193 
Pivtiaeeiiera. [IN GS, 
6th June, 1908. 
AT TIBBERS AND DRUMLANRIG. 
Ideal weather conditions favoured the first field meeting for 
the session of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History 
and Antiquarian Society, which took place on June 6 to Drum- 
lanrig Castle and the ruins of Tibbers Castle. For the student 
of Scottish history this locality has many interesting associations, 
while the lover of nature is delighted by the picturesque scenery 
of the Nith valley; and needless to say a thoroughly enjoyable 
and interesting afternoon was spent. The party numbered over 
twenty, including half-a-dozen ladies. Having reached Thorn- 
hill by train, they had a pleasant drive of over two miles to 
Tibbers Castle, which is situated at the influx of Mar Burn to the 
river Nith, opposite the little village of Carronbridge. The re- 
mains of the castle are now very slight; but, standing as it does 
on ground rising from all sides, it is clear that it must have 
been a veritable stronghold. Its origin is uncertain, but accord- 
ing to one theory it was built by the Romans and named in 
honour of Tiberius Czesar, the name being corrupted to Tibbers. 
On the other hand, there may be reason for believing it to have 
been of Norman architecture. Nothing certain is known of the 
history of the castle till near the end of the thirteenth century. 
In 1292 it was probably occupied by Sir Richard Siward on 
behalf of Edward I., shortly before being handed over to John 
Baliol. In 1297, as chronicled by Harry the Minstrel, the patriot 
Wallace, after overpowering the English at Stirling Bridge, rode 
through Durisdeer with three hundred picked men, lightly 
mounted, and drove the English before him to the Solway. In 
1298, however, occupation was resumed by the English, and Sir 
Richard Siward again became Edward’s Warden of Nithsdale and 
owner of Tibbers Castle, which he rebuilt or repaired, the King 
ordering payment of £100 due to him so that the work should 
