Scottish Towns Kelso - History

The imposing mansion that is Floors was designed in 1718 for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe by Sir John Vanbrugh, although just over 100 years later the house was redesigned. It remains today the home of the Dukes of Roxburgh and a fine view of of it can be had from the bridge across the river Tweed at Kelso.
It is said that a tree within the extensive grounds of this sprawling mansion marks the spot where James II was killed during the 1460 seige of Roxburgh.



Kelso Abbey, once considered to be the greatest of all the Borders abbeys, is now a ruin although its west walls still stand and give the visitor a fine impression of its former splendour.

Founded in 1128 by David I it, like so many Border abbeys, suffered greatly in the frequent and bloody battles of a less peaceful age. The Earl of Hertford in 1545 led the most ruinous campaign in the Scottish Borders. Melrose Abbey (containing the heart of Robert the Bruce) was destroyed a year earlier in this campaign.



Earlston
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Last updated February 2000