The Motte of Urr is the remains of a 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle located near the Haugh of Urr in Dumfries and Galloway.

Walter de Berkeley received Urr in 1165 from William I of Scotland. It was probably Walter who built the motte surrounded by a timber palisade, as the caput of the barony of Urr. In the late 12th century the motte was heightened, possibly after being slighted during the 1174 uprising in Galloway.

The castle and barony passed to the Balliol family in the 13th century. It passed to Ingram de Umfraville, as heir to Ingram de Balliol. Umfraville had adopted the arms of Balliol, as the acknowledged heir. Henry Percy was granted the castle and barony on the forfeiture of Umfraville in 1296 by Edward I of England. The castle appears to have been abandoned after Robert and Edward Bruce’s campaign of 1307-1308 in Galloway. The barony was subsequently split with half invested in the Scottish crown and the other granted to Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray.

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Founded: 12th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in United Kingdom

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en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Keith Heron (14 months ago)
It is only when you try to clamber up to the top of this earthwork that you realise quite how impressive it is, as there are ditches between the three different levels that can't be seen from outside. When the river used to branch down both sides of the Motte it would have made a formidable defensive site. Note that if you approach from the main road to the East you will have to cross a foot bridge a short distance to the south. Well worth a visit.
Jim Lawley (2 years ago)
Not much to see but if you have a 4x4 the ford's more fun. ?
Alex Hodgson (2 years ago)
Great place to drop by if you're in the area and are interested in history, wildflowers or great views of valleys. A substantial and impressive earthwork formerly supporting a motte and bailey castle, of which nothing remains. There's no formal parking and prob only place for 1 car to park either side of the VERY DEEP ford, but don't worry, no one else will be there. If you come from the main road side there's footbridge access over the river. If you come from Castle Douglas there's some narrow country lanes to negotiate but nothing too taxing. There's no history board, so brush up beforehand.
Joshua Baxter (2 years ago)
Built by badgers, for badgers. Sadly some badgers have died whilst performing recent construction work at the Motte site. All in all, Great Motte.
Margaret Cameron (5 years ago)
My son lives close by...used to play on this historic landmark away back in the 50's. Area where I grew up.
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