The French Fort at Eyemouth - 1557

The fort at Eyemouth changed the course of history, and not just that of Scotland, it played a significant role in the relationships between Scotland, England and France. Beginning life as an English fortification, it may have been the first Trace Italienne fort in Britain, reflecting the recent developments in warfare with the introduction of canons and gunpowder, which rendered stone walls very vulnerable. The huge earth banks you can still see today were far more effective at withstanding attack from canons, as they could absorb the impact of the cannon balls. - The SCAPE Trust In the 1980’s Dr David Caldwell conducted excavations at Eyemouth Fort. With his knowledge and archaeological evidence, along with historical research undertaken in the School of History, we have created a virtual representation of how we believe the fort may have looked in 1557. The Eyemouth model recreates the English and French fortifications above the town. Constructed during the ‘Rough Wooing’ in the sixteenth century, Eyemouth Fort played a pivotal role in the relationship between Scotland, England and France. All that remains today are the enormous earthworks, and it can be difficult to understand the remains without seeing them from the air. This reconstruction was part of the Virtual Histories Project for Eyemouth Museum.