Hermitage - The Most Evil Castle in Britain?
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The History of Hermitage Castle
Murders, torture, treason, warlocks and ghosts! This is not some fairy tale, but the history of one of the UK's most evil castles.
Hermitage Castle is over 400 years old and is situated in the Scottish Borderlands in Liddesdale. The history of the Borders is a bloody and traumtic one. Age old feuds and battles with the 'auld enemy' England regularly erupted.
The Scottish Borders were divided into three areas called 'marches'. Hermitage held a powerful and strategic position, controlling the 'Middle March'. Hermitage was also described by author George MacDonald Fraser as 'the guardhouse for the bloodiest valley in Britain' (from 'The Steel Bonnets. A History of the Border Reivers'). Even from it's beginnings in the 13th century this castle was destined to be a place of evil deeds. A constant theme of death and destruction continues throughout its dark history.
An original building was started in the 1240's by Lord de Soulis, but the structure we see today was the work of William, 1st Earl of Douglas, in the 14th century.
The Scottish Borderlands
The Warlock of Hermitage Castle
The evil reputation that Hermitage built up over the centuries is well founded. Not only was the castle involved in war but it was also the jail for numerous prisoners. Many of these unfortunates were brutally tortured before their deaths. The malevolent repute is intensified by the castle having it's own warlock - a practioner of the dark side of the occult.
William de Soulis
De Soulis was not only a warlock but was also lord of the surrounding countryside. In these far off days, his power in the area would have been absolute, answering only to the king.
De Soulis is reported to have been an extremely tall man and well built. He was also arrogant, power hungry and evil. He is reputed to have ruled with oppression and cruelty. Numerous acts of torture are alleged to have been carried out on prisoners and locals. But the biggest fear was that de Soulis was a Warlock. His dark powers were said be the source of his power.
He is alleged to have kidnapped local children and used them in blood rituals. The blood was used to invoke a demonic helper known as a powrie or dunter. This is a form of legendary, evil goblin that haunts the borderlands. They occur particularly in ruined castles and where deaths were numerous. De Soulis called his demonic aid 'Robin Redcap'. This evil goblin is said to have killed many travellers who wandered too close to the castle.
But eventually people were driven to act. One legend states that William de Soulis was boiled alive in a huge cauldron. This had been set up nearby in an ancient stone circle. The legend comes from a ballad written by an unknown author - probably in the 18th century:
“On a circle of stones they placed the pot,
On a circle of stones but barely nine;
They heated it red and fiery hot,
And the burnished brass did glimmer and shine.
They rolled him up in a sheet of lead—
A sheet of lead for a funeral pall;
They plunged him into the cauldron red,
And melted him body, lead, bones, and all .”
However, there is good evidence to suggest that William de Soulis actually died a prisoner in Dumbarton Castle.
Hermitage At Night
Murders Most Foul
Hermitage has witnessed much bloodshed over the years - including murder. Two of the most infamous involved young men, only a few years apart, both named Alexander.
Sir Alexander Armstrong - 1320
The murderer of this brave young knight was the Warlock of Hermitage - Sir William de Soulis. Sir Alexander saved de Soulis from attack from an angry mob and escorted the terrified lord back to Hermitage. However, de Soulis, enraged at needing help and jealous of Sir Alexander's popularity, he took revenge. He invited Sir Alexander to dine with him and when the young man's back was turned, de Soulis stabbed him with a dagger. This is the indcident that reputedly led to de Soulis being boiled alive in a cauldron. However, he was arrested and sent to Dumbarton Castle after plotting against the King - Robert the Bruce. De Soulis died in Dumbarton Castle, but so turbulent were the times that he was never charged with Sir Alexander's murder.
Sir Alexander Ramsay - 1338
The holder of Hermitage Castle in 1338 was one of the Douglas clan - Sir William Douglas, the Knight of Liddesdale. He was admired for his bravery in war. However, he was less than chivalrous off the battle field. To a one time friend and war time companion Sir William commited an act of atrocious cruelty. Sir Alexander Ramsay was another knight admired for his bravery and chivalry on and off the battle field. King David II - son of Robert the Bruce - was very pleased with Sir Alexander. The knight had captured back Roxburgh Castle from the English. In gratitude, King David made Sir Alexander, Sheriff of Teviotdale. William Douglas, seething with anger and jealousy, captured Sir Alexander and put him in the deepest dungeon in Hermitage. This dungeon was reported to have been nothing more than a horrible black pit. Here, one of the bravest knights Scotland had was slowly starved to death. So powerful were the Douglas clan that even the King was not in a position to punish Sir William. However, Sir William was later killed by his godson - another William - for treason. It was discovered that not only was Sir William a murderer but he was plotting with the English to overthrow King David II. Many believed that he had a last received just reward for the murder of Sir Alexander.
