Ecclefechan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ecclefechan
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 Ecclefechan
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| Population | 880 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NY193748 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LOCKERBIE |
| Postcode district | DG11 |
| Dialling code | 01576 |
| Police | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Fire | Dumfries and Galloway |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Ecclefechan (in Scottish Gaelic Eaglais Fheichein) is a small village. You can find it in Dumfries and Galloway in the south of Scotland.
This village is well-known as the birthplace of Thomas Carlyle. He was a famous writer and thinker.
Ecclefechan sits in the valley of the Mein Water. This is a small river that flows into the River Annan. The village is about 6 miles (10 km) south of Lockerbie. It is also 5 miles (8 km) north of Annan. The English border is about 8 miles (13 km) to the northwest. The A74(M) motorway runs just north of the village. Junction 19 is very close by.
The main street of the village, called the High Street, has a small stream running under it. This stream goes through a covered channel called a culvert. Dr George Arnott paid for this culvert to be built in 1875.
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What Does Ecclefechan Mean?
The name Ecclefechan was first written down as Egilfeichane in 1507. It comes from an old language called Common Brittonic. This language was spoken in Britain a long time ago.
The first part of the name, eglẹ:s, means "a church". The second part is like the Welsh word fechan, which means "little". So, the name Ecclefechan probably means "little church".
Some people think the name might be linked to a 7th-century Irish saint. His name was Féchín of Fore. However, the "little church" meaning is more likely.
How Ecclefechan is Governed
Ecclefechan is part of a larger area for government. This helps decide who represents the village.
Representing Ecclefechan in the UK Parliament
For the UK Parliament, Ecclefechan is in the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale area. The person who represents this area is called a Member of Parliament (MP). Currently, David Mundell from the Conservative Party is the MP.
Representing Ecclefechan in the Scottish Parliament
Ecclefechan is also part of the South Scotland region for the Scottish Parliament. It is in the Dumfriesshire area. The person who represents this area is called a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Oliver Mundell from the Conservatives is the current MSP.
Local Government for Ecclefechan
For local matters, Ecclefechan is part of the "Annandale East + Eskdale Ward". This ward is looked after by the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area. The village does not have its own local council.
Interesting Places to Visit
Ecclefechan has some cool historical spots.
Thomas Carlyle's Birthplace
The house where Thomas Carlyle was born is called "The Arched House". It is a popular place for visitors. The National Trust for Scotland has looked after it since 1936. Carlyle's mother lived on a farm nearby called Scotsbrig. He once wrote about seeing the Caledonian Railway being built from there. He also mentioned the many railway workers from other parts of the UK and Ireland.
Burnswark Hillfort
Ecclefechan is at the bottom of a large ancient fort. This fort is called Burnswark. It is a Caledonian hillfort. The Roman army attacked it in 140 AD. Its flat top stands out on the horizon.
Hoddom Castle
Hoddom Castle is a historic building. It is located about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of the village.
Robgill Tower
Not far from the village is the Robgill Tower. The Clan Irvine built this tower. In the 1880s, a house was added next to it. The tower was one of many buildings put up along the border. They helped protect against attacks from the English.
Famous People from Ecclefechan
Many notable people have connections to Ecclefechan.
- Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) was a famous writer and historian. He was born at The Arched House in Ecclefechan. When he was 13, Carlyle walked 84 miles (135 km) to Edinburgh for university. He later lived at Craigenputtock with his wife. He loved his hometown and asked to be buried in Ecclefechan churchyard. He was buried there on February 5, 1881.
- Archibald Arnott (1772–1855) was Napoleon's doctor. He was with Napoleon on St Helena. Arnott was born in Ecclefechan in 1772. He came back to Ecclefechan when he retired. He was also buried in the village churchyard.
- William Harkness (1837–1903) was an astronomer. He was born in Ecclefechan.
- Janet Little (1759-1813) was a poet. She published a book of poems in 1791. She was born in Ecclefechan parish. She lived at the same time as the famous poet Robert Burns.
- James Bryson (J.B.) McLachlan (1869-1937) was a Scottish-Canadian trade unionist. He was also a communist politician. He was born in Ecclefechan in 1869.
Ecclefechan's Culture and Fun Facts
The village has some interesting links to culture.
- The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759–1796) wrote a song. It was called The Lass O' Ecclefechan.
- Ecclefechan also has a story linked to the Guinness family. It's about a "Whistling Ploughboy" from Ecclefechan. This story was written by Derick Bingham.
- "Oor Wullie" is a character from a Scottish comic strip. He once got a day off school for spelling "Ecclefechan" correctly! Also, characters from another comic, The Dandy, once talked about the Great Battle of Ecclefechan.
Local Food and Drink
Ecclefechan is known for some tasty local products.
- The Ecclefechan tart is a sweet pastry. It became very popular in 2007. A supermarket called Sainsbury's sold it as a Christmas treat. It is made with butter and dried fruits in a pastry shell. A version made by Walkers is now sold all over the United Kingdom.
- The Fechan is a type of blended Scotch whisky. The label on the bottle shows the Arched House.
