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Archaeology Notes
Event ID 714881
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Archaeology Notes
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/714881
NT43NE 3 46698 37748
(NT 4670 3775) Torwoodlee Tower (NR) (remains of)
OS 6" map (1971)
For Torwoodlee House see NT43NE 10.
NMRS REFERENCE
Torwoodlee Tower: This ruinous mansion was built in 1601 to replace an earlier tower. The site, a sharp slope at the base of Mains Hill, has been extensively terraced to receive the building and its offices. Oblong on plan, it measures 26ft 4 ins by probably 75ft overall, though the latter dimension is uncertain as the whole N end has been destroyed. It originally stood two storeys and an attic in height. The boundary of the forecourt on the N was originally a range of vaulted cellars, now fragmentary, built into the hillside and supporting a terrace.
On its S side a retaining wall, rising at the back of a second and lower terrace, runs in alignment with the S gable of the house and carries a low, loopholed parapet, now much reduced. On its W side the house overlooks a sloping, walled enclosure which has been a garden or orchard; there is a built-up doorway in its W wall. The house is built of whinstone rubble with freestone dressings, and was no doubt originally harled.
Apart from the N side, the main walls still stand to a maximum height of about 30ft at the SW corner while a tower which projects into the forecourt at the middle of the front rises still higher.
RCAHMS 1957, visited 1934
EXTERNAL REFERENCES
This early 17th century mansion is in a state of ruin, and is as described above, except for the portion of the courtyard revetting wall, on the S, which has been destroyed.
Visited by OS (WDJ) 16 January 1961
The stede of 'Torwartlie' in Ettrick Forest is listed in 1456. It was held by George Hoppringill in 1588.
M L Anderson 1967.
