Turnbull Trails

Jedburgh

Historical significance to Turnbulls:  A Border town, Jedburgh, located in Roxburghshire, is the seat of the circuit court.  It was the most important town to Bedrule and the sheriff court there determined the fate of many a Turnbull.

The grammar school of Jedburgh was founded by Bishop Turnbull of Glasgow in the middle of the 15^th century.

The poet Thomas Turnbull (1797-1882) was born in Jedburgh.  He later came to America with his mother Sarah Wood and settled in the Scottish settlement of Rossie in New York State.

High Street, Jedburgh, looking down from the castle.

Interesting facts: The original settlement is thought to have been a post Roman capital of the Geddewrd.  It became one of the most powerful religious centers in the Borders in the 1100’s due to the development of an abbey by David I. 

 A side view of Jedburgh Abbey

Jedburgh was frequently invaded by and more than once occupied by the English.  The local men defended themselves against these raids with the famous “Jeddart staff”, a long pole with a metal hook at the tip. 

View from inside the remains of Jedburgh Abbey

The abbey was destroyed by the English in 1544.  In 1548, the French army occupied the town briefly in an effort to help the Scots defend themselves against the English.

Sights to see:  Places to see include the Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Castle and Jail with museum, Mary Queen of Scots house, and the Montieviot House Gardens  The Jedburgh Woolen Mill Outlet is a good place to find fine woolen and sewn items as well as other souvenirs.  Take a riverside walk passing by the Piper's House in Duck Row and the 16th Century Canongate Bridge.  And a visit to Jedburgh is not complete without a stop at the Pheasant Lounge Bar on High Street for a little sticky toffee pudding!