Neidpath Castle

Scotland > South of Scotland > Peeblesshire > Neidpath Castle

Neidpath Castle sits on a bluff overlooking the Tweed River about one mile south of Peebles on the A72.

Neidpath Castle originally belonged to the Hays. Built for Sir William de Haya, Sheriff of Peebles. In 1686 the new owners added gardens and trees to the estate. Neidpath was known as Jedderfield until the 16th century.

The Hays were royalists, and Neidpath Castle has the honor of withstanding Cromwell's attacks longer than any other castle south of the River Forth. D amaged by cannon fire, the castle surrendered. It was partially repaired and sold to the Duke of Queensberry in 1686. By the time the earl died in 1810 the castle was very neglected. Only the tower main block and rebuilt south range remained roofed by 1810.

Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth visited the castle in 1803. More recently, it has been used in the filming of such motion pictures as; The Bruce, Merlin and Joan of Arc.

Basically a 14th century tower house adapted to 17th century usage and is presumed to be of Norman construction, like the tower of london.

The castle is reputedly haunted by a young woman who fell in love with a local laird, her father disapproved and sent her suitor away. She pined away and became very ill, until her father recalled her lover. Waiting on the ramparts of the tower for him to return she watched him ride past her. She had become so changed by her illness that he did not recognize her. Its said she died of a broken heart.