A History of the Parish of Maxton
by Charles Denoon
Charles Denoon
The definition of Maxton parish, used throughout is: that area now called the Parish of Maxton for Electoral purposes, viz the area covered by the farms of Rutherford, Rutherford Burnside, Riddletonhill, Ploughlands, Muirhouselaw, East End maxton, Morridgehall and that part of Crossflat to the east of the Kelly Burn, plus the village itself.
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It is a rather straggling linear village with no kirk or graveyard, no village green, no 'pretty' cottages to attract tourists, if fact the only objects of interest seemed to be the old hand operated petrol pumps in front of the smiddy which are often photographed. I doubted whether I would find enough material even for a pamphlet, but having researched a little into my family history in Edinburgh, I at least had a little knowledge of 'the system'.
Once started, it grew beyond anything I could have anticipated. I found both institutions, such as the Edinburgh Merchant Company, and private individuals like Mr and Mrs Charles Fraser, who allowed me free access to all their Scott-Kerr archive, to be both interested and more helpful than anyone could reasonably expect. The search developed into a full-blown hunt with all the thrill of the chase: 18th century maps were located, 13th century parchments were found, and even aerial photographs scanned. My one hope is that I have written this book in a way which does justice to the many people who have helped me.
It must be remembered that this started life as a little local history, aimed principally at the residents of the village, and scholarly references are therefore missing, although I have included a list of sources at the back. Also, aware of the interest which a local history like this can generate, I have includede some questions which have still to be answered at the back of the book. Any suggested answers or further photographs would be most welcome.
Ian Abernethy
This book is not a replacement for the Histories of 19966 and does not render them out of date. The anonymous authors of those booklets did an astonishing amount of research and packed a practical guide to the district into a very small place. It would be a service to the community to reprint them.
In 1999 we have been more self-indulgent. This much longer book consists of signed contributions, nearly all by Morebattle and Linton residents, which cover in a more personal style, a more limited number of aspects of history and life. Hence the title. This is a Miscellany, not a History or guide. But we believe it gives quite a vivid picture of life along the Kale in the past and present, which may be of interest outside the bounds of our parishes.
The Millennium Committee are very grateful to the many individuals who have contributed their memories and their records and photographs to make up the material for this book, and to the sub-committee who have had the work of bringing it to publication.
This account gives a summary of the Abbey's history to the present day. A short biography of the founder and the religious order he chose to establish the Abbey is followed by a description of the buildings and the possessions that gave the foundation its revenue. The main historical events are given in the context of the wider national and international picture, both during the life of the Abbey and its existence in Kelso as a magnificent ruin.
Cover: The Church, Kirk Yetholm. Burial place of Queen Esther and many gypsy families.
Thomas Small - Edited by Norrie McLeish
To commerate the new Millennium, the Jedforest Historical Society has reprinted this copy of 'Jethart Worthies', which was first published in 1868, with additional notes by Norrie McLeish.
Every town and village, down through the years, have had their share of 'worthies', people of colourful character who have enriched the culture of their local communities. Many 'characters', over the course of the last two centuries acquired 'nicknames' or 'tea names' by which they were known by all. this seems to have been common throughout Scotland, though it has to be said that the Royal Burgh of Jedburgh had more than its fair share of such characters.
'It is satisfying to see this book finished, but disappointing that we are unable to say 'complete'. Unfortunately, Dad's illness meant that it was not possible for him to complete his book as he had planned. There are many gaps which he would have gone on to fill and points he would have researched more deeply if he had been able. We don't have the expertise to fill those gaps, and hope readers will understand this. This book stands as a reminder of Dad's many inspiring lectures over the years, and aims to ensure that his knowledge, research and colourful anecdotes about the Kirk Yetholm Gypsies aren't lost.
One aspect which we feel makes the book different and unique to others in its field is the way it captures many of the characters that existed in the Gypsy tribe of Kirk Yetholm. This is important because it gives a feel of personality, of wit and humour which is vital in preserving memories forever. We are fortunate that this has been part of our lives, because dad was a true character.
