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The city emerged in the centre of the county and lies on the southeastern border of the country. Earthenworks ditches and Iron Age hill brochs and forts indicate Pictish people founded communities here. The Romans destroyed many of the original settlements in 140AD. Galashiels obtained a charter in 1124 from David I, which was the first mention of the village in writing.
William Wallace arrived here in 1296 in his pursuit of the Earl of Dunbar, who hid in the Gala Hills. Robert the Bruce gave the Ettrick Forest to Sir James Douglas in 1321, who constructed a fortified tower house here. The town motto “sour plums” developed when Scots caught invading English troops feasting on the plums of local trees. The Scots promptly executed the army.
By 1467, Galashiels established a court system, and records suggest the community already contained numerous industries. Those who appeared in court included blacksmiths, wheel makers and weapons manufacturers. Sir Douglas passed his Galashiels holdings onto the Pringle family. The Pringles constructed the Gala House estate. King James IV proposed to Margaret Tudor at the Galashiels mercat cross in 1503. In honour of the engagement, Margaret received the land of the Ettrick Forest.
During the Battle of Flodden, the Lord of Galashiels and four of his sons died in battle. His remaining son acquired the title of Lord of Galashiels. The final descendant of the Pringle family was a daughter, whose husband acquired the lordship through marriage.
As early as 1585, Galashiels had textile mills, providing a substantial profit. The community received burgh status in 1599 and had a population of about 400 residents. Ten employers manufactured textiles in 1788. This number rose to 35 by 1825. Galashiels had schools and a library before the end of the 1700s. The difficulty with exporting the product added to the retail cost of the product. Galashiel mills became synonymous with superior cloth. Transportation improved with the railway in 1849, bringing imports that included wool.
Though growing and prosperous, social unrest influenced the development of a local police force to maintain order. These mid century years also brought cholera to Galashiels three times. Textile production greatly declined after the First World War, as the community lost over 600 men in battle. Many were mill owner’s sons, leaving families without heirs to continue the business.
Activities and Attractions
Exploring the older part of Galashiels, visitors encounter a number of interesting architectural buildings that include the Burgh Chambers, St. Aiden’s Church and the Old Gala House. Originally built by the Pringle family in 1487, the home now contains a museum, art gallery and conference centre. Guests have the chance to tour the home while enjoying a collection of artefacts. The Pringles resided in the mansion for over 500 years before constructing a new estate. The facility offers a glimpse at the family history and the forming of Galashiels. The art gallery features works created by generations of local artists. The gallery also contains a tearoom, serving refreshments. The property also includes expansive gardens; open to visitors of the museum.
Visitors interested in historic locations might travel to the Crichton Castle. Constructed in the 1400s, the structure contains unusual architectural designs not found in any other castle in Scotland. Pictorial and textual displays show the castle in earlier days while providing the history of the fortress. Sitting in an open field, the roofless medieval fortress remains remarkably intact. The large courtyard features a covered arched walkway. The wall above the hall bears curiously diamond shaped stonework. Climb the tower for amazing views over the countryside and explore the once great kitchen. Other rooms still intact include a space once occupied by the royal smithy. The property also holds the remnants of the equally large stables. The expansive site also has a historic Scotland shop.
Journey to the Eildon Hills and learn about the legend of Thomas Rhymer and the fairies. In the 1200s, Thomas the Lord of Earlston napped under a tree after hunting in nearby Melrose. Legend has it upon awakening; Thomas received a kiss by the queen of the fairies. He reportedly spent seven years with the little people before returning with unusual supernatural gifts. He accurately predicted many events including the demise of Alexander III. He returned from the land of the fairies for seven years and disappeared, never heard from again. The site once holding the famous tree now bears a carved commemoration known as Rhymer’s Stone. The legend lived on in various poems and songs including a verse penned by Rudyard Kipling.
Places to Stay and Dining
Galasheils lodging options include quaint country inns located along the river in the Ettrick Forest. Enjoy pleasant forest walks or fish in the River Tweed. Some facility owners also willingly offer guests the opportunity of learning traditional Scottish crafts.
Enjoy an elegant meal in royal surroundings at the Castle Venlaw restaurant. Favourite main meal dishes include ham or loin chops topped with a honey mustard glaze. Celeriac puree and glazed carrots accompany the dinner.
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