 feet thick. It’s a U-shaped keep with a small gap between the towers. Originally, there was a defensive courtyard with round towers. The tower house remains exceptionally well-preserved.
Mary, Queen of Scots visited Borthwick Castle in 1563 and 1566. In 1567, she married James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell. They sought refuge at Borthwick. They were besieged there. Mary escaped by disguising herself as a male page.
However, Mary was soon arrested and imprisoned in Lochleven Castle. Bothwell fled to Norway and died insane in a Danish prison. His embalmed body is in a crypt in Faarvejle.
In 1650, Oliver Cromwell’s forces attacked Borthwick Castle. The castle surrendered after a few cannon shots. The damage from this attack is still visible.
After a period of abandonment, the castle was restored by 1914. During World War II, it served as a hiding place for national treasures. In 1973, the Borthwick family leased the castle. It was converted into an exclusive venue.
Borthwick Castle is a double tower. It measures 74 feet long, 68 feet wide, and 90 feet high. The walls are built of fine sandstone ashlar. They remain virtually complete. Unusually, the original narrow windows haven’t been enlarged.
Inside, the Great Hall is 40 feet long. The barrelled Gothic ceiling is painted with images. “De Temple of Honor” is visible in Gothic characters. The chimney is covered in designs.
Borthwick Castle is also the setting for ghost stories. One features Mary, Queen of Scots. Borthwick Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich past. It echoes tales of royalty, battles, and enduring strength.