Borthwick Castle

Category

Library Item

Item no

31444

Title

Borthwick Castle

Artist / maker

Ross, Thomas

Date

1882

Size

36.9 x 24.6 cm

Type

Watercolour

Location

Art and Design Library

Thomas Ross was born at Wardheads, Errol, and attended local schools before going to Glasgow around 1855 to work as an assistant to architect Alexander Kirkland.
In 1862 he began as an assistant to David MacGibbon in Edinburgh, and was made a partner in the firm of MacGibbon and Ross in 1872. Ross began sketching the architecture of Scotland along with his senior partner, contributing to the latter's public lectures, and culminating in the pair's major publications.

Borthwick Castle is one of the largest and well-preserved medieval fortifications in Scotland. It is situated south-east of Edinburgh, to the east of the village of Borthwick. It was constructed in 1430 for Sir William Borthwick. Mary Queen of Scots visited the Castle twice, once in 1563 and then again in 1567 when she was besieged inside. She escaped the siege by disguising herself as a page. In 1650 the Castle was attacked by Oliver Cromwell's forces, and was soon surrendered. The damage to the walls from the cannon shots is still visible.
The castle was restored in 1914 after a period of abandonment. During World War II the Castle was used as a hiding place to store national treasures.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Arches

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Walls

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Scotland > Midlothian

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