The Architectural History of Bothwell Castle

Abstract

The now ruined castle has a very complex architectural history and dates mainly, if not entirely, to the 13th and 14th century. There is very little surviving documentary evidence. Gilbert de Moravia, Bishop of Caithness from 1223 to 1245, who founded Kildrummy Castle, belonged to the same distinguished family that owned the Castle of Bothwell. Alike in their great size and in their architectural development, these two sister castles stand entirely apart from the native military structures of their time in Scotland. A summary historical and architectural survey is presented.