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Melrose, Scottish Borders facts for kids

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Melrose
Melrose Town Centre from Quarry Hill - geograph.org.uk - 609004.jpg
Melrose is located in Scottish Borders
Melrose
Melrose
Population Expression error: "Lua error in Module:Tabular_data at line 91: attempt to index field 'data' (a nil value)." must be numeric (2020)
OS grid reference NT5434
Council area
Lieutenancy area
  • Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale
Country Scotland
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town MELROSE
Postcode district TD6
Dialling code 01896
Police Lothian and Borders
Fire Lothian and Borders
Ambulance Scottish
EU Parliament Scotland
UK Parliament
  • Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scottish Parliament
  • Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale
List of places
UK
Scotland
55°35′53″N 2°43′52″W / 55.598°N 2.731°W / 55.598; -2.731

Melrose is a charming town located in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Its name, "Maolros" in Gaelic, means "bald moor." The town is famous for its long history and beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by small villages like Darnick, Gattonside, Newstead, Lilliesleaf, and Bowden.

Melrose's Story

Ancient Beginnings

The original Melrose was called Mailros. This name meant "the bare peninsula" in an old language called Old Welsh. It referred to a piece of land by the River Tweed. In the 6th century, a monastery was built there. This monastery was linked to St Cuthbert. It was mentioned in old writings like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This first settlement, known as "Old Melrose," was left empty by the 12th century.

Melrose Abbey and the Town

Photo of stonework at Melrose Abbey
Mel and Rose symbols carved in stone at Melrose Abbey

In 1124, King David I of Scotland became king. He wanted to build a new Cistercian monastery. The monks chose a spot further west called "Fordel." So, Melrose Abbey was founded there in 1136. The town of Melrose then grew up around this new abbey.

In the past, the name Melrose was shown using a mell (a mason's hammer) and a rose. The rose stood for the Virgin Mary. All Cistercian abbeys were dedicated to her. The Abbey became a ruin after the Reformation. However, it is still a very impressive building today. Many Scottish nobles are buried there. A special box was found that people believe holds the heart of King Robert the Bruce. This box has been re-buried at the Abbey. Historic Scotland looks after the Abbey ruins, and visitors can explore them.

Nearby Historic Sites

Close to Melrose, you can find the remains of a Roman fort called Trimontium. Also nearby is Abbotsford House, which was the home of the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. He is buried at Dryburgh Abbey, another historic site. The Corn Exchange building in Melrose was finished in 1863. The town's war memorial, built in 1920, was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer.

Sports Fun in Melrose

Melrose is very famous for its sports, especially rugby!

Rugby Sevens

Melrose is known as the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. This is a faster version of rugby union. The town has its own rugby team, Melrose RFC. Every year, on the second Saturday in April, the famous Melrose Sevens tournament takes place. It is the biggest yearly sports event in Melrose. Rugby union has always been the most popular sport here.

Other Sports

Melrose also has a nine-hole golf course. It is located at the edge of town, near the Eildon Hills. The Melrose Cricket Club is situated next to the Borders General Hospital.

Melrose Football Club SCIO was started in 1995. It is a local football club for younger players. Boys' teams play in local leagues. Girls' teams are part of Scottish Women's Football. They play in leagues across the Borders and Lothians. Melrose FC is currently the largest girls' football club in the Scottish Borders.

Exciting Events

Melrose hosts several fun events throughout the year.

Melrose Festival

Every June, the week-long Melrose Festival happens. A "Melrosian" is chosen from someone who has lived in the town for most of their life. A queen and her court are also chosen from the local primary school, Melrose Primary School.

Borders Book Festival

Melrose is also home to the yearly Borders Book Festival. This festival also takes place in June. Famous guests have included Michael Palin and Germaine Greer. Writers like Ian Rankin and comedians like Rory Bremner have also attended.

Other Events

The town hosts the annual Eildon Three Hill Race. Many runners come to take part in this challenging race. The Melrose Pipe Band Championships also attract pipers from all over the world.

Famous People from Melrose

Melrose has been home to many interesting people:

Town Twinning

Melrose is twinned with the town of Teba in southern Spain. In Teba, they celebrate Douglas Day every year. This day remembers the Battle of Teba.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Melrose (Escocia) para niños

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