Brian Wain has written a new book on the history of the village of Roxburgh, which is near to Kelso in the Scottish Borders. The book is entitled:
Auld Roxburgh from former times to the Golden Jubilee 2002.
The origins of the present village are often confused with those of the Royal Burgh of Roxburgh, which was situated two miles away on the Friars' Haugh next to the once mighty Roxburgh Castle. There is, however, little doubt that people have lived on the site of the present village for centuries. Lewis Jones, Roxburgh's oldest inhabitant, records his memories of life in the village over the last century and Roxburgh's story is brought right up to date with what goes on in the village now.
The chapter on the church describes the interesting features of the building and graveyard. It details the twenty-one incumbents since 1560 and includes black and white photographs of the last eight ministers.
Life in this rural village has been dependent until recent times on the seven Barony farms, which surround it. The origin of the seven Barony farms is described together with their development through to 2002. A survey, carried out in 2001, describes in detail how the 3014 acres of the seven Barony farms were utilised in that year and what livestock they carried.
The railway came to Roxburgh in 1850 to link the Waverley route with the East Coast main lines. The completion of the viaduct over the River Teviot made this possible but nine men lost their lives when the pier next to the northern abutment of the viaduct collapsed on 20th June 1849. The resulting trial at Jedburgh failed to resolve the cause of the catastrophe and to this day it remains uncertain.The Roxburgh Railway line was closed in 1968 but we are very fortunate to be left with the magnificent fourteen arch viaduct to admire, the disused tracks to ramble along and the vivid memories of John Forsyth who spent his working days on this railway line.
The village school used to be a vibrant institution but it closed itself in 1986 through lack of children. The history of schooling in the village before 1850 is sketchy but thereafter each head teacher is listed together with fascinating anecdotes of what went on in the schoolroom.
Both the River Tweed and River Teviot flow through the parish before they meet at the junction pool in Kelso. Some fascinating climatic conditions are described together with the importance of salmon fishing in both rivers. Stories of that distinguished local fisherman, Rob o' the Trows, are also included.
By way of summary four walks, all starting and finishing at the West End car park, have been devised to show the interesting features of the village mentioned in the text. This book has been printed by Kelso Graphics and is limited to 500 copies. The paperback includes a foreword by the Duke of Roxburghe, twenty coloured photographs and runs to 218 pages.
There are still some copies remaining.
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