Druchtag Motte, Wigtownshire, United Kingdom

Druchtag Motte is a classic example of a Norman motte, or castle mound. The history of motte is practically unknown. There are no indications of an encircling bailey as you might expect of a typical Norman fortification, but from the nature of the site, it seems reasonable to suggest a 12th-century date. It appears that the motte was never converted to a stone castle, as many Norman fortifications were.

Druchtag Motte may have been erected by an Anglo-Norman lord, but it could also have been built by a local Celtic lord who was imitating the style of the incoming Normans. Druchtag falls within the Barony of Mochrum of Druchtag which was held for many years by the McCulloch clan. It is one of over 60 similar mottes throughout Dumfries and Galloway and was one of the first historic sites in Scotland to be placed under government care.

The motte is extremely easy to find. It lies immediately north of Mochrum village on a minor road off the A747. There is a small layby next to the site, but the road is narrow and it is perhaps easier to park along the road in the village and walk up the road, a matter of no more than 100 yards.

Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Tristan Altenhoff (11 months ago)
Great piece of Scottish history!

Nadia Taylor (2 years ago)

Andrew “screwie2u” crewe (3 years ago)
What an incredible view

daftcatdarcy (4 years ago)
Historic Scotland have a great sense of humour. You need to leave the car in the village and walk there. There's a heavy duty rope nicely tied at the top to help you climb the 75% incline and then abseil back down. Good view at the top. I do think they could put in a chute at the other side to get back down.

christopher hartley (5 years ago)
Slip sliding away.... Steep an slippy when wet, fun!

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The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Druchtag Motte

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