Notes,pictures and history of

		A Collection of images taken at Repentance Tower Southwest Scotland.
Southwest-scotland.co.uk Repentance Tower

Repentance Tower, Hoddom

Location :- 5 miles north-west of Annan, on the B725 at Hoddom, within a walled grave yard.

A short, signposted uphill walk across fields.

The Tower is not open to the public

Repentance Tower, though, built as a watchtower and not a castle or tower house, but is fortified. It was built by John Maxwell, 4th Lord Herries, in the 1560s. as a watchtower for Hoddom Castle, which is situated approximately a half mile away. It stands on the ancient beacon hill of Trailtrow and was built to give early warning of English Raiders.
Originally Repentance had four floors When everything above the parapet was rebuilt in the The 19th century and 1880s. the top floor was removed together with the pitched roof. The basement and the upper floor is believed to be vaulted. The fire beacon was on the ground and not on the false chimney on the roof. There was also a bell.

No one knows why 'Repentance' is carved over the entrance, but the most popular explanations are told on an information board at the tower gate. :-
John Master of Maxwell wished to marry Agnes Herries of Terregles, but win her hand and the title of lord Herries, he would have to betray his earlier promise to the English. At the battle of Durisdeer, he did just that, raising a black flag and turning against them. After the battle the English fled to Carlisle, where they executed all but one of Maxwells 15 hostages as a penalty for his treachery. Maxwell gained his bride, the lands and title but they had been bought with the blood of his kinsmen

The hill provides superb views in all directions.
The surrounding graveyard has many ornate grave stones dating from the 17th century.

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