Gilnockie Tower - Canonbie
N 55° 05.869 W 002° 58.187
30U E 501928 N 6105676
Gilnockie Tower is a classic pele tower, a fortified home which could be defended. The most notorious occupants were the Armstrong family who were Border Reivers.
Waymark Code: WMQNGG
Location: Southern Scotland, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/08/2016
Views: 1
Border Reivers would rustle livestock and seize goods on raiding parties across the English Scottish border. Having a defensible home was necessary as they were attacked many times. The cellar is barrel vaulted and during attacks would house the livestock and some defenders. The family would live in the upper floors, access to first floor would be by a ladder which could be withdrawn when under attack.
The staircase could a later addition.
Note the narrow slit windows and roof with parapet to throw things down on attackers. I doubt whether the occupants would have asked the monarch for permission to crenelate.
Clan Armstrong (
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Grade A listing (
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Streetmap (
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