Dumfries Castle is a royal stone motte and bailey fortress, one of two mottes built in Dumfries by the River Nith. The earthworks were rebuilt in stone in the 13th century and during the Edwardian occupation, a keep was added to the motte and the castle surrounded by a great wet ditch and a wooden palisade. There is a strong belief that this castle was finally destroyed in 1313 or 1357 after its capture by Robert the Bruce in 1306. Landscaping makes it hard to determine the complete layout of this large and interesting castle. 2 miles north is Lincluden College Tower and 5 miles north-east is Torthorwald Castle.