High above the Merse near Kelso stands Hume Castle, one of the Scottish Borders' most recognisable landmarks. But the picturesque ruins conceal a turbulent history of medieval warfare, Border Reivers, royal intrigue and Anglo-Scottish conflict.

In this episode of Hidden Histories of the Scottish Borders, we explore the history of Hume Castle and the powerful Hume family who made it their stronghold. From the Wars of Independence and the Battle of Flodden to the Rough Wooing, Mary, Queen of Scots, the Marian Civil War and Cromwell's invasion of Scotland, Hume repeatedly found itself at the centre of conflict.

We also discover the remarkable story of Lady Home's defence of the castle, the legend of James IV's body, and how a once-formidable fortress was eventually transformed into the picturesque folly we see today.

For more information about Hume Castle and other historic places in the Scottish Borders, visit https://thistleandtime.scot

Music Credits

Last And First Light by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

The Great Battle by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com

Horizons by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

Snowfall by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

Underow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

Eight Mountains by Savfk | https://www.youtube.com/savfkmusic

All sourced from Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/