Jedburgh ChurchesThe town of Jedburgh has played host to an ancient Christian heritage spanning over 1300 years. There are unconfirmed reports of Christian worship in Gedwearde (one of the ancient names for Jedburgh) from a far back as 700AD. Certainly, bishop Ecgred of Lindisfarne had some presence and influence in the area from around 850AD. Some would claim that Gedwearde is the oldest established parish in Scotland, although the historical evidence is somewhat sparse! Opposite the Abbey on the southern exit of the town stands the parish church of Old and Trinity. It was built in the late 19th century and was designed to be in keeping with the old Abbey, where the congregation met until the move to the new building in 1875 . The architect was Thomas Henry Wyatt of London and this is the only example of his ecclesiastical work in Scotland. Its architectural style is Early English and it is built of stone quarried from the Eildon Hills, about 12 miles away near Melrose. It has been described as a being in 'a very fine basilica style.' Visit Jedburgh Churches website HERE where you will find links to the various churches in Jedburgh, detailing their service times and contact details, as well as other events. Also check the Events page HERE for activities hosted by the various churches.
We are situated in a vast varied countryside area of outstanding beauty, the largest town in the 100 miles between Newcastle and Edinburgh.
This one of the few areas of Britain (indeed, Europe) where the full range of stars can be seen at night.
We have many leisure and sports facilities, including a swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, bowling green, fishing, and an 18 hole golf course, as well as an extensive pathways network for walking, horse riding, and cycling.
Our 12th Century Abbey was the site of a major archaeological dig in 1986. It is maintained by Historic Scotland and is open to the public (entrance charge). Many of the more important finds from the excavation are displayed on site in the modern visitor centre attached to the Abbey ruins.
The Abbey, though much damaged over the years, especially by invasions from England, is still one of the finest late Norman buildings remaining in Scotland. Now roofless, part of the church was used as the parish church into the 19th century.
Jedburgh Castle Jail, built in the early 19th century on the site of the medieval castle, is also open to the public. It has a permanent exhibition of conditions as they were for prisoners, and ad-hoc displays of features of the town.
Jedburgh is the Historic Gateway to Scotland
The Canongate Brig dates from the 16th century, and there are some fine riverside walks.
Jedburgh Square is central to the Jethart Callant's Festival where each year hundreds of horses enter to mark the several rideouts to places of historical importance to the town. This is accompanied by both pipe and brass bands.
Another annual event is the Jethart Hand Ba' game, held in February. There are many players (as many as want to join in) who are part of two teams, the Uppies and the Doonies. The Handba' is played throughout the town, sometimes lasting well into darkness. It is a spectacle worth seeing (and even better to participate in!).
The Capon Oak Tree is reputed to be over 1000 years old, and is recognised as one of the most significant trees in Britain.
It is maintained by Historic Scotland and is open to the public (entrance charge). Many of the more important finds from the excavation are displayed on site in the modern visitor centre attached to the Abbey ruins.
The Abbey, though much damaged over the years, especially by invasions from England, is still one of the finest late Norman buildings remaining in Scotland. Now roofless, part of the church was used as the parish church into the 19th century.
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