More information : [NZ 2399 8649] Bothal Castle [GT] (1)
Built c.1150 AD. A promontory level towards N, but the other three sides are protected by steep slopes to the river & a ravine in the E. There is no sign of a mound & there may never have been one, but only an enclosure protected by stockaded ramparts of earth & a fortified gateway on the N protected by ditch & mound. There is no masonry now visible earlier than C13th. (2)
License for crenallation granted to Sir Robt de Ogle in 1343, heraldic arms carved in the battlements substantiate this date. (3-4)
Bothal Castle which is still known as such was extensively restored about 60 years ago. It is scheduled as an ancient monument and is the property of the Duke of Portland.(5a)
Bothal Castle is situated at the end of a natural spur with steep slopes on all sides except the north. The castle consists of the original gatehouse with modern buildings to the west and fragments of the old curtain wall to the south. It is an excellent repair and is used as a private residence and as offices of the agent of the Duke of Portland. Lack of literary evidence and the extensive renovations make it difficult to date this castle. The architectural features of the gatehouse indicate a probable 14th c date. There are no traces of any 12th c building or of the ditch and mound mentioned in T2. (5)
Condition unchanged. Published survey 1/2 500 correct. (6) Grade I, Bothal Castle A well-known mediaeval monument, partially enlarged and modernised as a dwelling. The most important feature is the early C14 gate-tower with a fine set of carved armorial shields: it was built in 1343 and is in good preservation. A good deal of the curtain wall remains, and traces of the buildings attached to it. See Cadwalade Bates Border Holds. Vol. I. (7)
Bothal Castle; Gatehouse, adjacent wing to west and remains of curtain wall, Grade I. Estate Office and attached outbuildings around stable yard incorporating some medieval watling, Grade II. (See list for details) (8)
Listed by Cathcart King. (9)
Historical information. (10) |