Hoddom Castle, Category A listed castle in Cummertrees, Scotland
Hoddom Castle is an L-shaped tower house on the banks of the River Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, featuring multiple floors and traditional Scottish architectural elements. The structure was expanded over time, with 19th-century additions now serving as office spaces for the current caravan park operations.
The castle was built in the 16th century for Sir John Maxwell and played a key role during Scotland's period of border conflicts. A particularly dramatic event was the ten-hour siege by Regent Moray in 1568, a moment of intense military action at the site.
The castle served as a crucial defensive position along the Scottish-English border and embodies the military role such structures played in this contested region. Visitors can still sense how strategically important this riverside location was for the families who controlled it.
The grounds are now part of a caravan park, which means access may be limited and visitors should check ahead before planning a visit. The riverside setting offers good opportunities for walks, though the weather at this Scottish location can be changeable.
Nearby stands the Repentance Tower, a 16th-century watchtower with a cryptic inscription above its entrance that intrigues visitors. This mysterious message has sparked curiosity about the tower's true purpose and origins.
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