📌 Morebattle, Scottish Borders
★★
An unfortunate combination of inter-clan conflicts and cross-border raids put an end to the glory days of this bulky fortification east of Jedburgh. L-shaped Cessford Castle was erected in the mid 1400s by Andrew Ker, with a curtain wall and ditch protecting a substantial tower house and accommodation wing. With walls up to 13 feet thick, defence was obviously a key priority, with bitter feuds and sieges with both the neighbouring Scotts of Buccleuch and English armies coming in quick succession. With the exception of the curtain wall, the castle has survived quite well despite being abandoned in favour of more comfortable quarters in 1607. Access to the interior is blocked off by a fence, presumably to prevent death by falling masonry. And the Kers? They’ve done OK: their family tree descends to the current Duke of Roxburghe, whose family now reside in the luxurious surroundings of nearby Floors Castle.
🌍 Location
📌 By minor road 3 mi west of Morebattle
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 738238
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.507639,-2.416284
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Verge parking for a single small car on track passing east side of castle
📝 Key info
⌚ Exterior always viewable
🎫 Free
