|
 |
|
| Scottish Borders, Scottish Southern Uplands, Scotland |
Jedburgh, locally called Jethart, is a traditional market town of 4000 residents which is located within the Borders Region of south-eastern Scotland, just 15 kilometres from the English border. It has historically been a major gateway into Scotland and lies close to the Cheviot Hills and is surrounded by the varied and open countryside of this picturesque area. Today a popular tourist destination due to its famous abbey ruins, Jedburgh is also a good centre for touring, walking, climbing, horseback and mountain bike riding.
Another Royal Burgh, this historic town lies on the Jed Water and is dominated by the ruined Jedburgh Abbey and now demolished castle which were fought over many times during the border disputes with the English. The Castle, which was built in the 12th century, was finally dismantled in 1409, by order of the Scottish Parliament, who believed that the English were getting most of the advantage from it!! The Abbey was more fortunate. It was established in 1138 for Augustinian monks from Beauvais in France by the future King David I of Scotland, built of local stone it took more than a hundred years to complete. It was constructed on the north bank of the Jed Water, a tributary of the River Teviot, and over the years was damaged many times, before, by order of the Earl of Surrey, it was burnt down in 1523. Now, much of it still remains, despite being roofless it is one of the finest medieval buildings in Scotland and still very impressive!! The Norman tower has been restored as has the tracery of the 15th century Rose Window in the west front, which is known as St Catherine’s Wheel, and the three tiers of arches which make up the walls. These structures give ample evidence of what was once a magnificent building. The Visitors Centre at the Abbey has an interesting display portraying the life of the canons and also contains many of the important finds from excavations done during the 1980’s. The monks lived under monastic rules but ministered and preached to the people of the area.
Mary Queen of Scots stayed in the town in 1566, and her house can be found in Queen Street in the heart of Jedburgh just a short walk from the Abbey. This 16th century fortified house contains a museum of objects belonging to Queen Mary such as her thimbles case and watch.
Jedburgh Castle Jail, the former county prison, was built in 1823 on the site of the original medieval castle in 1832, and today houses another small museum of some interest.
Other places of interest within 30 kilometres –
Melrose, 18 kilometres north-west of the town, the heart of Sir Walter Scott country and site of another of the border abbeys built by order of King David I. Robert the Bruce is said to be buried in the abbey ruins.
Abbotsford, 3 kilometres west of Melrose, was home to Sir Walter Scott for the last 20 years of his life. His study is preserved as he left it and there are many relics of the author.
Dryburgh Abbey, 15 kilometres north-east of Jedburgh – the ruined abbey is the final resting place of both Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Haig, the British Commander-in-Chief of the Army in the First World War.
Hawick, 20 kilometres south-west of the town, a woollen manufacturing centre, whose history is covered at Wilton Lodge Museum, along with the history of the Borders area.
Did you know that - on Shrove Tuesday a game of handball, called the Jethart Hand Ba’ Game, is played through the streets of Jedburgh by the ‘Uppies’, those born above the Mercat Cross in the town square, and the ‘Doonies’, those born below it? The custom dates from medieval times and is enacted each February.
Also – have you heard of Jethart Snails? They are a local speciality, a brown mint flavoured boiled sweet!!
|
|
| |
| Tours |  |
|
Amazing Britain
8 days |  Experience the fascinating Britain of a very different era as you visit Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Scotland's Edinburgh Castle, the Roman spa in Bath and the magical stone circle that is Stonehenge. Also visit the handsome cities of York, Durham, St. Andrews and Salisbury.
|
Britain & Ireland Explorer
13 days |  This is a well paced tour and will suit the experienced and first-time travellers. It is a comprehensive introductiion to the highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland, and will appeal to those with a love of the history and tradition.
From London you travel through Oxfordshire to Shakespeares... |
British Panorama
6 days |  This exciting holiday is a great introduction to the history and culture of England, Scotland, and Wales. In England, discover London’s famous landmarks; Cambridge, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning; and York, England’s most complete medieval city. In Scotland see the mighty Edinburgh Ca... |
Wonders of Britain & Ireland
12 days |  Through the cities of London, Bath, Salisbury, Dublin and Oxford, experience the Britain and Ireland of a simpler time. On this tour see medieval castles and churches that have stood for centuries, admire Ireland's breathtaking Ring of Kerry and stand in awe before the mysterious Stonehenge.
|
England, Scotland & Wales
10 days |  Begin your holiday with sightseeing in London before heading to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Pass Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest and take a walking tour of York, England’s most complete medieval city. In Scotland, see the mighty Edinburgh Castle with its Crown Jewels; visit the Highland capital ... |
Gems of Britain
4 days | This four day tour of Britain is great for those passengers who have limited time and want a quick look at some of the best and well-known places to visit. You will see such sites as King's College in Cambridge, the ancient cathedral - York Minster, sample a wee dram in Edinburgh, elope to Gretna G... |
Britain Sampler
6 days |  This is a good tour for those travellers who want to see some of the most well-known sights in England and of course cross the border to the wonderful city of Edinburgh. Being six days instead of four days from other companies, this tour want seem so rushed.
Take a special walk through the ornam... |
Taste of Britain
5 days | Go beyond Buckingham Palace and dig deeper into Britain's past on this fascinating tour. We reveal medieval walled cities, the scenery that inspired Wordsworth's poetry and the ornate York Minster. Visit the apartments inside Edinburgh's castle plus Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon.
|
Highlights of Britain
10 days | This is a very good tour for the first time visitors as it covers most of the major must-see sights in Britain.
Leaving London you will travel to the University city of Oxford, see Winston Churchill's grave at Bladon, fall in love with the Cotswolds and learn more about Shakespeare at Stratford-u... |
|
|
|
|
|
| |