We feel indebted to Jules Horne for her guidance on this book. We would also like to thank Hawick Archaeological Society for their help in funding its publication, as well as Tom Tokely and Janet Fletcher for their indispensable contrbutions.'
Anne Scott, Jill Latta
H/B 86 pages 150 x 215mm B/W Illustrations
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From former times to the Golden Jubilee 2002
by Brian Wain
'The contents of this book essentially refer to the village and the seven Roxburghe Estate's farms contained within the parish. The Heiton and Fairington divisions of the parish have not been included. The story of Heiton is well documented in Ian Abernethy's book 'The High Toun on the Hill', and the narrow Fairington arm of the parish seems geographically and socially distinct nowadays from Roxburgh Village and its Barony.'
P/B 218 pages B/W Illustrations
Cameos of Eighty Years - 1916 - 1996
Major Jim Gordon MBE
'Newstead claims to be the oldest inhabited village in Scotland, relating to the Roman occupation and the military fort of Trimontium, built by the troops of Agricola in the first century AD.
However, this book recalls aspects of the village eighty years ago, at the time of my youth. I still live in the house at Fortune Row where I was born on 14th February 1916, so, I can modestly claim to have observed over the many years, changes undreamed of in those days when stability, populations, and work patterns seemed framed in time.
It is not fiction, and the characters described were real; their actions in some instances provided interest, entertainment and a source of amusement within the community, long before the advent of radio and television as we know it today.
Following some service in Her Majesty's Army, and aquiring the mantle of the oldest native-born male, pressure came from local inhabitants to record, for posterity, a way of life that no longer existes. I have found it both enjoyable and difficult, but it does convey just a flavour of bygone times in Old Newstead.'
Major Jim Gordon MBE (1997)
P/B 197 pages 150 x 210mm B/W illustrations
The History of Gala Rovers
by Cubbs Turnbull
In 1908 an amateur football club called Gala Rovers first appeared in sports pages of local newspapers. They were mildly successful until they were forced - along with every other football club - to break up at the outset of the "Great War". Ten of their players had answered the call. Many of them never returned.
The Rovers resurfaced again between 1921 and 1927, and this period also saw a degree os success.
In 1947, out of the ashes of a team called Gala Hibs, the Rovers were once again revived, and this time they were here to stay! ...............
............. Beginning in the late 19th century, the book follows the fortunes of Gala Rovers as well as their many opponents since then right up to the present day.
With a foreword by former Celtic and Scotland star John Collins, this book is a must for everyone who has ever played or watched football in the Borders.
P/B 296 pages 170 x 240mm B/W pictures
A History of Kelso from earliest times
by Alistair Moffat
Selkirk owed its expansion in the mid-nineteenth century to its mills and the workforce they required, but this period of industrial fervour lasted only a century. However, in the town's heyday there were prosperous shops and myriad sporting clubs and associations. In this history of the town, this heyday is recaptured through more than fifty period photographs. Subjects include the public hall under construction, curling at Thorniehall, the horse-drawn coal cart on Curror Street, the railway station, the Corn Mill on Station Road, manoeuvres of the Lothian & Border Horse, the opening of the footbridge to Ettrickbank, the Common Riding, and the various rugby, soccer and cricket clubs.
48 Pages
by Alex F. Young
This is a follow-up and complementary volume to "Bygone Galashiels" and there is no overlap of pictures between the two books. Among the pictures featured are Channel Street 1896, Market Street, Railway Station in the 1920s, the Abbotsford Arms Hotel, Bank Street, Millers the butcher, the Glassite Chapel, German Gypsies incident of 1906, Netherdale Mill, Langhaugh Spinning Mill, D Company of the KOSB and many more of this busy Borders town. Also featured are Clovenfords (4 pages), Caddonfoot (2 pages), Lindean, Abbotsford and Netherbarns.
