Langton Castle

Langton Castle once stood near the town of Duns in the Scottish Borders as the stronghold of the Cockburn family. Built in the 14th century, it became the main seat of the Cockburns until 1745. The castle played a part in Scottish history when Sir Alexander Cockburn served as Keeper of the Great Seal from 1389 to 1396. Mary, Queen of Scots visited in 1566 during her reign. A violent dispute in 1517 led to a siege by William Cockburn and his brother-in-law David Home of Wedderburn.

The castle’s story includes a dramatic confrontation in 1517 when Antoine d’Arces, the French deputy for Regent Albany, tried to mediate a family feud. Instead of resolving the matter, the rivals ambushed and killed him near Preston. His severed head was later displayed in Duns as a warning. The castle remained in Cockburn hands until 1745, when the family’s leader died at the Battle of Fontenoy. The estate passed to David Gavin, who demolished the old castle and village to build a new mansion.

Today only a decorative gateway survives from the final Langton House, designed by David Bryce in the 19th century. The village of Langton was moved to Gavinton in the 18th century. The site offers quiet fields and a sense of vanished power, with the gateway marking where history once stood. Visitors can walk among the remnants and imagine the castle’s former presence. The nearby town of Duns provides further links to the past through local history groups.