CESSFORD CASTLE | From REIVER Power to an ABANDONED Stronghold on the Scottish Borderlands
[Music] [Music] Hey everyone and welcome back to the channel. We’re still in Scotland and loving visiting some of the lesserk known castles that dominate the landscape. Living under the threat of attack from invading armies and regular raids from your neighbors must have been stressful. But back in the 15th and 16th centuries, life along the Anglo Scottish border was anything but peaceful. So those with money built strong defensive homes just like this one at Cesford Castle. So join us whilst we explore. Cesford Castle was built in the 1450s by Sir Andrew Kerr. The Kurs were a powerful family of notorious border reavers, many of who would serve as wardens of the Middle March, the term that is used for the Anglo Scottish border during the late medieval and early modern eras that are characterized by violence and crossborder raids. Cesford was their main stronghold in a network of fortified houses. And back then reeving was a normal way of life in the borders. So the Kurs would steal livestock and goods from others on both sides of the border using blackmail and violence when necessary. The castle was once surrounded by a curtain wall with a second wall and a ditch and it is possible that the castle incorporates parts of an earlier structure. Cesford Castle itself is quite striking and such an interesting ruin that sits on an isolated hill six miles away from the town of Kelso in the Scottish borders. Back in its heyday, the castle would have been a large lplan castle that rose to three stories high in the main block and four stories in the wing. Within the keep were two vated levels which is evidenced by the joist holes in the side walls and a lower vault would have provided two levels of storage while the upper vault held the great hall. Much of the accommodation within the castle was contained in the wing which comprised of six stories ranging from the pit prison at the bottom up through the guard room kitchen and three levels of family chambers. The main walls provide all of the important living quarters for the family and their loyal servants and a garrison of up to 60 soldiers. Although most of these troops would have been accommodated in the courtyard surrounded by a protective defensive wall rather than being inside the main keep itself. The interior of the keep is just another story. A few of the information boards outside the castle do warn against entering inside, but as long as you’re aware of your surroundings and feel safe enough to do so, enjoy some urban exploring like we did. Some freshl lookinging stones on what now serves as the floor of the castle show that the interior stonework cannot be relied on, not to fall on your head if you do attempt to venture inside. Just from the outset, you can see how thick the walls are. It was truly built to withstand heavy artillery that would have been on its way. The castle was often the target for the English forces. They would attack in 1519, torch the place in 1543, and would sack again in the following year of 1544. But most famously, it was besieged by the English in 1523. During the month of May of that year, the Earl of Surrey and Lord Deacre would attack the castle in the absence of its owner. Sur’s forces were well equipped, including a significant artillery train of 11 cannons, which was considerable for the time. The English aimed to capture the castle to gain control of the surrounding territory and weaken Scottish resistance. The siege was a serious undertaking. Surrey himself acknowledged the strength of Cesford, stating that it was one of the strongest castles in Scotland, second only to Dunbar and Fast Castle. The English initially struggled to make an impact on the castle’s defenses. The thick walls of Cesford proved resistant to the cannon fire. The English then attempted to scale the outer walls, but the defenders repelled these assaults. A key moment in the battle came when the English focused their artillery on a specific section of the castle wall, targeting a blocked up window. Breaching this section, they attempted to introduce gunpowder into the castle in order to cause a large explosion. However, the Scottish defenders were already aware of this tactic. They countered by setting fire to the gunpowder before it could accumulate to a dangerous level, thwarting the English plan and causing burns to some of the attackers. Despite the strength of the castle and the initial success of that defense, the situation eventually turned against the Scots. Sir Andrew Kerr returned to find the castle under siege. After assessing the situation and perhaps realizing the futility of prolonged resistance against a superior force, K negotiated a surrender. The terms of the surrender allowed the defenders to leave the castle with their arms and possessions. The English victory at Cesford, though hard one, was strategically important. It allowed them to gain greater control over the surrounding areas, at least temporarily. However, the castle strength was such that that the English commander ordered it to be slighted or partially destroyed to prevent it from being used against them again. The castle’s defenses were repeatedly tested, and it was eventually abandoned around 1650. [Music] The battle of Cesford Castle is a testament to the strength of its medieval fortifications and the brutal nature of border warfare. The castle’s thick walls designed to withstand prolonged sieges played a crucial role in its defense. The 1523 siege in particular demonstrates the challenges faced by attackers in overcoming such defenses even with the use of artillery. The fact that the English commander considered Cesford one of the strongest castles in Scotland highlights its strategic importance. Today the castle is mainly visited by those walking the longd distanceance trails of St. Cathbert’s Way and the Scottish National Trail. Or alternatively, you can drive right up to the entrance, leave your car safely, and explore the ruins at your own pace. Before we leave, take a mental image of Cesford Castle. In your mind, it’s so much more than just an old ruin. It’s a true echo of the border reavers of daring raids and fierce defenses. So that’s it for this week. We really hope that you’ve enjoyed exploring Cesford Castle. If you have, please be sure to hit that like button and why not click on that subscribe button. We’d like to say a big thank you to our channel supporters and patreons for all of their kind support. If you are interested in having your name at the end of our videos or being the first ones updated to see sneak photos of upcoming explores, then check out our join button. So, we’ll see you in the next one. Till next time. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music]
Cessford Castle, located near the village of Morebattle in the Scottish Borders, is a formidable ruin that once served as the stronghold of the powerful Ker family, later Dukes of Roxburghe.
Built in the early 15th century, likely around 1450 by Andrew Ker, the castle was designed as a defensive residence in response to the lawless conditions of the Anglo-Scottish borderlands. Its thick stone walls—up to 13 feet in places—massive L-shaped tower, and strategic hilltop position made it one of the most impregnable fortresses in the region.
