Scottish History Abounds In The Town Of Melrose
Scottish History Abounds In The Town Of Melrose
The Scottish town of Melrose is filled with both Celtic and Roman history. Roman and pre-Iron Age ruins are abundant in the Tweed Valley and near the River Tweed. In the north west of Melrose stands one of the unique Scottish dry-stone round towers, Torwoodlee. This land was inhabited by the broch-lairds who may have been put there by the Romans to watch over the sheep pastures. The historic Melrose Abbey also lies in this town. The heart of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king, is buried in this abbey. That is not the only famous burial, however. It is said that the final resting place of King Arthur is in the Eildon Hills, overlooking the town.
There are several historic towers in Melrose, used during the Border conflicts. One group of three towers nearby in Darnick has only one remaining, the Darnick Tower, which overlooks the village. To the north west, there were three more towers, two of which remain and have been restored. The Smailholme Tower is arguably the most famous, as it was the home of a young Sir Walter Scott. It is open to the public and offers amazing views at the top.