History

Hailes Castle is situated on the south bank of the River Tyne in East Lothian, Scotland, and represents one of the few Scottish castles with masonry dating back to the 13th century. Hugo de Gourlay built it as a fortified tower house around 1240.

In the 14th century, Hailes Castle was bestowed upon the Hepburns, who later became the Earls of Bothwell. According to legend, Adam de Hepburn received Hailes Castle after saving the Earl of Dunbar from a savage horse attack. The Hepburns embellished the castle by elevating the height of the North Tower and adding other structures, including a square tower in the west and high curtain walls. The West Tower contains a pit prison within the vast thickness of its walls. A chapel was later added during the 16th century.

In 1400, Lord Dunbar and Henry "Hotspur" Percy besieged Hailes Castle but had to flee when Douglas forces arrived from Edinburgh Castle. Then in 1402, at the 2nd Battle of Nisbet, Dunbar and Percy defeated a Scottish army of 400 horsemen led by Halyburton of Dirleton and Hepburn the younger of Hailes. Dunbar executed Hepburn without considering ransoming him, while the other Scots Lords were returned to their castles for a price.

After a long siege in 1446, the castle fell to Archibald Dunbar, who reputedly slew "all he found within." In 1544, Hailes Castle was attacked by the English during the Rough Wooing. They eventually seized Hailes Castle four years later while trying to force seven-year-old Mary Queen of Scots to wed Henry VIII's son. Mary visited Hailes 19 years later, just before her ill-fated marriage to James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. She relinquished the crown soon thereafter, while Bothwell, said to have been born at Hailes, died in exile.

Approximately two centuries later, in 1650, the castle was attacked by Oliver Cromwell following the Battle of Dunbar. During the strike, cannon fire rendered the fortification indefensible. In 1700, Hailes was purchased by the Dalrymples, who later moved to a new home and abandoned the castle, which eventually deteriorated to a dilapidated state. Today, Hailes Castle resides under the care of Historic Scotland.

Castle Highlights

Despite its ruinous state, portions of Hailes Castle still exist today after approximately eight centuries. Some of its original stonework, including the central tower and vaulted stairway, has survived since around 1240. The West Tower, a square donjon or keep, remains the most significant portion of the castle. While most of the curtain walls are now gone, it is still possible to view the outline of the original castle along with earthworks and fencing along the grounds. Foundations of other internal buildings are also present.

Upon visiting Hailes Castle, the most picturesque views are available when situated behind it along the River Tyne. The castle can be thoroughly explored in only about an hour. Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle are located just a few miles away and are well worth a visit to supplement your tour.