Cessford Castle

Cessford Castle, once thought by the English to be the third strongest in the country, is a ruined L-plan tower house and courtyard dating to the 15th or early 16th century. It is in a field which is used for livestock, so care must be taken when visiting – particularly in lambing season.

The castle was built by the Kerr family, who often held the position of Warden of the Middle March through the 15th and 16th centuries, at the end of a ridge overlooking the Cessford Burn which dumps into the Rover Teviot via the Kale Water. It has good views across the area, and is strategically located rather than traditionally defensive, although it was undoubtedly a very strong place – the ditch surrounding the courtyard can no longer be seen. The castle was entered at first and ground floor level, and has vaulted ceilings at both these levels; there is high quality masonry inside suggesting that it was more than just a utilitarian military base. This having been said, the courtyard walls were reinforced with earth ramps suggesting modifications to resist artillery.

HES Canmore database entry