Description:

Known as the “Guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain,” Hermitage Castle is one of the most formidable fortresses guarding the Scottish Middle March. This imposing structure features a 13th-century courtyard and a massive four-story 14th-century keep, later expanded into an even larger castle. Originally owned by the D’Acres, the land passed to the deSoulis family, one member of which gained a dark reputation for alleged witchcraft. During his time there, many children vanished, leading to a violent rebellion in which the townsfolk supposedly executed him in a gruesome fashion—though no proof exists. The deSoulis family lost the property in 1320, after which it went to the Grahams and later the Douglases. Another grim tale tells of Sir William Douglas, who coveted the position of Sheriff. To eliminate his rival, Sir Alexander Ramsay, Douglas imprisoned him in the dungeon, where Ramsay survived for 17 days on stray grains from the granary above before starving to death.

Hermitage Castle also played a role in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.