48 pages
This attractive selection of photographs covers many aspects of life in Victorian and Edwardian Galashiels, with views of two of the town's former tweed mills, pictures of two dramatic railway disasters, and good coverage of all the main streets and important buildings in the town. Forte's Cafe, with its impressive billiards room, the fire at Victoria Mills in June 1905 and the flood of the same month, plus pictures of various Braw Lads gatherings, are some of the historical events featured. (Bygone Galashiels was originally published in 1993 and has now been reprinted by popular demand after being unavailable for some time.)
56 pages
Both Yetholms are included together with the other settlements in the title. Town Yetholm illustrations include The Green, Romany House, Morebattle Road, outing to Spittal, St.James Church and the nearby Venchen Cottages. Kirk Yetholm is featured with The Green, High Street, The Gypsy Palace, Scout Camp, George V Coronation Celebrations etc. Also included are Primside Mill, Clifton,Attonburn, Yetholm Loch and a number of photographs of the 1911 Yetholm Show. The Morebattle pictures include the Quarry Brig, the school and the quirkily named Teapot Street. Mowhaugh School and Post Office, sheep dipping and the school pupils, represent this tiny place. Finally there are two photos of Hownam.
Biggar is the quintessential picturesque country town, and Ann Matheson's book contains a fantastic selection of pictures portraying its inhabitants at work and play. From a shot of Gilbert Rae's ironmonger's, its window festooned with every sort of pot, pan and jug imaginable, to a flock of sheep being ushered up the High Street, it's all here. Albion Motors are represented, along with several pictures of wartime charity collections, weavers' cottages at Westraw, a curling match on Biggar Pond, and much more.
The Yarrow and Ettrick valleys are almost as remote now as they were in the mid 1800s, although by the end of the nineteenth century telegraph communication had been introduced and road links had improved to exploit the area's agricultural wealth. This history of the various communities scattered throughout the valleys features many images from a time when coach and charabanc tours were the main source of traffic. These include the Duchess Garden at Bowhill, the Old Bridge at Deuchar, Yarrow Hall, Yarrow Feus Post Office, and the still well-patronised Gordon Arms and Tibbie Sheils' Inn.
Also featuring Ancrum, Cessford, Crailing, Eckford, Nisbet, Oxnam and Pennymuir, this collection of 56 photographs details life in and around historic Jedburgh in the early years of the twentieth century. Accompanied by the history of the town and area, the subjects include - amongst many others - the 'United' Sunday School picnic of 1910, when all of the town's Sunday schools got together for a combined day out (attendance - 741!), the area around the Abbey Bridge before the swimming pool was built, the long-forgotten Sheep and Dog Show, crowds gathering for the Handba game, a vintage team of Jedforest RUFC, the Oxnam Picnics, and the embarkation of local lads on their way to Flanders in 1914.
Also featuring Dryburgh, Gattonside, Maxton, Mertoun and Newtown St Boswells, this book covers the history of the villages surrounding the Eildon Hills, an area notable for its connections with Sir Walter Scott. The book features over fifty period photographs dating from a century after Scott, when there was a railway, grand country houses such as Ravenswood were still occupied by the local gentry, and when military adventures (in this case the surrender of Pretoria during the Boer War) could still excite popular celebration.
Reaching a peak of seven mills in the 1870s, Innerleithen and Walkerburn owe their development, if not their existence, to the worldwide demand for the textiles they produced. In just forty years during the Victorian era, the population of Innerleithen alone grew five-fold and, with the coming of the railway, tourism for the local spa - named after Scott's 'St Ronan's Well' - also contributed to local prosperity. But it couldn't last. The mills have declined and the nineteenth-century fashion for health tourism has long passed. However, this book remembers the glory days, a time when the local choral society staged wonderfully costumed performances of Gilbert & Sullivan and when the Cleikum gathering could command the attention of the whole town and surrounding area. Other sights recalled include the local railway stations, the early golf course (sabotaged by a local farmer), the magnificent mansion house, The Glen, which burnt down in dramatic circumstances in 1905, and the golden jubilee of Walkerburn Co-op in 1913.
