ABOUT PEEBLES
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BORDERS TOWN
Unearth key events in the towns history and discover more about the borders region.
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
From Arthurian Legend, to Roman conquest and the industrial revolution. Peebles is woven from a rich tapestry of history.
IN THE BEGINNING
The remains of numerous hill forts around the burgh of Peebles indicate occupation since at least the early Iron Age, and there are standing stones near the confluence of Lyne Water and the Tweed. The Romans left traces of their military rule in the camp at Lyne, locally known as Randal’s Walls.
THE ROYAL BURGH
The origin of the name Peebles is not fully known; but it may have had its roots in the Cumbric language of the Prince who later became King David the 1st of Scotland and bestowed the title of Royal Burgh on the town in 1152.
PEACE AND CONFLICT
Later in 1301 and again in 1306 Edward I of England visited Peebles. One of Edward's actions was to appoint a new sheriff after the incumbent joined William Wallace in his rebellion against the English crown. This was just the beginning of a long series of royal visits. James III of Scotland came on numerous occasions. Surprisingly given its proximity to the English border, Peebles generally escaped major damage in the wars between England and Scotland. Conflicts that caused such devastation elsewhere in the Borders.
THE CIVIL WAR
1650 saw Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland and the occupation by his armies through the Civil War. During this time the town of Peebles and Neidpath castle were attacked. The castle subsequently surrendering without a fight after artillery demolished part of its west wing during its siege.
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
For the next 200 years things remained subdued as the Industrial Revolution was slow to arrive. As a result, the town stagnated, having been bypassed during the 1840s railway boom, the North British Railway (NBR) diciding that building a railway from Edinburgh to Peebles wasn’t a viable commercial proposition.
THE RAILWAY MOVEMENT
It wasn’t long however before local people took matters into their own hands, planned, built and ran the successful Peebles Railway. This opened in 1855 as a 19-mile branch line linked to the NBR Edinburgh-Hawick route. This was one of the early examples of the 'Cheap Railway Movement' in Britain. Within months, the town's commercial market had reopened, and the first of four woollen mills had begun production.
A REBIRTH
Alongside Industry came tourism and during this renaissance, the local Burgh and Grammar Schools were rebuilt, and the appearance of Peebles changed. New houses used sandstone instead of the local whinstone, and Welsh slates instead of thatch. A palatial Hydropathic was opened in 1881 and in 1887 the Parish Church was rebuilt to meet a growing population. The Victorians had arrived!
FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM PEEBLES
Over the decades, Peebles has been home to a number of prominent individuals, from authors and engineers, to doctors and athletes.
John Buchan Novelist, historian & politician
After a brief legal career, Buchan simultaneously began his writing, political and diplomatic careers. He became an elected Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities in 1927, but he spent most of his time writing, notably The Thirty-Nine Steps.
Doctor Clement Bryce Gunn Physician and writer
In one of his many works “Leaves from the Life of a Country Doctor“ Clement Gunn presents not only his personal memories of his life as a country physician from 1885, but also provides an insight into the tales and traditions of one of Scotland's most beautiful areas.
Alexander William Stewart Architect and engineer
Alexander revolutionised heating, cooling and ventilation in shipping, railways, aircraft and public buildings around the world, including the famous Chrysler Building in New York. During WWI Stewart designed the Thermotank inductor.
TRANSPORT LINKS
The easiest way to get to Peebles is by car. The borders town is located just over 20 miles from Edinburgh and is reachable via a scenic drive along the A703. Alternatively, Borders Buses run a regular service, details are available below.
PEEBLES AND BEYOND
Borders Buses operate services across the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, Lothians, Cumbria and Northumberland.
THE WEATHER
Don’t let the weather stop you from getting out and about in Peebles and beyond. The best place to get up to the minute information and forecasts is via the Met Office link below.
THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER
Whether it’s sunny one moment or dreich the next. The weather is always changing in Britain so be prepared for the worst and hope for the best!
BEYOND PEEBLES
From summer strolls in Dawyck Botanic Gardens, Golfing in Cardrona or kayaking on St Mary's Loch there is more to enjoy in the Borders beyond Peebles.