It is built on rising ground between the
River Teviot and the
Jed Water. It is a simple
tower structure measuring 29 feet by 24 feet with walls. It was a stronghold of the
Douglas family and is now a
scheduled monument. The land here, once part of the
Bonjedward estate, was long owned by the Douglases, passing from father to son, until it was sold off by George, 12th of Timpendean in 1843 to the Scott family, farmers of Bonjedward. Timpendean Tower was burned by the
Earl of Hertford's men in 1545, during the
War of the Rough Wooing. The tower, which is surrounded by much older
earthworks, consisted of three floors and a vaulted cellar. There is evidence of a previous addition, which has now disappeared, judging by projecting
bond stones on two walls. The east door and basement fireplace are later additions to the original house. The first floor contained the great hall while the second floor consisted of sleeping quarters. Those floors were reached by a circular staircase on the east wall. Part of the nearby earthworks was dammed and filled with water for defensive purposes. ==See also==