Sulwath Connections
Celebrating and enhancing the Scottish Solway Coast and river valleys
Bruces Motte and Bailey
Reports:
- Forestry Report - March 2006 by Solway Heritage
- Annan Motte and Bailey Audit - May 2006 by Solway Heritage
Partner:
Link to Annan Museum
The Site
In the 1124 the region of Annandale was given by David I of Scotland to the de Brus family, forbears of the famous Robert the Bruce. They founded a motte and bailey castle on the banks of the River Annan at the western end of the town. In 1140 a visitor, St Malachi, requested that a thief be pardoned in his name, but on seeing the thief hanged the saint cursed the Annandale's. When Annan Castle was washed away by flooding in 1200 the family abandoned it for their castle at Lochmaben. Over 70 years later the curse was lifted by vigil, penance and a donation of land to the church. None of the buildings remain however the layout of the motte (on the mound) and the bailey (the large flat area) are very clear to see. Over the years the castle grounds have been used as a private garden and a public park.
The Project.
This Scheduled Ancient Monument was overtaken by nature and was so overgrown with trees and shrubs that the remains were under a very real threat from root damage and erosion.
5 years ago the Friends of Annandale and Eskdale Museums decided to link with Sulwath Connections to forward the renovation of this important site.
Most of the money raised for the project was spent on specialist foresters who removed and trimmed the woodland growth. The paths, faintly seen before our work, were resurfaced and interpretive panels and seating installed to encourage visitors to view the site. All work was done under the supervision of Historic Scotland and many tasks were undertaken by volunteers from the Friends and from the local community.
All elements of the project are now in place and the park is open to the pubic. The Friends of Annandale and Eskdale Museums hope it will be enjoyed by visitors and locals for many years to come.