Throughout its history, Cessford Castle was a key base during the Border Wars and saw numerous attacks and sieges, including damage inflicted by English forces in the 16th century.
Despite its strength, the castle was gradually abandoned in the 17th century as the Kers shifted their seat to more comfortable residences like Floors Castle.
—————————————————————————————————
Consider Supporting us on:
📌 Youtube Memberships: https://www.youtube.com/@PinnedonPlaces/join
📌 Discord: https://discord.gg/hVny55geEw
📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinnedonplaces
📌 Website: https://www.pinnedonplaces.com
📌 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pinnedonplaces
Music Credits:
—————————————————————————————————
📌 Epidemic Sound 📌
—————————————————————————————————
Hope you join us next time on our adventures. Please give our social media platforms and look and a follow. We hope to see you on our next adventure!
–
You can follow our journey and what we are getting up to on our Instagram above, give us a like and a follow.
–
#Cessford #Castle #History
37 Comments
👀👀👀 this looks cool pop
Fantastic walking tour of the castle ruin. I love the drone footage, it is always cool to see the places, that you visit from above.
Hi Alessa & Brett, hooray for the thick walls! They certainly did their job … at least for a while. They were fortunate that their lives were spared. You explained the various battles and sieges so well. It really brought history to life. I loved the drone footage and stirring music at the end. Another great video. Enjoy the sunshine and have a great week! ❤❤
Scotland has so many great castles 😊 loved the red brick on this one, sad it sat on the boarder at higher risk to attack from the English 😅. Great drone shots.
Substantial castle. Well filmed too and I liked the added sandstone – I'm sure they weren't adding to make it pretty though!
Loving Scotland…you always bring to life the history of so many places…great commentary and the drone footage is always outstanding 💫 great job Alessa and Brett…thank you for taking me to places I would never see and bringing the history to light so beautifully!
Those were thick walls brilliant as always much loved great work.
Awesome visit to this wonderful castle and great history sharing of this place💜💜
sorry I missed the Premiere. The weather has been too nice to miss. What a beautiful place, thank you muchly for sharing guys. 👏👏👏👏
What an incredible journey through history! The transformation of Cessford Castle from a powerful stronghold to its abandoned state is fascinating. The Scottish borderlands have such rich history. Thanks for sharing this amazing exploration!
Very cool, straight to my list. Doesn't really look so strong. Great place, thought and cool to see inside!
It’s incredible and very beautiful castle 🏰 again 👍. The scenery is gorgeous. Thank you 🙏🏻 again the beautiful journey. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪.
Great stuff Alessa and Brett. I love all the Border Reiver history. My work colleague is a Barnes – one of the clans involved in the cross border raids. You can tell it's in his genes, my pens somehow always end up on his desk….
Another one! ; ) love these vids.
Looks like a gorgeous area 👍
Awesome ❤
You can really see how this was made to withstand outside forces! The thick walls are impressive! I loved how it it looked inside. This castle certainly stood through many battles. I really like that tree at around the 5 minute mark! The drone views are really something to see! Beautifully done 😊
Wonderful castle 🏰
Beautiful share
Glad to see ❤
Delightful! I don't know which is better, the castle itself or this region that surrounds it! Another small masterpiece and an example of how to present a place!
My comemnt is gone.
Alessa and Brett, sorry for my absence due to Mother's Day.
Another remarkable ruin. As you mentioned, the walls are surely thick..
A little sad to see some vegetation still within the ruin.
How did you feel about this castle was attacked by England?
I notice that tree still living next to the castle…I wonder if this tree witness some history? 8:07
The drone flight definitely prove the defensive thick wall from the sky. Gorgeous!
Thank you both for your hard work
Really wonderful place to visit and enjoy 😊😊😊Happy day to you 😊
Wow guys you sure did make the most of your Scotland trip and visited some stunning sites bringing them alive with your amazing pinned on places touch! The 1500’s were a busy period for this site! Nice the ruins can be visited by long distant walking a on their journey! Brilliant ❤
Well done POP a brilliant explore inside Cassford Castle. As always filmed and edited brilliantly. A big like from me
A colourful history indeed .
An Amazing tour of this beautiful Ruin, so much History and info! just Fantastic! Best wishes Darren👌👍👍👍
excellent video very interesting robust castle!
Super cool ☺️👍👍
My dear Alessa and Brett! Always so nice discovering so incredibly beautiful Castles with you!
Always a pleasure to enjoy your narration and filming. Absolutely outstanding and brilliant!
Each Castle has its own, different history and it's so fascinating to know it ! A very immersive trip in the past. Hugs and lots of love! Like to you, as always, my friends. Renata
Ah my happy castle coupe- Brett and Alessa, you are both "outstanding in your field". Literally. Brett with your drone and Alessa knitting the story together roaming between the walls. Another happy subscriber here feeling so privileged to watch your videos. Have a wonderful week both of you. Grateful thanks for yet another pearl. 😎🇳🇱🙋♀🥝
Subbed!!!!!
Happy Birthday Brett🍻for next week😆
A well-researched and informative video that sheds light on this gem of Scottish history. I learned so much about the castle's strategic importance and its architectural features.
What a truly stunning place, wonderful to see, great video
Lovely castle – another one I didn't know about 😁😁👍👍😍😍
Thank you for the tour of Cessford Castle. The castle and surrounds look wonderful. I can imagine how it was when it was at its peak.
Wow! Thank you for taking us into the 16th Century and beyond my friends! What a beautiful landscape! Wishing you a happy day ahead ❤❤❤
Just catching up on videos. A fantastic castle explore, steeped in fascinating history. As always beautifully presented. Hope you have had a great day. Best wishes, Matt & Bec 😊❤