In the 1800's stone mason's restoring the castle, broke through a sealed up dungeon. In the tiny compartment they found a skeleton, hunched over a rusty sword. The remains are thought to be that of Sir Alexander Ramsay.
Ruined chapel with Hermitage in the background
The Ghosts & Demons of Hermitage Castle
Not surprisingly there are hundreds of accounts of ghostly and other paranormal manifestations at Hermitage Castle. Here are just a few:
- Children/adults crying and sobbing. These sounds have been reported numerous times over the years. It is alleged by some that the children heard are those used in the black rituals of William de Soulis. The adults could be any of the hundreds who were tortured and died over the centuries at Hermitage.
- Demonic laughter. This hideous and evil laughter is reported as often as the crying and sobbing. It is heard most often at night coming form the deserted castle. Whether the laughter is that of de Soulis (or perhaps Robin Redcap?), no one knows for sure. De Soulis's dark presence has also been felt in and around the castle.
- Robin Redcap - the demonic familiar summoned by William de Soulis. Is believed by many to haunt the ruins and surrounding land of Hermitage. There is a legend that every seven years de Soulis meets up with his demon goblin. The reunion has been described in a ballad:
“And still when seven years are o’er,
Is heard the jarring sound,
When hollow opens the charmed door
Of chamber underground .”
- The Drowning Pool. Just north west of the castle is a large mound next to the ruined chapel. Legend states the mound was the grave of a giant called Cout Kielder. He was believed to have worn magical armour. He met his end by drowning in the pool next to the mound. Stories relate how he was immune to many weapons but not against water. Witnesses have reported the frightening experience of being pushed towards the pool when no one was near them.
- Sir Alexander Ramsay. The gallant knight is the ancestor of the present day Earl of Dalhousie and we have already discussed his horrible death. His ghost is believed to haunt the castle. People have reported hearing his screams and pitiful cries for help. A very thin man, his face almost skeletal, has been seen by many witnesses. This sad apparition is thought to be the spirit of Sir Alexander.
- Mary Queen of Scots. In the 16th century Mary Stuart was Queen. Her third husband James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell owned Hermitage at this time. The Queen is said to have visited him at the castle after he sustained a severe injury. Queen Mary nursed the handsome nobleman back to health. Her apparition, wearing a long white dress, has been seen on a number of occasions.
Hermitage - More Tales To Tell
Because of it's long history there are many more stories about this formidable castle. No doubt there are still as many to be discovered. But does the castle qualify for the most evil in Britain? It will be interesting to find out if Hermitage is the blackest of the black. Or is there another from the mists of time with a more malevolent history?
Sources & Further Information
- http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
- Undiscovered Scotland: Home Page
Undiscovered Scotland: Home Page - borderreiver
- Mysterious Britain & Ireland | Mysteries, Legends & The Paranormal
Mysterious Britain and Ireland, a guide to the legends, folklore, myths, paranormal and mysterious places of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
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Voted up and interesting. This is one place not to go for a tour. This sounds like one evil place. Wonder if anybody has ever thought to rid it of its demons?
Wow Seeker. Just started a new book called 'The Royal Stuarts' which of course is about the Scottish kings and queen. Learning alot on the borderland history, a fascinating and bloody history as you write about here. Your borderlands resemble the foothills of N.C. some too, without the castles of course! This is a mighty awesome article Seeker and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All your paranormal ones are great but this has to be a fave. The history of the Hermitage castle is simply engrossing and the hub is superbly done by you as always my friend. Robin Redcap is most interesting too btw. PS- hows this for a coincidence; reading on David and Ramsey in the book this morning!
This is an awesome Hub! Keep on going! ;)
Jeepers, some of those poor poeple still screaming for help.
I grew up in south Enlgand and my Dad would take to me castles all around the south. At that time it all pretty boring for me. Vote up and interesting, Joyce
What an awesome Hub I really liked reading this one, great layout and what a fascinating history…
Very Interesting article. Makes me want to check it out. Voted up.
nice hub, I voted up. Is that book in the photo the Grimoire? I loved the photos of the castle. Have you actually been to the castle?
