Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Kelso, Scottish Borders'
	Brief Early History - The earliest records show that Kelso was founded in 1113 when David, Earl of Tweeddale and Northampton, later David I, King of Scotland, encouraged a group of monks from Tiron in France to set up a monastery at Selkirk. In 1128, the monks moved to Kelso to set up the Abbey there. The earliest inhabitants of the town probably lived in Wester Kelso, the site of which is now to be found within the main gates of Floors Castle. By 1200, Wester Kelso is recorded as having a Provost. Wester and Easter Kelso were linked by a road known as the Common Way later known as High Street, along the line of what is now Roxburgh Street. There was a Market Cross in Wester Kelso, where 'The Old Pretender' is reputed to have been proclaimed as James VIII in 1715. He of course was never able to claim the crown. Wester Kelso was destroyed by a fire in 1684.
	Floors Castle is visible from Kelso Bridge. The Castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland. The original house was a plain simple dwelling and was re-designed by William Adam in the 1720's as a more grand dwelling for John, 1st Duke of Roxburgh. William Playfair who remodelled it in 1849, added all the frills which can still be seen today. The splendid entrance gates were erected in 1929 as a silver wedding gift from the 8th Duchess to her husband. On view within the Castle are many fine pieces of French furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are also pieces of oriental and european porcelain. Within the grounds are fine walks a walled garden, picnic areas and a garden centre and restaurant.
	The construction of Kelso Abbey commenced in 1128 and continued for years after. Kelso Abbey is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture. When finally finished it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St John in 1243. It was soon one of the largest and richest in Scotland, having a superb library in medieval times. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Abbot of Kelso was granted the right to wear a mitre, which gave him a precedence higher than any other Scottish abbot. The abbey's wealth came from its vast lands, its churches, schools, farms and its granges in the Cheviot Hills. Two kings, James III and James IV, were crowned in the Abbey, and Prince Henry, son of David I, was buried there in 1152.
	Kelso Racecourse has throughout the years become a mecca for the Border families and farmers, steeped in the traditions of hunting, who own and breed some of the best hunters in the country. The racecourse itself has huge solid steeple chase fences and a long uphill run in. Because of this many trainers use the January and February meetings as a trial for the National Hunt Festival and Aintree, bringing top-grade jumpers to the Border's premier racecourse. Kelso Racecourse is set in the stunning countryside of the Scottish Borders.
	Scott's view is known world-wide. The view of the Eildon Hills from Bemersyde was one of Sir Walter Scott’s favourite views of his beloved Borderland. It is believed that the horse pulling the hearse taking him to his interment at Dryburgh Abbey stopped at this point as it usually did on its daily outings with Sir Walter aboard. The Eildon Hills which are the remains of volcanic activity have been occupied in the past by Iron Age peoples and Romans, as it is an excellent lookout point. In the foreground the River Tweed flows past and a flat area of land within a loop in the river is the site of the first Melrose Abbey. Nothing now remains at Old Melrose.
	The Wallace Statue. This giant statue of Sir William Wallace hero of many years of battling with the neighbouring English in the 13th century is situated in the grounds of Bemersyde House. As with most memorials in the area it was commissioned by David Stuart Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan. This huge statue of the ‘Guardian of Scotland’ stands 31 feet high in total with the actual statue being 21½ feet high. Made of red sandstone by John Smith of Darnick, Wallace stands looking out over the Tweed with his broadsword in his right hand and his shield resting at his left. The statue was originally painted white and unveiled on 22nd September 1814. On the pedestal is inscribed: “Wallace, great patriot hero ill requited chief MDCCCXIV”
	scotland4me.net2007