Besieged by Edward I in 1301 using a purpose-built siege tower ('le berefrey') hauled from Glasgow; then headquarters for the English-appointed Warden of Scotland, Aymer de Valence; its Scottish constable surrendered it to Bruce's forces in the aftermath of Bannockburn (1314), after which the Scots partly demolished the keep to deny it to any future English garrison.
Why this place matters
Besieged by Edward I in 1301 using a purpose-built siege tower ('le berefrey') hauled from Glasgow; then headquarters for the English-appointed Warden of Scotland, Aymer de Valence; its Scottish constable surrendered it to Bruce's forces in the aftermath of Bannockburn (1314), after which the Scots partly demolished the keep to deny it to any future English garrison.
The story on the ground
Bothwell was one of Scotland’s most fought-over medieval castles. Edward I besieged it in 1301 using a purpose-built siege tower brought from Glasgow. After Bannockburn, its Scottish constable surrendered it to Bruce’s forces, who partly demolished the keep to prevent its reuse by an English garrison.
What the evidence supports
Established fact, well documented. One of the largest and best-preserved 13th-century castles in Scotland.
Before you go
- Bothwell Castle car park off Uddingston Road/Castle Avenue, Uddingston
- None required for general admission
- Typically a seasonal-opening HES site — confirm current-year opening dates before import.
- Bothwell Castle car park, Uddingston, South Lanarkshire G71 8BL