Place:Melrose (town), Roxburghshire, Scotland

Watchers
NameMelrose (town)
Alt namesFordelsource: Gazetteer for Scotland
TypeVillage
Coordinates55.5983°N 2.722°W
Located inRoxburghshire, Scotland     ( - 1975)
See alsoMelrose, Roxburghshire, Scotlandparish in which the town of Melrose was located until 1975
Borders, Scotlandregional administration 1975-1996
Scottish Borders, Scotlandunitary authority since 1996

Melrose is a large village occupying a dramatic setting at the foot of the Eildon Hills, 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Galashiels, 37 miles (60 km) southeast of Edinburgh, in the former county of Roxburghshire. St Aidan founded a monastery here in the 7th Century and was succeeded by St Boswell and then St Cuthbert, but the monastery was probably empty by the 11th century.

The present abbey (1136) was built by David I who brought in monks from Rievaulx near York. It was frequently and severely damaged in cross-border raids in 1322 and destroyed in 1385; rebuilt in the 15th century it was again damaged in 1544 and 1545. In 1822 it was repaired again and with assistance from Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Buccleuch. A later Duke gave it to 'the nation' in 1918. Alexander II is buried here and it is alleged that the heart of Robert the Bruce lies buried beneath the abbey's high altar.

Originally known as Fordel, Melrose produced linen until the late 18th century; it is now primarily a residential settlement. Notable buildings include Darnick Tower (1425) and the Commendator's House (15th century); there is also a Mercat Cross (1642) and the nearby Abbotsford House (1817-24) built by Sir Walter Scott to an elaborate design. Its population is between 1600 and 1700.

Research Tips

Refer to the parish of Melrose