I really enjoyed this hub since I am a total history geek. I also noticed that the picture with the old book.. seems to be the Codex Gigas .. in itself worthy of mention. I will certainly be looking to visit Hermitage one day! Very interesting hub
Hi Daisy - many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub. It never ceases to shock me just how cruel humans can be to one another!!
Hi Gypsy, great to hear from you.
That's very interesting about a clearance of Hermitage - the place could be doing with it! To my knowledge no one has attempted any clearance to date. It is sad to think that many might well be trapped in it's atmosphere, what a horrible ordeal for them, not to have peace even in death!
I've been to Hermitage just once and I wouldn't go back, even my love of history wouldn't induce me! I really loathed the place when I was there - evil's not a word I use that often, but Hermitage is!
Wow! Alastar - how's that for coincidence, especially about Sir Alexander?? This guy is one of my favourites from history - I usually don't like writing about him since his end is so terrible, but he was an amazing man!
Hermitage has an awesome history. But as I was saying to Gypsy, I honestly hate the place. I've been there once and I wouldn't ever go back. I wasn't scared, it was just the whole atmosphere was thick and horrible. I actually felt sick and had to move away from the building a couple of times. When I left I was absolutely fine - like a cloud lifting. I had a couple of experiences as well that weren't pleasant,(I also said something out loud to whatever was there, but it's not printable) but I experienced nothing visual - thankfully! I wouldn't fancy seeing the ugly mug of Robin Redcap staring at me from a tower window! LOL!
The borders are so full of history and folklore - I know a lot of folks talk about the Highlands and Isles, and they are awesome! But I think sometimes the Borders can be forgotten and they are beautiful and fascinating. It's a fabulous place for a holiday.
The Stuarts are one of those clans that you never get tired of reading about. They are such a fascinating lot! They can be charasmatic, intelligent, brave and kind. But they can also be selfish, dumb, cruel and a bit arrogant - but that's what makes them so interesting!
I won't spoil your read, but James I and James II were my favourite Stewart kings.
Really glad that you enjoyed the hub and I'm still gub-smacked about your reading of Sir Alex and the Borders! Awesome!
Hi IndiePharm - many thanks for stopping by, glad that you enjoyed the hub!
Hi Joyce - lovely to hear from you!
I know what you mean about those poor people - it was a real mixture as well of local people, English and Scottish prisoners - they were all treated horribly! I was saying to Gypsy and Alastar, I've been there once and I wouldn't go back!
Many thanks again for the visit and the vote up - it's greatly appreciated.
Hi markbennis, many thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave such a nice comment!
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and found it interesting!
Hi bboopstermht, many thanks for the visit and the vote up - greatly appreciated!
I think if you visit or read more about Hermitage you won't be disappointed! The building and the history are awesome! I have visited once, but although the history was great, the atmosphere was horrible. One visit was enough! LOL!
Hi My MInds Eye53 - many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub.
As to the book - it's a puzzle to me, I couldn't quite read the caption on this particular photo but you could be right about it being the Grimoire. It's the kind of book that de Soulis is thought to have had - but I honestly can't verify this at all. Maybe through further research I could clarify it.
Yes! I have been to Hermitage! LOL! And I hated the place. It really was very oppresive. I love the history but I wouldn't want to visit again. The day I went it was a beautiful July day, lovel and warm, plenty of sun. But the weather did nothing for the horrible atmosphere!
Hello Ana, many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
Thank you! I think you have just found out for me what the book was - I couldn't make out the caption and I've had the photo for years. It's interesting that you mention about this book being worth a hub in itself. I don't know that much about it but I'm working on an article about Scotlands warlocks/wizards so I'm hoping to learn a great deal more.
Many thanks again for letting me know about the book!
Both awesome and creepy. What a fascinating history!
Love this gruesome story. Makes modern times seem so much better! Thanks
Very interesting hub.I love reading about European history and castles are my favorite places to visit. More please :)
Seeker7 what a great hub and the castle looks haunting.. a little history goes a long way when we talk evil LOL Loved it
Hi Silvers-Jain8
Many thanks for the visit and glad that you enjoyed the hub - I agree it is creepy!!!
Hi Gypsy Willow, many thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment - much appreciated. I know we moan about modern times, but you're right, we are much better living now than way back then!
Hi Gypsy48, lovely to hear from you and many thanks for stopping by. I love history as well and to be able to write about it is great fun for me! Hopefully I can keep the interest flowing!
