Selkirk Castle is an early 12th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Earl David. Standing immediately north of Haining Loch, the slopes of a large natural mound were scarped and encased by a wide ditch to give defence. The motte stands on the north end of this royal castle, which was visited by King William, the Lion and Kings Alexander II-III. During the Wars of Independence, English troops under King Edward I occupied the castle, building a pele. In 1302, when the 'Pele of Selkirk' was taken by the Scots, a stone tower crowned the motte and a defensible pele enclosure of earth and timber encased the mound. Recaptured by English troops under King Edward II in 1311, the castle was destroyed when finally retaken by the Scottish. Abandoned by 1334, the castle is now overgrown, with the remains of ditches to the north and east and a rounded and spread motte. 2 miles south-west is Howden Motte and 10 miles north-east is Dryburgh Abbey Gatehouse.