Things to see and do Jedburgh

Founded in 1138 by David I, Jedburgh Abbey is one of the four great abbeys built in the Borders in the Middle Ages. It is also one of the best preserved and its influence was such that it owned as many as twenty churches in the surrounding area. Its location close to the border, however, did not bring it luck and it was a prime target during the many conflicts with England, such as the wars of independence. We still appreciate the quality of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture despite the damage of time.

This magnificent fortress-like building was built as a prison in 1823, on the site of an old castle destroyed in 1409. Prisoners lived here until it was closed in 1868. Here you can learn about prison life in the 19th century and the history of the convicts who had to endure it. Some claimed that it was the most comfortable penitentiary in Scotland... In its centre, the small historical museum tells the story of the town's past, its people and its traditions.

The unhappy Queen Mary Stuart spent a month here in October 1566. She was visiting her adviser, secret lover and future husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in the Hermitage Castle. This beautiful 16th century stone house retraces his life, as tragic as it is fascinating. We discover for example one of his hair, a death mask, and his last thoughts in the Last letter room. It is all very informative, against a backdrop of politics, betrayals, murders and lies.