Cessford Castle

Cessford Castle was part of the line of 'frontier' defences between England and Scotland. It was also a stronghold for the Ker family in their feuds with fellow Scots; Andrew Ker is thought to have started building the castle around 1450.

Protected by walls 4 meters thick, the massive L-shaped tower provided living space for the family, their servants, and a garrison of upto 60 soldiers. It was often attacked by the English, and the Earl of Surrey led a remarkable siege in 1523. His men climbed the outer wall, covered by fire from eleven cannons and a company of archers, but could not get into the castle. Two smaller cannons then shot open a blocked-up window, and gunners shovelled four barrels of gunpowder into the chamber behind. The defending Scots took drastic action; they set fire to the gunpowder before it could be exploded, and foiled the attack.

The castle continued as the Ker's family home until 1607. Sir Robert Ker, who later became the first Earl of Roxburghe, then moved to Holydean near Melrose. His great great grandson, the fifth Earl of Roxburghe, built a new house called Fleurs near Kelso, on land that had belonged to Kelso abbey. Now known as Floors Castle, this is still the home of the Duke of Roxburghe today. Cessford itself is still part of the Roxburghe Estates.