On Strathclyde Loch were some sailing boats and rowers and it was very pleasant watching the activities on the water while cycling along.
After leaving the park from the west exit we had to cross a very busy dual carriageway before continuing on our way to Bothwell.
Historic Bothwell
Bothwell has played an important part in the history of Scotland throughout the ages and was the site of the famous Battle of Bothwell Bridge. It also has a 14th century castle and the oldest Collegiate Church in Scotland - Bothwell Parish Church.
At Bothwell we turned off the main road at Blantyre Mill Road and cycled down the a footbridge over the River Clyde which links Blantyre with Bothwell. Just over the bridge are the mill workers houses and mill buildings where African explorer Dr David Livingstone was born. We turned off before the bridge and took a path along the river to the castle.
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Snowdrops |
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Castle was built in the 13th Century and is Scotland's largest and finest Middle Age castles.
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South East Tower of Bothwell Castle |
Walter of Moray and his son William created the castle but it was never completed because of the outbreak of the Wars of Independence in 1296. The castle figured prominently in the Wars of Independence with England. The wars ended in 1357 with the signing of the Treaty of Berwick.
After the wars, Bothwell Castle passed to the Black Douglases. They were overthrown in 1455 with the castle reverted to the Crown.
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South East Tower of Bothwell Castle |
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Chapel |
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Great Hall |
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Great Hall |
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Great Hall from the Courtyard |
The huge cylindrical donjon was built in the 13th century, but before the rest of the castle was completed it was severely damaged in a series of sieges.
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The Donjon as seen from the Great Hall |
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South West of the Castle |
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South West of the Castle |
After leaving the castle we headed back into Bothwell to view the 14th century Parish Church. The church is currently being restored and the walls strengthened as they were starting to bulge under the weight of the slate roof tiles.
The church was known as St Brides and was a Catholic church until the Reformation in 1560 when it briefly became an Episcopalian place of worship before becoming the Presbyterian Parish Church.
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Bothwell Parish Church |
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Joanna Baillie Monument |
Part 2 will show some modern aspects of the village.
Further Information
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Parish Church
Joanna Bailey
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