Kelso Abbey and ancestry grave hunting - May 9

Had a bit of a laugh with a few old codgers last night. As I was 'drawing the curtains' in the lounge room of our accommodation, they stood across the street staring up at me. So I smiled and waved and they waved back and then kept going on their way. Clearly nothing gets past the locals in Kelso!!!

Easy day today as we are going to look at Kelso Abbey (within walking distance) and then drive to Carluke to see if we can locate some of my Martine ancestors from the 1700 & 1800's - ie my 4th to 6th times great grandfathers were all born there.

But, first things first - breakfast. We head off to a local cafe which also has a 'canine menu' and I have a lovely bowl of granola with honey and bananas and Sue has a breaky sandwich with egg and bacon. Once our tummies are full we walk to the Abbey for some photos - it's temporarily closed due to a potential risk of falling masonry.

Kelso Abbey Facts:

  • founded in the 1100's by monks invited by King David I
  • originally settling at Selkirk, the monks relocated to Kelso in 1128, moving close to David's new castle at Roxburgh
  • one of Scotland's largest and wealthiest religious houses

Here's what remains of the once sprawling monastery precinct:




We walked back to the car - with a slight diversion into a shoe shop so Sue could purchase some new sketchers - and headed off to Carluke 🚙.

After visiting two cemeteries and spending about an hour walking amongst the gravestones, we hadn't found any evidence of my ancestors. Bit disappointing, but what was more disappointing was the local kids go to the cemetery at night with drinks and kick down the headstones - shame.

Spending the night in Brighton which is only 20 mins away from our first stop tomorrow - The Kelpies.
Very comfortable place above some shops and really well fitted out.

Scotland is pouring on the sunshine for us. Tomorrow it's going to be 23!!! Heaven

Toodle pips



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