Hawthornden Castle, Medieval castle and writers retreat in Midlothian, Scotland
Hawthornden Castle is a castle in Midlothian positioned on a rocky outcrop above the River North Esk. The structure combines a 15th-century tower with an L-shaped house extension built in the 17th century.
The property originally belonged to the Abernethy family in the 13th century, then passed to the Douglases before Sir John Drummond acquired it in 1540. These transfers shaped its later connection to literary circles that would make the castle known.
The castle was home to poet William Drummond and attracted notable writers who visited during his time. It served as a place where intellectual exchange happened between local and traveling scholars.
The castle now serves as a private writers retreat, offering selected authors dedicated time and space for their creative work. Visitors should understand that access is limited and requires advance planning.
Beneath the castle lies a network of man-made caves, including a dovecot with over 300 compartments for pigeons. This underground system also contains spaces where the Scottish king Robert the Bruce reportedly took shelter.
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