The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

222 APPENDIX TO THE
Branksome Castle continued to be the principal
seat of the Buccleuch family, while security was any
object in their choice of a mansion. It has since been
the residence of the Commissioners, or Chamberlains
of the family. From the various alterations which the
building has undergone, it is not only greatly restricted
in its dimensions, but retains little of the castellated
form, if we except one square tower of massy thickness, the only part of the original building which now
remains. The whole forms a handsome modern residence, lately inhabited by my deceased friend, Adam
Ogilvy, Esq., of' Hartwoodmyres, Commissioner of his
Grace the Duke of Buccleuch.
The extent of' the ancient edifice can still be traced
by some vestiges of its foundation, and its strength is
obvious from the situation, on a deep bank surrounded
by the Teviot, and flanked by a deep ravine, formed
by a precipitous brook. It was anciently surrounded
by wood, as appears from a survey of Roxburghshire,
made for Pont's Atlas, and preserved in the Advocates'
Library. This wood was cut about fifty years ago,
but is now replaced by the thriving plantations, which
have been formed by the noble proprietor, for miles
around the ancient mansion of his forefathers.
NOTE B.
Nine-and-twenty-knights of fame
Hung their shields in Branksome-Hall.-P. 45.
The ancient Barons of Buccleuch, both from feudal
splendour, and from their frontier situation, retained
in their household, at Branksome, a number of gentle