Gamelshiel Castle

Gamelshiel Castle,East Lothian Photo © Chris Eilbeck, 8 January 2006

Gamelshiel Castle,East Lothian Photo © Walter Baxter, 7 November 2009

Gamelshiel Castle is a ruined castle in the Lammermuir Hills, East Lothian, Scotland. It is located half a mile north-east of the northern end of Whiteadder Reservoir, near to Whiteadder Water.

It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and it consists of the remains of a simple tower house from the 14th century.

Gamelshiel Castle was one of the earliest hall houses to be constructed in Northumberland in the 13th century. The stone motte and bailey fortress was built on a natural rising. The remnants of stone indicate a grand defensive structure. It underwent a conversion to a towerhouse in the 14th century. This castle was one of a chain, which guarded the pass between Dunse and Haddington ; a natural opening across the hills formed by the course of the Whittadder.

Gamelshiel Castle. The ruin of this building is situated 1/2 mile north of Millknowe Farm, in a secluded glen on the left bank of the Hall Burn. The site is level, and the portions of building upon it consist of parts of the north and south walls of a small tower. The external width of the structure is 22 feet 6 inches; its length is indeterminable. The walls now standing are 20 feet high and some 4 feet thick, built mainly of whinstone in narrow courses. The basement floor has been vaulted and the building is entirely of whinstone.

In 1505 John Forrest succeeded his father John Forrest in the lands of 'Gamelshields'.

In 1679 James Home entered upon the lands of Wester 'Gamelshields' as heir to his father George Home of 'Gamelshields'