@Seeker I just watched a documentary on the Grimoire. The photo you have looks like that is what it is. It is a huge book supposedly written over night with the help of the devil.
Hi Frank - as always it's always lovely to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
The castle is haunting. It looks bad enough in a photograph but the real thing is creepily awesome! I visited there on a beautiful July day some years ago and the weather did not improve the atmosphere of the place! LOL! I didn't like it at all.
Hey Seeker7, fascinating history of Hermitage Castle and thanks for introducing me to such an interesting place. It does indeed have a very dark history, so I'm not surprised that you found the vibration of the place to be so heavy.
I read this yesterday, but was called away before I could comment.
This place looks gloomy without knowing its gruesome history. I am not surprised it is haunted.
The research you put into this is aprreciated.
A well laid out hub as always. voting up
Fantastic read ! Nothing like a good spooky castle to get the creative juices flowing
Thank you for not only a informative hub but thanks for some good old fashioned inspiration
Hi My Minds Eye53 - hey, many thanks for that. As I was saying, to Ana I think, I've had the photo for a long time and it just looked like a book this evil man would have had! So because it is 'The Grimoire' I know it's definately something like this he would have had. I don't know a whole lot about it, but you've really intrigued me about this book and will find out more about it!
Many thanks again - that was really good of you to take the time to come back and let me know - much appreciated!
Hi CMHypno, glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for the visit. I think as you say, because of the dark history it wouldn't take much for people to get affected by the place. The 'vibrations' as you rightly call them, are horrible!
Hi Rosemay, as usual it's a real pleasure to hear from you! Your absolutely right, it is gloomy - even on a beautiful July day, the lovely weather doesn't lessen the dark feel of the place. Many thanks for the vote up -it's really appreciated!
Hi nighthag,
LOL!! Glad that the hub and Hermitage has given something good back to society! That would be great if the castle could inspire some of your writing!
Many thanks again for the visit and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
Well congratualtions on an amazing hub and I vote up plus bookmark.
Your hard work has certainly paid off here.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Eddy.
Hi Eddy - as always it's a pleasure to have you stop by. Glad that you enjoyed the hub. It's really odd, but although I really dislike Hermitage as a place I didn't find the hub all that much work compared to some of them. Maybe my dislike made me go faster than usual to get it out of the way??LOL!
Glad that you enjoyed it though and many thanks for the vote up!
I really liked this, History at it's best. I used to visit the Boarders a lot, and fell in love with it's ghosts. Steve
Hi Steve,
Many thanks for the visit and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
I hated Hermitage when I visited some time ago, but like you and do love the Borders and their ghosts!
Hello Seeker 7, what a fascinating read. I love to read and study ancient castles also, and had not heard of this one. They really did some crazy things back then, what strange and dark times. It gives an ironic feeling so often to me, because I really love castles, and think of them as wonderful and beautiful places so often. Their history is fascinating and never dull it seems. Thanks for sharing. Voted up, awesome and interesting. I enjoyed it.
Hi oceansunsets - as usual it's lovely to hear from you! Glad that you enjoyed the hub.
I agree about castles. They can be so beautiful and romantic looking so it does come as a bit of a shock when the history tells a story that is opposite to what we imagine. People did do some really nutty things back then and I'm glad I'm living in present times and not in the past!
Loved it, again! You always weave a captivating tale. Hermitage is a desolate, dark place from what I gather. Though I don't believe that de Soulis was a warlock, he was indeed a dark soul. Any soul that dark is bound to attract the like...other dark souls. Whether in human or spirit form, darkness resided/invaded that castle for many years. And only darkness can come from it...until light has shone inside of it. Thanks and voted up!
Hi Kitty - lovely to hear from you again!
I think with folks like de Soulis if they were nasty in nature then they just had to be in league with 'Auld Nick' - that was the state of the times and the superstitions that people firmly believed in. He was no doubt a nasty piece of work, but as to whether was really a 'warlock' well the hard evidence has yet to be discovered. But with the atrocities carried out there it definately harbours very dark energies - and I certainly experienced them when I visited - so yes I totally agree with you, this place has attracted more and more darkness over the centuries. Here's hoping the light will break through one day! Many thanks for the vote up - greatly appreciated!!
Love the Hub, thanks for the read!
I've always been interested in the paranormal, I experienced my first "ghost" when I was a 3 y/o and I will never forget it!
