In "The Fortified House in Scotland" edited by Nigel Tranter, vol 3, the following description is given, "...this interesting tower, sometimes identified with Ellangowan in Guy Mannering. It was the seat of a branch of the powerful Galloway family of McCulloch like nearby Cardoness who acquired it in the early 16th century. John Knox is said to have used Barholm as a place of refuge previous to his flight to the continent - presumably in his early career. If so, he was here perilously near the home of that most determined of papal churchmen, Abbot Gilbert Brown of Carsluith, just 2 miles away. It is worthy of note that the religious views of the two families did lead to serious clashes, for in 1579 John Brown Younger of Carsluith was called to account for the slaughter of McCulloch of Barholm. The McCullochs were strong for the Reformation and later became equally ardent Covenanters. Major John McCulloch of Barholm was executed for his share in the Pentland Rising of 1666. "