Bothwell Castle

Bothwell, United Kingdom

Bothwell Castle is a large medieval castle, sited on a high, steep bank, above a bend in the River Clyde. Construction of the castle was begun in the 13th century by the ancestors of Clan Murray, to guard a strategic crossing point of the Clyde. Bothwell played a key role in Scotland's Wars of Independence, changing hands several times.

The huge cylindrical donjon was built in the 13th century, but before the rest of the castle was completed it was severely damaged in a series of sieges. Rebuilding in the early 15th century enlarged the castle, but it was abandoned by the 18th century. The present ruin is rectangular, with the remains of the donjon to the west, and the later Great Hall to the east. The courtyard is enclosed by long curtain walls, with round towers at the south-east and south-west corners.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Castle Avenue, Bothwell, United Kingdom

See all sites in Bothwell

Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

www.historicenvironment.scot
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Hamilton Mausoleum (4,9 km)

Gallery of Modern Art (11,3 km)
Glasgow Cathedral (10,5 km)
Paisley Abbey (20,7 km)
Stirling Castle (36,1 km)
St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art (10,6 km)
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (13,9 km)
Argyll's Lodging (36 km)
Riverside Museum (14,6 km)
Provand's Lordship (10,6 km)

User Reviews

Chris De Rosa (14 months ago)
Bothwell Castle is in a beautiful location and the grounds are very much enjoyed on a sunny day. Unfortunately, at the moment, the actual castle is closed until further notice due to unsafe masonry and is surrounded by ugly fencing to keep people out. Very sad and disappointing ?

Nicola (14 months ago)
Lovely walk around the castle grounds , also different paths can be taken along water etc .

Rob Croydon (15 months ago)
We walked from Livingstone’s birthplace in Blantyre up towards Blantyre Priory ruins and we had great views of Bothwell Castle from the opposite bank of the River Clyde. Great views of the castle but walking boots needed as the paths were quite steep in places and muddy.

Michał Niezgoda (15 months ago)
Wonderful building. We only walked around the outside area but it still made a big impression on us.

darren m (2 years ago)
Stunning castle sitting next to the river clyde. Quite alot remains considering it was besieged 6 times. Well worth the visit and some nice walks along the river as well.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.