Early Eddleston

Artist's impression of a late medieval water-powered mill. Drawing by Alan Braby.

 

The missing Medieval landscape

Eddleston emerges as a placename in the 12th century records of Glasgow Cathedral. Yet, apart from some pottery from Harehope and Kingside, there is little or no archaeological evidence dating to the medieval period.

 As part of our project, we are re-examining all the historical sources relating to the parish. They are giving us lots of fresh clues.

We will end up with a much clearer picture of who has owned the land and where people have lived and worked from about the 13th century onwards.

Detail of one the 18th century carved skewputs on the gables. Moredun is situated in the village near the main road behind the Horseshoe Inn. The building was originally a small 16th century tower house, but it was heavily remodelled in the 18th century. Crown Copyright RCAHMS

 

From towers to country estates

The main surviving evidence is of later date and consists of the remains of tower houses. As in the rest of the Borders, tower building here peaked during the late 15th to 16th centuries - partly a sign of wealth and partly as protection against the Border reivers.

There were tower houses at Cringletie, Hopetoun, Boreland, Darnhall and Moredun. As the country became more settled politically, there was less need for defence and some were remodelled into country houses at the heart of landed estates.

For example, Darnhall (later The Black Barony) was altered and extended into an impressive mansion, especially under Sir Alexander Murray, laird from 1700-1742. By that time, he could reckon himself proprietor of almost the whole parish. Other towers, like Hopetoun and Boreland, were removed leaving few surface traces.

 

A view of the Edinburgh Road, early 20th century. The building in the background is the old Corn Mill. Historical sources attest to the presence of a mill in Eddleston since at least the 16th century (Tweeddale Museum: Margaret Smart collection)