Bonkyll Castle, Medieval fortress in Scottish Borders, United Kingdom
Bonkyll Castle is a fortified site in the Scottish Borders with remaining sections of curtain wall measuring roughly 20 meters long and 4 meters wide. The ruins stand on a raised knoll, showing the basic structure of this medieval stronghold.
This fortress was built in the 11th century and initially belonged to the de Bonkyll family before passing to the Stewarts through marriage in the 13th century. Such ownership changes reflected the shifting alliances among Scottish noble families of that era.
The name comes from Bon Cill, meaning chapel at the foot of the ridge, which reflects how religious sites shaped fortress names in this region. This naming reveals the connection between spiritual landmarks and the scattered fortifications of medieval Scotland.
The ruins sit roughly 6 kilometers north of Duns and hold protected status as a scheduled monument. Access to the site is possible, but visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for open ground conditions.
The site features an artificially reinforced earth bank with surrounding moat on three sides. This construction reveals how medieval builders used engineering to boost natural defenses and make the stronghold harder to attack.
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