Hawick

Historical significance to Turnbulls:  This historic and picturesque town is located in the “Turnbull region” of the borders.  The oldest document in Hawick is the town charter of 1537.  It was granted by Sir James Douglas.  The Charter grants particles of land to the people mentioned by name.  Turnbull is one the original family names who were granted land at this time.

Interesting Facts: Hawick is the largest town in the Scottish Borders.  It lies on the Teviot River.  The position of the river was important to the town’s growth.  Hawick was founded by the Angles in the 600’s.  It was further developed by the Lovells, a Norman family, in the 1100’s.

The streets of Hawick with town hall.

Hawick was often in the middle of the cross border wars between England and Scotland from the 1300’s through the 1500’s.  Most of the town’s men of fighting age were killed in the Battle of Flodden, September 9, 1513.  In 1514, the town was once again threatened by raiding English troops.  The troops were fought off by the boys, or “callants” of the town who captured the English flag.  This event is commemorated during the annual “Common Riding” each year.

The Hawick Common Riding is the first of the Border festivals each year, taking place in early June.  In addition to celebrating the capture of the English flag in 1514, it reenacts the custom of riding the boundaries of common land.  This is an ancient custom of riding around the boundaries to make sure that no one had encroached and to remind the people where the boundaries were. 

For the past few hundred years, Hawick’s industry has centered around the textile industry.  To this day, many fine textiles can be found in the area.

The Teviot River running through Hawick

Sights to see:  The town of Hawick offers free parking.  One can park and tour many of the interesting sites and streets on foot.

Drumlanrig’s Tower, now home to the Hawick Museum & Scott Gallery, contains exhibits detailing the history of Hawick through the ages.  It was originally built as a Peel House Tower and home of the Douglass family.  The Tower house is located on Hawick’s High Street near the center of town.

interest include the Wilton Lodge Park Walled Gardens, the Hawick Golf Club (18 hole), and the Scottish Academy of Falconry.

Textile places include Peter Scott & Co Ltd, Wrights of Trowmill Ltd, and the Hawick Cashmere Company.

The Hawick Rugby Football Club plays in Mansfield Park.  Be sure to send an extra cheer for player Alistair Turnbull.