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Full of history and romance, Brackenhill Tower is unique as being the only Scottish peel tower (fortified house) standing now on English soil, situated in the heart of what was once "the debatable lands" now just in England but practically right on the border with Scotland and only 6 miles from the romantic Wedding capital of Scotland Gretna Green.
The present tower, dating from the 16th Century, stands in its own grounds with ample car parking facilities and acres of landscaped gardens.
This former Clan Graham stronghold now offers luxurious self catering accommodation combined with the character of authentic 16th Century castle living.
Brackenhill Tower is the perfect location for a holiday exploring the Scottish Borders, the North of England and the nearby Lake District, or a perfect venue for your wedding accommodation after a Gretna Green Wedding.
Brackenhill Tower is a unique example of a Scottish vernacular style tower house located in an English County. Formally this area was known as the Debatable Lands. An area notorious for it’s inter family feuds and cross border allegiances, neither Scotland or England had any control over the Debatable Lands and as the name suggests neither country was keen to claim this lawless area.
The Tower was built in 1584 by the infamous border reiver Ritchie Graham on the site of an earlier tower perhaps dating back to the 13th Century. All other tower houses of this style ended up being officially Scottish once the border was drawn up leaving Brackenhill a unique example of a Scottish Clan tower house built in the Scottish style but on English soil.
Ritchie Graham was a notorious Border Reiver at the height of reiving along the border (Reiv – means to steal).
The reiving period is roughly categorised as 1450 - 1610 and the history is a mixture of fact and folk law. Reivers were Clans who lived in the border territories, pragmatic survivors who would turn any circumstance to their advantage.
It was essential to have a strong fortified house for the protection of your family, Clan cattle and possessions, Brackenhill served this purpose.
Probably the best preserved 16th Century tower house in the North of England, it’s external elevations are virtually unaltered from it’s original state, testimony to the strength of the building, and it would have needed to be because Ritchie Graham was notorious indeed:
Ritchie Graham was hauled before the Privy Council in London on charges of the murder in 1584 and his conspiracy and treason over the Kinmount Willie affair, theft and blackmail, but escaped unpunished.
With the death of Elizabeth I in 1603 and James VI of Scotland becoming also James I of England (union of the crowns) the reiving days were numbered, in the week following Elizabeth’s death, the Grahams along with Armstrong’s, Elliot’s, Johnstone and other Clans went on the rampage and Reived over four thousand cattle, this was known as “Ill week” and much of the Scottish/English border was left in ruin.
Time caught up with Ritchie and his Clan and in 1606 James VI/I ordered the transportation of the whole Graham Clan to Ireland although his widow was able to produce title deeds to the tower and regain possession.
Around 1717 the 5th Richard Graham constructed the Jacobean Cottage to the South east of the tower. And further additions in 1860 was added by the Standish family who use the tower as a hunting lodge. At this time they also landscaped around the tower to provide a planned hunting landscape.
It is extraordinary how careful the Standish family where in retaining the original 16th Century features of the tower where ever possible.
By the end of WW2 the Carlyle family were tenants and when the Standish estates were put up for sale the Carlyle’s purchased Brackenhill estate. Sadly the Tower, Jacobean Cottage and Victorian additions were ruinous and in danger of total collapse in 2002 when Andy and Jan Ritchie purchased the tower and set about the restoration completed in 2010 hopefully staying true to the historical aspects but forming a comfortable useable living space inside.
The Tower House has a Hunting Lodge and the Tower itself forming one spacious property full of historical character and modern luxury ...
The Hunting lodge comprises the entrance foyer and w/c. The entrance hall leads to spacious lounge, stairs to two en-suite bedrooms and tower entrance.
Upstairs landing leading to two bedrooms; the landing has a study area with computer and internet access.
The Tower covers four floors:
Outside the Tower guests have access to 2.5 acres of gardens, gas bbq and woodland and river walks.
N.B: access to the Tower rooms are via spiral staircase.
The Cottage downstairs comprises the entrance into kitchen / dining area (complete with W/C) and a spacious Lounge.
Upstairs comprises two bedrooms and main shower room / en suite for bedroom 1.
Outside the Tower guests have access to 2.5 acres of gardens, gas bbq and woodland and river walks.
N.B low exposed wooden beams (6’) throughout downstairs.
Tel 01461 800285
www.brackenhilltower.co.uk
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