Borthwick Castle – A Refuge for Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots famously sought refuge at Borthwick Castle
With a 600-year heritage, Borthwick is one of the finest and best-preserved Medieval keeps in Scotland. The castle sits on the ‘Mote of Lochwart’ at the centre of a small valley, well positioned to guard the road south to the Borders from Edinburgh.
On June 11th 1567, Mary Queen of Scots (then in her mid-twenties) and her third husband, Lord Bothwell, fled to Borthwick Castle from Holyrood in Edinburgh after the murder of Mary’s husband Lord Darnley; with Bothwell being the chief suspect.
That same day, numerous barons and a 1000-strong army surrounded Borthwick Castle. Bothwell had advance warning and so time to ride off with some attendants to Dunbar and, while Mary waited at the castle, the disloyal nobles rode to Edinburgh to build their support. Once she had heard word that the citizens of Edinburgh did not oppose them, she immediately fled on horseback disguised as a page, through a glen, later arriving at Black Castle, where she was met by Bothwell.
Tragically, despite her initial escape, two weeks later she would be taken into custody and largely remain a prisoner for the next 19 years before her eventual execution at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587.
What does Borthwick Castle offer today?
Built in 1430 by nobleman Sir William de Borthwick to an impressive scale and with spectacular interiors that retain much of its original aesthetic, the castle brims with character. Cocooned by woodland, it sits on a rural estate and boasts a breath-taking landscape across the Scottish Borders. Many activities can be enjoyed within the castle grounds and the local area features historic and cultural landmarks, plus close access to major golf courses.
Within, the impressive 40-foot long Great Hall, designed for large feasts and parties, is at the castle’s heart and guests can also enjoy use of the exquisitely comfortable State Room, Music Gallery and a top floor Garrison. The dark wood, luxurious fabrics and rich colour of the unique ten castle bedrooms inspire romance whilst spiral staircases, secret doors and vaulted ceilings create a tangible sense of history. Additional accommodation is available in the Gatehouse and adjacent cottage.
The most notable of the bedrooms was used by the aforementioned Scottish Queen during her several visits to Borthwick Castle. Drenched in golden opulence and with a royal canopy hand-carved oak king bed, it has a shower room and features a private door into the State Room and Mary’s chapel. The antechamber is where she would sit with her ladies, talk, read religious texts, or attend to her needlework. An example of tapestry worked by Mary Queen of Scots is currently on display in Edinburgh Castle, along with her original 'Marian Hanging' tapestry which she made during her 19 years of imprisonment – how fascinating!
Borthwick Castle was also besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 – but that’s another story… Borthwick Castle sleeps 28 guests and is ideal for exclusive-use group stays, such as family gatherings, holidays, weddings, and events, with a convenient location just 12 miles from Edinburgh city and airport.