Newark Castle Selkirk

Newark Castle near Selkirk is on the Bowhill Estate and is clearly visible from estate roads that are publicly accessible. Consisting of a 15th century great tower erected for the Earl of Douglas, it is derelict and locked up with no public access – and is an excellent example of the type. It is built at the top of a steep riverbank and has remnants of a courtyard adjacent, but is otherwise not particularly defensively sited.

The castle dates to 1423, and was perhaps damaged during the suppression of the Douglases mid century, when it was repossessed by the Crown. Repeatedly needing repairs, it was held by the Homes for the Crown, and then by the Scotts who remain owners today. It was attacked in the 16th and 17th centuries and redesigned, but was abandoned after Cromwells troops occupied it , and robbed of masonry and fittings in the 18th century, the Scotts moving to Dalkeith House instead.

Official website of the Bowhill Estate

HES Canmore database entry