I arrived in Jedburgh yesterday evening fatigued and with aching feet, but I was excited to arrive at my lovely accommodation on Old Bridge Road in the center of the historic old town. Here is the “old bridge” over Jed Water, and just on the other side of it is my small apartment!
And here is the interior, a comfortable place to relax, spread out, drink tea, cook a meal, and wash my clothes!
After a restful night, I woke up to some morning rain which provided a good excuse to linger over breakfast. The blustery wind soon blew the clouds away, at least for a few hours, giving me a chance to visit a few sights in Jedburgh. Just across the river was the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Center, located in a 16th century tower house typical of the Borders region. It is believed that Mary lodged here during her visit to Jedburgh in 1566.
I enjoyed viewing the rooms and displays that chronicled the tumultuous life and times of Mary Queen of Scots, and I am always keen to learn more about her. When the rain started up again in the afternoon, I spent some time at my apartment reading more about the relationship between Mary and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I and about the letters they exchanged over their long association as rival queens.
After visiting the museum, I made my way to the high street where I took a few photos on my way to Jedburgh Abbey.
Jedburgh Abbey is the most complete of the four Border Abbeys, all of which suffered multiple attacks and destruction by the English over the centuries. It was founded in around 1138 by King David the First of Scotland. He founded many abbeys in the region, including Melrose and Dryburgh, both for religious and political purposes. By creating magnificent abbeys so close to the English border, he was making a statement of his power and claim to the land. There was an excellent audio guide that provided so much interesting and well-presented information about the creation of the abbey, its architectural, social, and political changes over time, and the life of the Augustinian canons who worked, worshiped, and lived there. The abbey is stunning!
Here are some other images from the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey.
And also some close ups of the intricate stone carvings. So much devotion to a task!
After visiting the Abbey, I walked up to the top of the high street for a quick photo of the castle, as well as one of the high street and distant hills taken from in front of the castle gate. The rain was starting and I was ready to return to my comfortable little apartment for some more rest and relaxation before resuming my walk tomorrow morning, up and over those hills beyond the town.
Goodnight from historic Jedburgh.
