Castle Hill Motte-and-Bailey, Lochmaben

Quick facts

Date

Probably twelfth century

Architect / designer

Medieval builders; individual names not recorded

Type

Large motte-and-bailey earthwork

Designation

Scheduled monument (SM2637)

OS grid reference

NY 08181 82192

Architecture and continuing use

The flattened-cone motte is roughly 110 metres across its base and six to eight metres high. An encircling ditch and substantial outer ditches define the bailey and approach. A break in the southern defences may mark the original entrance and bridge position.

Its story

The castle was probably established in the twelfth century within the Bruce lordship of Annandale. Excavation suggests use over about two centuries before the site was abandoned in favour of the later stone castle on Castle Loch. Scheduling began in 1968 and was enlarged in 2009 to cover the surviving archaeology properly.

Why it is included

It is a well-preserved and unusually large example of the timber-and-earth castles through which lordship, routes and settlement were reorganised in medieval south-west Scotland.

What to notice

• The broad flattened summit of the motte.
• Traces of the inner and outer defensive ditches.
• The position between Kirk Loch and Castle Loch.

Reading the surroundings

The monument lies within an active golf-course landscape. Do not cross play, climb banks, disturb turf or assume a right of access to the scheduled area; follow local signs and lawful routes.

Timeline

1. 12th century The Bruce lordship probably established the motte-and-bailey stronghold.
2. Around the 14th century Occupation ended as power shifted to the stronger stone castle on Castle Loch.
3. 13 May 1968 The earthworks were first protected as a scheduled monument.
4. 15 December 2009 The scheduled area was expanded to include the full archaeological remains.

What we know — and what remains uncertain

The timber buildings are known archaeologically rather than visible above ground, and HES presents the original entrance interpretation as a research view.

Sources & further reading

• Historic Environment Scotland: Castle Hill Motte-and-Bailey, Lochmaben, SM2637 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
• Historic Environment Scotland: Lochmaben Castle history and stories — Public historical account of the medieval castles and their role in the wars between England and Scotland.
• Lochmaben in Context: Castle Loch walks — Current local route information placing the castle landscapes around Castle Loch and distinguishing paths from protected remains.