Ferniehirst Castle
Sightseeing attraction | Jedburgh | Scotland | United Kingdom
The "Ferniehirst Castle" in Jedburgh, Scotland, is a fascinating mansion deeply rooted in the history of the Scottish Borders. This landmark, located about one and a half miles south of the small town of Jedburgh on the east bank of the Jed Water, is the historical center of the Kerr Clan, an influential family that has shaped the region for centuries. The castle, also known as "Ferniehurst Castle", is considered one of the best-preserved examples of fortified residences built by wealthy Border lairds in the late 16th century. It is nicknamed "Scotland’s Frontier Fortress" and combines a tumultuous past with a loving restoration that makes it a remarkable place today.
The history of Ferniehirst Castle begins in the late 15th century, when the Kerr Clan, under Sir Thomas Kerr around 1470, built a defensive tower – a so-called Peel Tower. This site was strategically chosen to monitor the road to Otterburn and Newcastle, while the castle itself remained hidden by trees and the natural topography. Early on, it was the scene of military conflicts: in 1523, it was burned down by English troops under Lord Dacre, but in 1549 an alliance of Kerr fighters, supported by French soldiers, managed to recapture the castle. In the same year, it fell again to the English, and in 1570 it was heavily damaged during a revenge raid after Sir Thomas Kerr had raided Northern England to force the release of Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1573, another English army caused additional damage on its way to Edinburgh Castle. Eventually, King James VI attacked the castle in 1593, as the Kerrs had supported the rebellious Earl of Bothwell. After these destructions, Sir Andrew Kerr began rebuilding in 1598, shaping the current structure based on the cellars of the original tower.
Architecturally, Ferniehirst Castle is an L-shaped building with a mix of medieval fortifications and later extensions. A large stair tower with a conical roof protrudes above the first floor, and bartizan-like corner towers with loopholes crown the walls. One unique feature is the so-called "Left-Handed Staircase", a spiral staircase running counterclockwise. According to legend, the left-handed Sir Andrew Kerr had his men practice fighting with their left hand after the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and this unusual staircase was meant to disadvantage attackers used to right-hand stairs – a detail that gives the castle a unique character. Renaissance elements like decorative surrounds on windows and doors were later added, marking the transition from a pure fortress to a more comfortable residence. Access is through a classically designed gateway that introduces visitors to the historical world of the Kerrs.
In the 18th century, the castle stood empty and fell into disrepair. Around 1830, it was re-roofed and partially repaired, followed by a more extensive restoration in 1890. From 1934 to 1984, Ferniehirst served as a youth hostel for the Scottish Youth Hostels Association, interrupted during World War II when it was used as military accommodation. After the end of the lease, Peter Kerr, the 12th Marquess of Lothian, thoroughly restored the castle in the 1980s and turned it back into a private residence. Today, it is inhabited by his son, Lord Ralph Kerr, who also owns Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire, and remains in the possession of the Kerr family, who have controlled the land since 1457. In addition to the main castle, the Kerr Chapel is also part of the complex, a long rubble-built structure from the 17th century with Renaissance details, originally serving as a mortuary chapel and now used as a visitor center.
Ferniehirst Castle is not only an architectural gem but also a place full of stories. It is associated with the "Green Lady", a ghost who purportedly wanders the halls – a legend that gained traction especially during its time as a youth hostel, even though some doubt it. Another tale tells of a lady of the house who met a mysterious stranger and gave birth to a child after a eerie pregnancy, whose fate remained uncertain. Such stories give the castle a mystical aura that complements its historical significance.
For visitors, Ferniehirst Castle offers a journey into the turbulent past of the Borders, marked by conflicts between Scotland and England. The restoration has preserved the grand living halls, the tower library, and the vaulted cellars that provide a glimpse into the Kerrs' lives. The Kerr Clan, once Wardens of the Middle and East Marches, played a key role in border security, and the castle often served as a base for military raids. Today, it is a place that breathes history while also offering modern comfort, as it can be rented as holiday accommodation.
In summary, "Ferniehirst Castle" is a landmark that uniquely combines history, architecture, and legends. It tells the story of a family's struggles and survival in a rugged border region and remains a living heritage of the Kerr Clan. Visitors to Jedburgh will find here a place that captures the rugged beauty and complex past of Scotland – a hidden gem that delights historians and adventurers alike.
