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Set in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders is the stunning cobbled town of Kelso. This architecturally beautiful and picture perfect town is one of the most visited towns in the Scottish Borders.
Records dating back to as early as 1113 tell how David, Earl of Tweeddale and Northampton, later known as David I, King of Scotland, brought monks from Tiron in France to Selkirk where they would set up a monastery. Just 15 years in later 1128 the Monks would relocate to Kelso and set up the Abbey.
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| It is likely that the move enabled the Abbey to be close to the Royal Burgh of Roxburghshire. Kelso was founded by David, the youngest son of Malcolm III and Queen Margaret before he became King in 1124 |
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In the centre of the Town is Kelso Square. Gaze around at the stunning architecture which gives Kelso an almost continental feel as you stand inside the bullring. This was where Bulls were tethered (Tied) during the cattle market. The two street running parallel to the Town show its importance as a centre of commercial activity bearing the names Woodmarket and Horsemarket.
Many of the streets in the town give reference to the activities carried out there including Coalmarket, Distillery Lane, Oven Wynd, Peat Wynd and Mill Wynd. There is one other street however named, Drying House Lane that may be somewhat of a red herring in the sense that linen was not the main item being dried here but local tobacco.
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Between the Woodmarket and Horsemarket is the impressive Town House. Built in 1816 the Townhouse replaced an earlier thatched tollbooth which today serves as a Tourist Information Point.
Kelso is reputed for having the largest town square in Scotland and its mostly Georgian and Victorian buildings encompass it in sheer complimentary splendour. Four main streets lead from the Square, Woodmartket, Horsemarket, Roxburgh Street and Bridge Street.
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| It is thought that where Roxburgh Street meets the town square, the area known as Cunzie Neuk was where the Royal Mint would have been situated. The mint would have produced the coinage for Scotland during the Kings time at Roxburgh. A favourite legend of the town is that of the Embedded Horseshoe. Legend has it that on the 4 th of November 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s horses did throw a shoe while he was on his way to Derby. |
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Today Kelso stands more beautiful and picturesque than ever. Situated just off the A6089 approximately 43 miles from Edinburgh, 68 miles from Newcastle and 64 miles from Carlisle, Kelso has something for everyone.
Enjoy a day at the famous Kelso Races and put a bet on your favourite whinny. If you like romance, intrigue, nobility and glamour, why not visit the home of the Duke of Roxburghshire at the 18 th century Floors Castle or gaze in awe at the ruin the spectacular Abbey. Visit the Flodden Battlefield Trail just 10 miles from the town or the famous Smailholm Tower.
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Kelso is an ideal base in which to discover the Scottish Borders in all its glory. Set in fantastic countryside next to the River Tweed, Kelso boasts outstanding opportunities for all types of outdoor pursuits including, golf, fishing, mountain biking, walking, cycling, canoeing, hiking and much more.
As well as the many shops you will also find a cinema, ice rink, swimming pool and golf courses.
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