Castle Holydean facts for kids

Holydean Castle (pronounced "holly-deen") was once a strong castle located near Melrose in a place called Bowden, in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It was about 1.25 miles southwest of Bowden village.

What Was Holydean Castle?

Holydean Castle was a type of castle called a Norman castle. This means it was built a very long time ago, during the time when the Normans (people from Normandy in France) had a big influence in Britain.

The castle was first built by King David I of Scotland. It was named after the Lords Holydean. These lords were originally important monks from Kelso Abbey. They were called "deans" and had a lot of power and land in one of Scotland's richest areas.

Over time, the castle and its lands became the property of the Kerr family. The Kerrs were a powerful family who later became known as the Earls of Roxburghe, and then even Dukes!

A Look Back in Time

Holydean Castle had a tough history. It was destroyed in 1276, which means it was likely attacked or pulled down. But it was rebuilt in 1530 by a woman named Dame Ker.

Sadly, the castle was destroyed again in 1760 by the 3rd Duke of Roxburghe. Because of all this destruction, very little of the original castle is left today.

What's Left Today?

Even though the castle is mostly gone, you can still find traces of it. A farm called Holydean Farm now stands where the old castle used to be.

One cool thing is that a stone block from the old castle was saved. It now forms the top part of the doorway at the farmhouse! Also, the castle's old well, which provided water, is still there and preserved. Because of this well, the castle sometimes had another name: Hobbie Ker's Well.