Cranshaws Castle

110. Cranshaws Tower.

This tower (fig. 56 [SC 1313373]) is situated on the eastern slope of Cranshaws Hill about 2/3 mile to the west of the parish church. The keep is five storeys in height and oblong, on plan, with rounded angles, measuring about 40 feet by 26 feet over walls averaging 6 feet in thickness. Originally the main entrance has been in the west wall giving access from the stair-foot to the basement and to the wheel-staircase, which encroaches on the interior, and communicates directly with the upper floors and parapet walk. The ground floor, which is not vaulted, was no doubt used as a cellar for storage purposes. Above it there has been an intermediate floor, about10 feet in height, which may have served as the kitchen. The great hall was evidently at the second-floor level, while the two upper floors provided the usual bedroom accommodation. The inward projection of the staircase at the north-west angle, being square on plan, has formed a northern recess, which has been utilised as a separate apartment on each floor. The wall-heads finish in a well-preserved parapet resting on a series of moulded corbels of slight projection, and has several projecting gargoyles; the total height from the ground to the level of the parapet-walk measuring some 50 feet. The castle is inhabited and in an excellent state of preservation. The interior space has been divided by modern partitions on the upper floors in order to provide additional bedrooms. and the outer surfaces of the walls have been recently coated with roughcast.

The tower and lands of Cranshaws were acquired by the Swintons of that ilk in 1400 and remained in the possession of that family till 1702.

See Cast. and Dom. Arch., iii. p. 428 (plan and illus.).

RCAHMS 1915, visited 17th April 1912.

OS Map: Ber., ix. NE.

NT 68195 61807 Addyman Archaeology were commissioned by Craig Hamilton Architects on behalf of Mayshiels Estate to undertake an historic building survey at the Category A listed Cranshaws Castle, Cranshaws Parish, Berwickshire. A recently commissioned set of as-existing survey drawings was marked up with analytical and phasing information . A systematic photographic survey was also compiled . An assessment of readily available historical and secondary source material was made, including early cartographic representations. Some primary sources for the site were also located and consulted. The second phase of work followed the removal of cement harl. A detail drawn record was made of the exposed stone work. Drawings were produced showing phasing and alterations. The exterior was also rephotographed in detail.

Information from K. Macfadyen and T. Addyman = Addyman Archaeology

(Source: DES)

OASIS ID: addymana1-120457

NT 68195 61807 Addyman Archaeology were commissioned to undertake a programme of archaeological work at the Category A listed Cranshaws Castle, a well preserved 15th century tower house. Proposed refurbishment of Cranshaws Castle necessitated an initial record and assessment of the structure, monitoring and building recording during interior works, and monitoring of associated services excavations within and in the vicinity of the tower (see previous reports 2012 and 2013). An additional stage of recording works and monitoring followed the decision to remove cementitious harl from the tower exterior. Further ground works to the exterior, the expansion of the parking area on the west side of the tower, were also monitored. Overall a comprehensive reappraisal of the understanding of the evolution of the structure was carried out and, with many areas newly exposed an extensive formal survey of the structure was completed. Much evidence for the original appearance and internal arrangement of the tower was recorded both externally and internally. It was also possible to closely relate recorded secondary modifications to historical sources for works carried out in the later 18th century, the early 19th century, in c.1895-1900, and in the second half of the 20th century. Excavations to the west of the tower failed to identify significant archaeological remains.

Information from J. Morrison, T. Addyman and K. Macfadyen – Addyman Archaeology.

OASIS ID: addymana1-333492

Visibility: This is an upstanding building.

Information from Scottish Borders Council.