Lickleyhead Castle now has its own 'box bed'. This reproduction, by James and Mark Davies, was created over the course of a few weeks during the lockdown period. The walls and much of the interior panelling were salvaged from three damaged wardrobes.
The box bed sits within the 'Forbes' room, named after the early 17th century owner who built the castle's west tower. The furniture and other decorations within the room reflect the period that John Forbes would have lived here.
Box beds were fairly common in medieval and early modern Scotland. They offered protection from animals who might otherwise interrupt sleep or crush vulnerable sleepers. Valuable beasts such as cattle would be brought inside during the long winter nights. The development of the box bed, with its strong walls and high mattress, was a reaction to their presence.