Melrose, Scottish Borders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melrose
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 Melrose
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| Population | 2,500 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NT5434 |
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| 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 |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Melrose is a lovely town in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. Its name comes from an old word, Maolros, which means "bald moor" or "bare peninsula". It's a place with a long and interesting history, especially known for its famous abbey.
Contents
History of Melrose
Ancient Beginnings
The first Melrose was called Mailros. This name meant "the bare peninsula" in an old language called Old Welsh. It was a piece of land by the River Tweed. In the 500s, a monastery was built there. This monastery was linked to a famous saint named St Cuthbert.
This early settlement was mentioned in old records like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. But over time, this first Melrose was left empty. By the 1100s, it was no longer used.
Melrose Abbey and the Town's Growth
In 1124, David I of Scotland became king. He wanted to build a new monastery for a group of monks called Cistercians. The monks chose a spot a bit further west, which is where Melrose Abbey stands today.
The Abbey was founded in 1136. The town of Melrose then grew up around it. In the past, the name Melrose was shown using a mell (a type of hammer) and a rose. The rose stood for the Virgin Mary, to whom all Cistercian abbeys were dedicated.
The Abbey became a ruin after the Reformation. But it is still a very impressive building. Many Scottish nobles are buried there. People also believe that the heart of King Robert the Bruce is buried at the Abbey. Today, Historic Scotland looks after the Abbey ruins.
Nearby Historical Sites
Close to Melrose, you can find the remains of a Roman fort called Trimontium. This shows that Romans were once in this area!
Also nearby is Abbotsford House. This was the home of the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. He is buried at Dryburgh Abbey, which is another beautiful ruin not far from Melrose.
Sports in Melrose
Rugby Sevens: A Melrose Invention
Melrose is famous as the place where Rugby Sevens was invented! This is a faster version of rugby with fewer players. The town has its own rugby union team, Melrose RFC.
Every year in April, the exciting Melrose Sevens tournament takes place. It's the biggest sports event in the town. Rugby has always been very popular in Melrose.
Other Sports
Melrose also has a nine-hole golf course. It's located at the foot of the Eildon Hills. If you like cricket, there's a Melrose Cricket Club too.
Events in Melrose
Melrose Festival
Every June, Melrose holds a week-long festival. A special person called the "Melrosian" is chosen. This person has lived in the town for most of their life. A queen and her court are also chosen from the local primary school.
Borders Book Festival
Melrose is also home to the yearly Borders Book Festival. This event also happens in June. Famous writers and personalities come to the festival. Past guests have included Michael Palin and Ian Rankin.
Other Annual Events
The town hosts the annual Eildon Three Hill Race. Many runners come to take part in this challenging race. There are also the Melrose Pipe Band Championships. Pipers from all over the world come to compete.
Notable People from Melrose
Many interesting people have connections to Melrose:
- King Arthur: Some stories say he is buried in the Eildon Hills, which are near the town.
- James Blair and William Kerr: Both received the Victoria Cross, a very brave award for soldiers.
- Craig Chalmers, Ned Haig, Stuart Hogg, Keith Robertson, Mark Robertson, and Jim Telfer: These are all famous rugby players or coaches from Melrose. Ned Haig actually invented Rugby Sevens!
- Catherine Helen Spence: She was born in Melrose. She later became a famous Australian author, teacher, and a fighter for women's rights.
- Sir Walter Scott: His home, Abbotsford House, is just a few miles from Melrose.
- Richard Curle: An author and journalist.
- Sir Adam Ferguson: An army officer who lived near Melrose.
- Rosie Frew: A local minister who will be a leader for the Church of Scotland in 2025.
- John Robertson Henderson: A zoologist who studied animals.
- Sarah Robertson: A talented field hockey player.
Gallery
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Melrose Abbey
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Eildon Hills
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Abbotsford
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Market Square
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The Roman Heritage Centre
See also
In Spanish: Melrose (Escocia) para niños
