Hermitage Castle

Location: Newcastleton, near Hawick, Roxburghshire TD9 0LU

Telephone: 01387 376222

Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place

 

For most of its 400-year existence, Hermitage Castle was the key to controlling the Scottish Middle March. The mighty stone castle rises up from impressive earthworks, the latter all that remain of the original castle, built by Lord de Soules in the 1240s. The present castle was begun by an English lord, Sir Hugh de Dacre, around 1360, and transformed out of all recognition by his successor, William, 1st Earl of Douglas, one of Scotland’s most powerful noblemen, who created the awesome stronghold we admire today. 

The castle was designed not so much for residence as defence, and the interior is just as dour as the outside. Even in the 16th century, Hermitage was adapted to counter the threat posed by gunpowdered artillery, with gunholes punched through its thick walls, and a massive gun defence built outside, to protect the castle’s western approach.

Offer for YAC Pass holders:
Free entry with a valid YAC Pass Card when accompanied by a paying adult