The Real Story

Scottish Borders

Imposing Hermitage Castle was visited by Mary in dramatic circumstances.

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1 Hermitage Castle

Mary visited Hermitage only once, but in dramatic circumstances. October 1566 saw her visit Jedburgh on business. During the trip, she learned that her loyal supporter the Earl of Bothwell had been ambushed and injured by Borders brigands.

She rode 25 miles to visit him, and 25 miles back. On the return journey she fell desperately ill and very nearly died. Only afterwards was it claimed that Bothwell was her adulterous lover: there is no evidence to support this, even though she married him seven months later.

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