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Borthwick Castle


Built in 1430, Borthwick Castle remains largely unchanged, although it has undergone some restoration over the centuries. The main rectangular block features two full-height protruding towers, and the whole structure is surrounded by a wall strengthened with towers.

The castle occupies a raised position, and is built on the site of the motte of Lochorwart. Evidence of the motte can still be seen in the form of terracing to the east measuring around 4.0 metres wide by around 1.3 metres high.

In the 15th century Elizabeth Hay, daughter of Sir William Hay, of Locherworth and Yester, married Duncan MacDowall. In 1440 Duncan’s father, Dungall MacDowall, resigned his share of Yester, Duncanlaw and Morham to his son

In 1450 John de Borthwic acted as prolocutor in a claim by John Lindsay of Dunrod that his ancestors had held the “Lyndesayis landis” which were part of the lands of Morham. An investigation by Thomas de Cranstoune, Justiciar of the King, found in his favour and Edmund Hay of Tallo was ordered to surrender the tower and lands to Lindsay. Later Lindsay accused Edmund Hay and his brother, Sir David Hay of Yester, of trying to dispossess him of the lands.

In July 1458 David Hay, Lord of Lochorwort and Yester, was involved in a dispute with Dame Marioun of Dowglas, prioress of Haddington, regarding the boundaries of the lands of West Hervystoun and the lands of Nwn Hervystoun and also of Oxtoun.

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Alternative names for Borthwick Castle

Locharward; Locherret; Locherrt; Locherwart Castle; Locherworth; Lochorwart; Lochorwort; Lockarwart; Lohworuora; Moit de Lochorworth; Moit de Lochquhorat; Mote de Lochorwort; Mote Of Lochorwart

Where is Borthwick Castle?

Borthwick Castle is in the parish of Borthwick and the county of Midlothian.

Grid reference:NT 36990 59732

Lat / long:55.826577,-3.007513

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OS Map for Borthwick Castle

OS map 345
Lammermuir Hills (Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg & Gifford)
OS Explorer map 345


Directions to Borthwick Castle

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Weather at Borthwick Castle

5°C
max 6°C / min 4°C
3km/h SSW
1025mb
53%
7%
05:56 18:37

Clear sky
Weather observed at Gorebridge at 11:11
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References (books)

Calendar of writs preserved at Yester House
Charles C. Harvey
Edinburgh, 1916

References (websites)

Canmore
Wikipedia

Castles near Borthwick Castle

Crichton Castle

1.8km away

Catcune Castle (site of)

2.0km away

Newbyres Castle

3.1km away

Vogrie House (site of)

3.7km away

Shank House (site of)

3.9km away

Castleton (site of)

4.0km away

Southside Castle

4.1km away

Black Castle (site of)

4.2km away

Cakemuir Castle

4.2km away
more castles....

Ancient sites near Borthwick Castle

Wright's Houses standing stone

1.1km away

Middleton Hall (site of) souterrain

1.5km away

Crichton Mains souterrain

3.7km away

Longfaugh fort

4.0km away

Costerton souterrain

8.1km away

Costerton (site of) fort

8.3km away

Westfield cursus

11.4km away

Glencorse rock art

12.6km away

Castle Law souterrain

14.6km away
more ancient sites....

Pictish stones near Borthwick Castle

Abernethy No. 2 Class III symbol stone

17.6km away

Abernethy No. 4 Class III cross shaft

17.6km away

Princes Street Gardens Class I symbol stone

18.3km away

Court Cave Class I rock carving

37.3km away

Doo Cave Class I rock carving

37.3km away

Jonathan's Cave Class I rock carving

37.6km away

Sliding Cave Class I rock carving

37.6km away

Scoonie Class II cross slab

41.9km away

Largo Class II cross slab

44.0km away
more Pictish stones....
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Pictish sites near Borthwick Castle

Whitlaw silver chain

17.5km away

Haddington silver chain

20.0km away

Traprain Law silver chain

26.2km away

Borland silver chain

33.6km away

Todholes (possible) silver chain

35.9km away

Hoardweel silver chain

41.8km away

Norrie's Law hoard

47.7km away

Whitecleugh silver chain

68.2km away

Dunnicaer fort

135.1km away
more Pictish sites....
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Accommodation near Borthwick Castle

Borthwick Castle Hotel
hotelGorebridge
0.0km away
Midlothian Apartments
self-catering apartmentGorebridge
3.0km away
Kirkhill Mansion B&B
bed and breakfastArniston
4.7km away
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
hotel, restaurant, barBonnyrigg
6.0km away
Wester Cowden Farmhouse
bed and breakfastDalkeith
7.6km away
The County Hotel
hotel, restaurant, barDalkeith
8.5km away
Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 (Dalkeith)
hotel, restaurantDalkeith
8.8km away
Laird & Dog Inn
hotel, pubLasswade
9.3km away
Rosslyn Castle
self-cateringRoslin
10.0km away
Carberry Tower
hotel, bar, restaurantMusselburgh
10.0km away

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Cafés, restaurants & bars near Borthwick Castle

Dalhousie Castle Hotel
hotel, restaurant, barBonnyrigg
6.0km away
Dean Tavern
barNewtongrange
6.1km away
The County Hotel
hotel, restaurant, barDalkeith
8.5km away
Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 (Dalkeith)
hotel, restaurantDalkeith
8.8km away
Laird & Dog Inn
hotel, pubLasswade
9.3km away
Carberry Tower
hotel, bar, restaurantMusselburgh
10.0km away
Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 (Musselburgh)
hotel, restaurantEdinburgh
11.1km away
The Birdcage
restaurant, barMusselburgh
12.9km away
Premier Inn Edinburgh A1 (Newcraighall)
hotel, restaurantEdinburgh
13.2km away
Aaron Lodge
hotel, restaurantEdinburgh
13.8km away
more food.... / more drink....

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A pair of castles on the River Tweed
Dunbar harbour and castle
Dunbar harbour and castle
Published on the 14th of May 2010 at 1:54 pm. Updated on the 1st of March 2021 at 12:18 pm.

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Andy Sweet above Fast Castle

Stravaiging around Scotland is written, photographed and researched by Andy Sweet.
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