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Location
near Newton, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Description
Bothwell Castle is a large medieval castle in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, about 10 miles south-east of Glasgow. It is built on a steep bank above the River Clyde, between Uddingston and Bothwell Construction began in the 13the century by the ancestors of Clan Murray. It is now a large rectangular ruin, with a large circular Donjon (central tower) at the west end and the Great Hall to the east side of the rectangular central courtyard. The castle is surrounded by long curtain walls. It is now managed by Historic Scotland, and is open to the public
History
In 1296, the army of King Edward I of England invaded Scotland and captured Bothwell Castle. The English forces holding the castle was besieged by the Scots for over a year and eventually surrendered. Edward's army returned in 1301 and captured the castle again using siege engines. Bothwell Castle remained in English hands for several years. After Robert the Bruce's victory at Bannockburn in 1314, the castle provided shelter for several English nobles. The castle was surrendered to the Scots who destroyed it. In 1336 the English returned again, under Edward III who had the castle repaired, and again made it his headquarters in Scotland. The following year, Sir Andrew Murray, the rightful owner of the castle recaptured it once more. He partly demolished it and so it could not be reoccupied by the enemy. The castle remained derelict until the 1360s when it was rebuilt by the Douglas family. The Great Hall was added in the 15th century. The castle was finally abandoned in the 18th century.
Other Castles in the Area
Barr Castle, Ayrshire
Bedlay Castle, Lanarkshire
Cadzow Castle, Lanarkshire
Craigend Castle, East Dunbartonshire
Craignethan Castle, Lanarkshire
Dean Castle, Ayrshire
Douglas Castle, South Lanarkshire
Gilbertfield Castle, Lanarkshire
Loudoun Castle, Ayrshire
Mugdock Castle, Glasgow
Newmilns Tower, Ayrshire
Rowallan Old Castle, Ayrshire
Stanely Castle, Renfrewshire
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