Bothwell School of Witchcraft is the UK’s largest magic school role-playing event. Surrounded by the towering walls of a 15th century moated castle, you’ll easily be able to become a part of the school of magic you always dreamed of attending! Take part in magical lessons as a student or professor, explore the expansive grounds, be sorted into one for the four school houses, and make lifelong friendships.

Bothwell is proudly home to four school houses that compete for the House Shield, and each embody strong qualities to be found in all witches. The houses at Bothwell School of Witchcraft are named after some of the protectors of the school early in its conception as they defended the castle while it was still a sanctuary for young witches to help fight injustices against their kind. To learn more about the houses, click on each of the links below.

House MacNewthorn

Furtivus

The charms that disguise the castle are meant to keep out all trespassers, magical or not. The only way to enter the castle grounds is to use a closely guarded secret code. Montague MacNewthorn, however, turned up alone at the gates of the castle, entered freely and made his way directly into Frances Stuart’s study. To this day, it is not known how he found the location and penetrated the powerful magic. Along with the other founders he aided the crown in their effort against the rebels. Montague was chief spy for the crown, however, he was often spotted courting the enemy in suspicious circumstances. He frequently spent long periods alone with the King and had great influence over the King’s actions. Montague used the form of the newt to spy on the rebels where he could dash between floorboards and cracks in the wall.

MacNewthorns are known for their introversion, ambition, creativity and hardworking nature. Less boisterous than their friends in Boyeswick, MacNewthorns prefer to operate behind the scenes. Their ambition and hard work often see them in positions of power, even if they’re not the face of the operation. To represent the high ambition and silver tongue of Montague, the house colours are crimson and silver. The motto of House MacNewthorn is “Furtivus” which means clandestine.

House Boyeswick

Fortis

Named for Geoffry Boyeswick, known on the battlefield as simply ‘boye’. He fought closely with Prince Rupert in many battles using the form of a giant hunting dog. Despite efforts to conceal his talents, he became notorious in the rebel “roundhead” camp as a fearsome dog with magical abilities. Fighting more directly on the front line, Boyeswick was an impressive warrior who used the cover of the battlefield to take down the witch hunters on the roundhead side along with anyone who got in his way.

Members of Boyeswick house are chosen for their bravery, loyalty, passion and adventurous spirit. They are fiercely dedicated and will go to great lengths to defend their friends. The colours for House Boyeswick are deep blue and gold, representing his loyalty and relationship with the crown. The motto is “Fortis” which translates to Brave.

House Wisenforth

Sapiens

The founder, Brianne Wisenforth, was a much older witch who, before the Bothwell Sanctuary, spent her days in the vast forests of Nottingham as a healer. Brianne used the form of an owl to give council to the allies of the crown and flew messages between camps. Wisenforth was a skilled diplomat; often her soothing words would help keep feuding generals on the same side. Her sound reasoning and strategy was crucial in many of the crown’s victories.

Wisenforths are known for their sharp wit and cool temperaments. While a keen intellect is often associated with cynicism, Wisenforths are generally optimistic and generous; their friends feel warmed by their company. The emerald green and silver house colours embody Brianne’s healing background and affinity with the earth. The motto “Sapiens” means wise.

House Tabwen

Callidus

Olwenna Tabwen was clearly a powerful witch from a young age. While still a child her parents abandoned her deep in the woods for fear that she’d be lynched by the townsfolk, who were already suspicious of the strange happenings around Olwenna. She lived most of her life as a young woman out on a lake where she would use her beauty and charm to lure passing travellers. She would then trick them into willingly giving her all their possessions so she could survive. There are many legends still today about “The Girl on Llyn y Fan Fach”. She was given a home at Bothwell Sanctuary and when the Civil War broke out she immediately put herself forward to join the war effort. Cunning and fierce, Olwenna protected the king’s court from those who wished to infiltrate the Crown. Her familiar was a black cat and she was a personal bodyguard to the queen, often giving council to the King and Queen alone.

Tabwens are known for their astuteness, charm, cunning and independence. While independent souls, Tabwens can be quite relaxed about life (and the rules) and their innate ability to tell what someone’s thinking can make them a fine companion. The colours of House Tabwen, purple and gold, characterise Olwenna’s high regard with the crown using the colours associated with royalty. The motto “Callidus” means cunning.

The playable faculty of Bothwell School of Witchcraft consists of the Head Master, nine Professors, and usually one or two supporting staff, including Assistant Professors, a Head Guardian, or a Janitor, for example.

Most professors also function as House Monitors who advise and guide the members of a specific House.