Torthorwald Castle is a 12th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by the de Torthorwald family. In the late 14th or early 15th century, William de Carleil founded the stone castle when crowning the motte with a rectangular keep. The basement and first floor hall of the keep are vaulted and in south-west and north-east corners are spiral stairs that give access between the floors. The motte is encased by ramparts and wet ditches and a curtain wall formed an enceinte, which was flanked on the south-west angle by a round tower. To the south is a trapezoidal bailey, which has been damaged by ploughing and the castle was still bring occupied in the early 18th century. 5 miles south-west is Dumfries Castle and 5 miles north-east is Lochmaben Castle.