Gilnockie Tower, Category A listed tower house in Canonbie, Scotland
Gilnockie Tower is a four-story stone structure with a vaulted basement and gun ports facing south, west, and north. A spiral staircase in the southwest corner connects all levels, allowing visitors to see both the defensive features and the living quarters.
The tower was built around 1520 by Johnnie Armstrong and survived multiple attacks and rebuilding during the sixteenth-century border conflicts. This period of turmoil shaped it into a key witness to the region's violent past.
The tower now houses the Clan Armstrong Museum, displaying items that tell the story of the Armstrong family and their connection to the Scottish border region.
The tower can be explored via a spiral staircase that provides access to all four levels and a complete view of the structure. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to navigate the narrow winding stairs and to browse the museum exhibits.
A section of the museum is dedicated to Neil Armstrong, the astronaut, creating a surprising link between Scottish heritage and space exploration. Many visitors are caught off guard by this unexpected connection, unaware that the famous moon landing pilot had Scottish ancestry.
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