Floors Castle Gate

About Floors Castle Gate

The two storey lodges on either side are built of stone rubble and have bellcast slated roofs with square chimney stacks. The lodges are linked by ornate wrought iron gates, which were initially operated electrically Both the gates and lodges were designed in 1929.
If you have time, a visit to the Castle will allow you to see what is reputedly the largest house in Scotland. The original building was perhaps designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built in the 17205. William Adam illustrated the building in the book “Vitruvius Scoticus" and he may have contributed something to the design. The Edinburgh architect, William Playfair, remodelled the building into what you see today, between 1837-47.
A series of archaeological excavations were carried out inside the grounds of Floors Castle close to the entrance at Roxburgh Street in the 1980's. They revealed evidence that the burgh of Wester Kelso was foundedin the 12th century and continued to exist into the 16th when it was probably destroyed by English invaders.