The Mote of Annan and King Robert the Bruce

Near the town centre of Annan in an old walled garden area, now a public park, are the earthworks of the Mote of Annan, a 12th century motte and bailey castle given to the Norman De Brus (Bruce) family by King David I. It was built to control the nearby ford over the River Annan. In the mid -12th century the river changed its course and part of the earth and stone motte was eroded away.
The Bruce family moved to Lochmaben Castle and the Mote of Annan may have retained some use as a fortification however King Edward I adapted the old Annan church tower as a store and later it became a castle, Annan Castle. The English damaged it several times and nothing now remains of the tower in the old churchyard.
The Bruce Stone is said to have come from the Mote of Annan however it has been partly reworked and it has been moved elsewhere in the past so it's true history is disputed.

[@googlyzeyzs6133]

Very interesting Roger. Another classic. Robert De Brus knights you Sir Roger!

[@rogergriffith286]

Many thanks

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

Absolutely fascinating...I love all your well thought out videos.

[@rogergriffith286]

Thank you very much!

[@Bren-ms3ml]

incredibly interesting,Roger,i read about Robert the Bruce last year and in a passing reference the book said there were Mote and Bailey castles in Scotland .but i didn't know where but i do now..many thanks again.!

[@rogergriffith286]

Thanks

[@marcg1314]

Aw man you've really done it this time Roger! Ayrshire, Castles and the Bruce all in one video. Top marks 10/10 interesting and informative as always, thankyou

[@rogergriffith286]

Many thanks!

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

My ancestors came from Annandale, taking that as their surname. 🇿🇦
Good video.

[@rogergriffith286]

The Annandale distillery was re-opened recently.

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

@@rogergriffith286 I would love to visit Scotland. A trip to a whiskey distillery would certainly make my day!

[@GodTierComments]

Thanks for this video Roger, it helped explain the difference between the motte and bailey and the castle. How old are the graves at the site of Annan Castle, and is that the graveyard immediately south of the motte and bailey?

[@GodTierComments]

Never mind, I got all the information I needed from Canmore.

[@jayannan9897]

I'm the last male Annan in my family line does that mean the castle etc is mine??

[@rogergriffith286]

Well you can always ask nicely or take an army with you :-)

[@jayannan9897]

@@rogergriffith286 😂😂😂
I'm a few people short of an army, maybe a nice letter will work 😂😂😂✌