The Blackadder family were an integral part of the constant Borders’ feuds, and extended their lands by grants from James II.

According to Anderson, this was achieved in the following manner: ‘Andrew Blackadder followed the standard of Douglas at Flodden in 1513 and was slain along with two hundred gentlemen of that name on that disastrous field leaving a widow and two daughters, Beatrix and Margaret, who at the time were mere children.

From the unprotected state of Robert’s daughters, the Homes of Wedderburn formed a design of seizing the lands of Blackadder.

The garrison refused to surrender but the Homes succeeded in obtaining possession of the fortress, seized the widow and her children, compelling them to the marriage by force.

In 1518, the two daughters were contracted to younger sons, John and Robert, and as they were only in their eighth year, they were confined in the Castle of Blackadder until they became of age.

The Earl of Home was an ally of Margaret Tudor, and she came to Blackadder in September 1515 as she escaped to England from the regime of Regent Albany.

[1] The Home possession of the estates was challenged by a cousin, Sir John Blackadder, who held the lands of Tulliallan.

Sir John sought assistance from Parliament but, as was so often the case at that time, the matter was ultimately resolved by steel.

[4] An 1845 description highlighted the conservatory, which took the form of a Gothic chapel with a framework made entirely of cast iron, and with some of the glass panels stained.

[7] During World War I the mansion was requisitioned by the government as accommodation for troops, who vandalised the building, using parts of the grand staircase bannisters for firewood.

An impressive stable range with tower and obelisk steeple survive the destruction of the house, attributed to architect Alexander Boswell in 1785.