Look forward to following along,
-J.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting Seeker7. What a great article! This was absolutely interesting. I love the 400 years worth of history. With so much time involved with one place, I would say it is a hot spot for the paranormal. Such a beautiful place on the outside and dark inside. Great work!
Hi seattleamilehigh1 - I love your name!!! Many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
Wow! That was a young age to have your first ghost experience but young kids (as well as babies) are very psychic. I think it's only as we get older that we loose or more likely block out this ability. Have your written anything about your experince? I know it might be difficult to remember it all but it would be interesting.
Hi LW - as usual, it's great to hear from you!
I think we can safely say it is definately a paranormal hotspot and I don't think the events are all that nice either - but not surprising given the amount of poor souls who died so horribly in there. The Borders are beautiful and it's a super place for a holiday! When I was there a few years ago I went to Hermitage. I loved the history and the ghost stories, but I couldn't wait to get out of the place - it was heavy and horrible, and I actually felt sick. I wouldn't go back! It definately has something evil within it's walls!!
Very interesting hub!
Hi, I love Castles, I try and get to as many as possible, and this one certainly sounds like the type that I would love to visit, what a history! I quite believe that ghosts or some sort of paranormal activity does stay there, so much history happens and even more tragedy! rated up and shared!
Absolutely AWESOME! I'd love to see that place some day.
Fascinating. Sounds like a good spot for GHI to investigate.
I'd love to be able to travel the world and see the auld Scottish castles, and the Irish ones as well. Alas, armchair travel is all that fits the budget.
Voted up, interesting, awesome, beautiful and shared.
Seeker7, I love reading about ancient castles, their history, and the legends attached to them. This hub is the best I have read on this subject. It drew me in from the title to the very end. The pictures you chose really enhance the story. Thanks for adding to my interest in ancient castles, one of my favorite subjects to read and write about.
Voted UP, Awesome, Interesting -- where is the Spooky button?
Thanks for that fascinating history. I'm glad I am reading it first thing in the morning, rather than last thing at night.
Why do they called Hermitage as the most evil castle in Great Britain.
And I thought living in this day and age was scary! I am so glad I did not live in those evil times. The devil itself must have inhabited that place. What do you suppose makes people like de Soulis so horrible and cruel?! Are they born with demons in their souls? Glad I don't know anyone like him. I still have chills. Wonderful Hub as always. Voted Up and Awesome, and eager for more of your amazing and well-researched and written Hubs!
Thank you arusho - glad that you enjoyed it!
Hi Nell, glad that you enjoyed this doom and gloom hub!LOL! It's history is definately awesome and the countryside around it is stunning - I love anywhere in the Borders! I have been to Hermitage and in one sense, yes I did enjoy it, but in another I hated it. I wouldn't go back! The atmosphere is very thick and horrible. There is definately something not right with that place and aint good! Having said that, I'm sure the thousands who visit it every year just enjoy the castle without any ill effects!
Many thanks for the vote up and sharing - much appreciated!
Hey Wes! Lovely to hear from you. Sorry I haven't been around to read some of those great hubs of yours - I'm playing catch up all of the time now, what with looking after Dad now and job-hunting - out of work again! Anyway, as always it's lovely to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed the hub. I think you would really enjoy the castle. I did as well up to a point, but I wouldn't go back. The atmosphere is thick and horrible and I had to come out twice because I felt sick. I was also followed by someone/some thing and I don't care who thinks it was just my imagination, it wasn't. I've been in some grotty old dungeons in my time and never felt anything, but Hermitage the horrible was different. I'm glad I went, the place is fascinating but once was enough!
Anyway, glad that you enjoyed the hub and I'll pay a visit very soon to see what you've been writing recently! Take care.
Hi Lizzy, lovely to hear from you! What a great idea! Wouldn't it be neat if GHI did come and visit the place!! I don't think de Soulis would put in an appearance - he's a coward and he would be scared of the guys!
Lizzy, I'm like you. There are loads of places in your beautiful country I would love to visit but it's the old armchair for me as well - I've always had a real notion to visit Tucson, Arizona. The history is fabulous and I've heard it's very haunted. Awesome! But at least we can talk to folks now over the internet even if we can't visit, so that's something to celebrate.
Glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for the vote up and the share! Greatly appreciated.
Hello Phyllis, lovely to hear from you and I'm glad that you enjoyed the hub. Many thanks for the compliments, they are very much appreciated.
