The Castle
The "Mote de Tibris" is an elongated, partly artificial mound, with a conspicuous rampart and ditch forming a bailey approximately 60m by 90m (200 by 300 ft). Part of this ditch is rock cut, with some evidence of a causeway.
The castle itself is located at the north end of this motte, and is roughly rectangular, measuring approximately 36m by 25m. Circular towers 4.5m across were located at each corner. The gateway and remains of a barbican are located in the south-east corner, with the south-east tower doubling as a gatehouse. This arrangement is common to other castles in the area, including Morton Castle, and Caerlaverock Castle, and shows the influence of Edward I's castles in Wales, exemplified by Harlech, though on a much smaller scale.
The hall block was located in the north-west corner, with a second block in the south-west corner and a well in the centre of the courtyard. The east wall unusually comprised two walls with a space between, allowing the formation of a dog-leg postern gate. Excavations were carried out at the castle in 1864. Finds included two coins of Edward II, and a 15th century dagger, now in Dumfries Museum.
Read more about this topic: Tibber's Castle
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