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 (2 years 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 (2 years ago)
Lovely walk around the castle grounds , also different paths can be taken along water etc .

Rob Croydon (2 years 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 (2 years ago)
Wonderful building. We only walked around the outside area but it still made a big impression on us.

darren m (3 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.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright olive.titus

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Château de Niort

Château de Niort is a medieval castle in the French town of Niort. It consists of two square towers, linked by a 15th-century building and dominates the Sèvre Niortaise valley.

The two donjons are the only remaining part of the castle. The castle was started by Henry II Plantagenet in the 12th century and completed by Richard the Lionheart. It was defended by a rectangular curtain wall and was damaged during the Wars of Religion. In the 18th century, the castle served as a prison.

The present keeps were the central point of a massive fortress. The southern keep is 28m tall, reinforced with turrets. The northern tower is slightly shorter at 23m. Both are flanked with circular turrets at the corners as well as semicircular buttresses. Each of the towers has a spiral staircase serving the upper floors. The Romanesque architecture is of a high quality with the dressed stones closely jointed.