I notice that you enjoy writing about castles as well? I love to read other people's work as well on castles as they always give a great perception on them different from my own and I love that - as with your good self, it also adds to my knowledge.
LOL! It would be a good idea to have a 'spooky' button!
Many thanks again for the visit and the vote up - appreciated!
Hi Christopherheranton, glad that you enjoyed the hub and many thanks for stopping by.
LOL! Well if your glad that you read this in the morning then you'll appreciate why I wrote the hub in the morning and not at night - I didn't want to have nightmares. I had enough of them when I visited the dam place!!
Many thanks again for your visit - greatly appreciated.
Hi wmhseo, many thanks for stopping by and for asking a question about the hub.
The fact that castles etc. are called 'evil' is probably not that good a use of the English language. It basically refers to the evil history and deeds committed in a place, rather than the building itself being evil. Having said this, in paranormal terms, if the 'stone-tape' theory is anything to go by, then the negative energy from the evil acts committed might well be stored in the stone work of the castle - so in that sense the castle itself might be viewed as being evil.
Hope this helps a bit and apologies for any confusion caused.
While it's certainly true that I've probably never been inside anything remotely having that sort of history - I'd still do it....reciting the Lord's Prayer all along the way, likely, but I'd be helpless to resist a tour of that kind of place!
Gosh I'd really love to be able to afford a few months in the U.K. someday. You all have so much more history to absorb than we do here!
Your title drew me in - I probably live an hour away from this castle, but I’ve never been to Hermitage castle, nor knew its history. We could take a family trip. When I read the history of castles from those times, I wonder on earth people hanker for the ‘good old days.’ This kind of behaviour was all to common for centuries.
This was an interesting read, and good to meet another Scot on HP, there seems to be a few of us.
Hi grandmapearl - as always it's a pleasure to hear from you and to read your comments. I'm glad that you enjoyed the hub, even it is a bit creepy!
As to de Soulis? I think maybe a bit of both. If folks are born with evil in their intentions then they also attract evil to them, so they kind of keep each other going if you know what I mean?
Many thanks for the vote up - it's really appreciated!
Hi Wes, I know what you mean. I had heard about Hermitage before I went but that just made it all the more interesting to me. Although some of the experience wasn't that good, I still wouldn't have missed the visit.
I don't know, I think the USA has some fabulous history. Okay time wise maybe not so long, but it makes up for it in quality!
Hi Melovy - great to hear from a fellow Scot as well. Yes, I think there are quite a few of us now on HP.
Hermitage is definately an experience and the history - as with most of our Scottish castles - is awesome.
LOL! I like your wondering on 'the good old days'! I 've thought about that many times as well. Maybe some people just see the past through rose-tinted specs or like to think of history and castles as romantic, when they were far from it. It's like those folks who say that 'school days are the best days of your life' - no way!! I hated school, couldn't wait to leave, and never missed it at all!
Many thanks for the visit and glad that you enjoyed the hub.
So Interesting! There's a good movie in there somewhere!
LOL!! If there's a good movie here then I hope they ask me to write the screenplay - I could do with the cash!
Many thanks for stopping by and glad that you enjoyed the hub!
I love visiting places like this and soaking up the atmosphere. The castle looks to be in amazing condition for saying how old it is. Another one to put on the list. Interesting hub, cheers.
Hi Rain Defence, many thanks for stopping by and glad that you found the hub interesting. The exterior certainly does look well, but behind the large curtain wall, time is beginning to take it's toll. Still, it's a fascinating place to visit and with a little imagination, it's easy to see how the castle might have looked when not quite so old.
Great job on the hub, love castles and folklore. Voted up and shared. Creepy.
Hi Flickr, nice to see you again and glad that you enjoyed the hub - yes it is creepy!! The castle is even worse in reality!
Great hub...well done!!
Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the hub!
Well researched and enthralling! The photographs add so much as well. If I ever get up there I will visit. You have set the scene beautifully, thank you. voted up.
Albion.
Hello again Albion and lovely to hear from you. Glad that you enjoyed the hub. Hermitage is an awesome place to visit. But although I loved my one visit I honestly wouldn't go back again. I didn't like the atmosphere in some of the places and it felt very thick. I was also feeling really nauseated in some parts and nervous - now that's not like me, I'm not scared of ghosts etc. But Hermitage? Once was enough. But for one visit, it's definately worth the trip - even just for the Borders scenery!
daisynicolas Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago
Fascinating history of a castle, medieval cruelty and apparitions.