Peebles
Encyclopedia
Peebles is a burgh
in the committee area of Tweeddale
, in the Scottish
Borders
, lying on the River Tweed
. According to the 2001 Census, the population was 8,159.
, Peebles played a role in the wool
len industry of the Scottish Borders up until the 1960s. Although one woollen mill remains operational in the town, the industrial composition of Peebles has changed; the town is now home to many people who commute to work in Edinburgh
as well as being a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. In the mid-to-late 19th century, this included health tourism, centring around hydropathic establishments, which over time morphed into hotel format, with Peebles Hydro Hotel being one of the few survivors of that era. Notable buildings in the town include the Old Parish Church of Peebles
and Neidpath Castle
. Other local attractions include a museum
and the Kailzie Gardens. Peebles has the highest shoe shop to population ratio in the UK. It has won multiple awards for an excellent range of shops on its High Street.
and Eddleston Water
(locally called "the Cuddy"). The Tweed flows west to east, and the Eddleston flows from the north, turning to flow south-west 300 yards before the confluence. This south-westerly turn demarcates a raised triangular piece of land, open to the east but contained by the rivers to the south and north. The name is generally accepted to come from the Brythonic
pebyll tents, signifying a temporary settlement.
The eastern side was defended in historic times by a town wall, which ran in an east facing arc, through which the road to Glentress passed at the East Gate. The road passing through this gate, the Eastgate, is one of four gates in Peebles, the others being Northgate, Bridgegate (where the Eddleston Water was crossed to the north of town), and Ludgate (the western gate of the town), now called Young Street.
At the junction of Eastgate and Northgate roads, where the Eastgate becomes High Street, is an ancient market cross. The present-day market is held in the station car park, to the north and south ends of which are the remains of the town wall.
Peebles High Street runs parallel with the Tweed along the spine of a ridge, at the west end of which is the parish church.
Church. The church was founded in 1195. It was destroyed (along with many other Borders abbey
s and priories) by the soldiers of Henry VIII
. The stones of the ruins were pilfered for many other local buildings leaving only the tower standing amongst the gravestone of the churchyard. Another ancient church in the town is the Cross Kirk, founded in 1261. Although now mainly ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a prominent part in the local festival.
The annual local festival in Peebles is called the Beltane
, and involves (as with many Borders festivals) a Common Riding
. The Beltane culminates with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a girl chosen from one of three local primary schools) along with her court, including the likes of the First and Second Courtiers, Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer; on the steps in front of the parish church. The adult principal of the festival is the Cornet
, a local young man chosen by the organising committee on a basis of being considered worthy of representing the town, who then carries the town standard for a year.
To the west of the town is Neidpath Castle
, which can be reached on foot through Hay Lodge Park, the route offering spectacular views of the castle. The castle is now closed to the public.
On the south side of High Street are the old burgh
offices. These incorporate the town's library, art gallery and local museum. The building occupied by these are called the Chambers Institution
, being deeded to the town by William Chambers, a member of the Chambers publishing family who originated in the town. Chambers' house can be found on the oldest street in Peebles - Biggiesknowe.
Peebles is no longer connected to the railway network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar and Broughton Railway
had lines that connected Peebles to Edinburgh
and Galashiels
.
at Melrose
.
A hillside to the north of the town is dominated by the Peebles Hydro
Hotel. The town is surrounded by hill country on all sides and is therefore an attractive centre for the hillwalker and cyclist. From a car park 2km south of the town, a network of tracks and paths ascend the slopes of Cademuir Hill. The highest point (416m) is easily accessible, despite being within a forestry plantation and off the paths.
In 2005, a study by the New Economics Foundation
ranked Peebles as the best town in Scotland (second best in the UK, after Hebden Bridge
in Yorkshire
), for range of independent shops and 'home town identity'.
Burgh
A burgh was an autonomous corporate entity in Scotland and Northern England, usually a town. This type of administrative division existed from the 12th century, when King David I created the first royal burghs. Burgh status was broadly analogous to borough status, found in the rest of the United...
in the committee area of Tweeddale
Tweeddale
Tweeddale is a committee area and lieutenancy area in the Scottish Borders with a population of 17,394 at the latest census in 2001 it is the second smallest of the 5 committee areas in the Borders. It is the traditional name for the area drained by the upper reaches of the River Tweed...
, in the Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
Borders
Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders is one of 32 local government council areas of Scotland. It is bordered by Dumfries and Galloway in the west, South Lanarkshire and West Lothian in the north west, City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian to the north; and the non-metropolitan counties of Northumberland...
, lying on the River Tweed
River Tweed
The River Tweed, or Tweed Water, is long and flows primarily through the Borders region of Great Britain. It rises on Tweedsmuir at Tweed's Well near where the Clyde, draining northwest, and the Annan draining south also rise. "Annan, Tweed and Clyde rise oot the ae hillside" as the Border saying...
. According to the 2001 Census, the population was 8,159.
History
Initially a market townMarket town
Market town or market right is a legal term, originating in the medieval period, for a European settlement that has the right to host markets, distinguishing it from a village and city...
, Peebles played a role in the wool
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
len industry of the Scottish Borders up until the 1960s. Although one woollen mill remains operational in the town, the industrial composition of Peebles has changed; the town is now home to many people who commute to work in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
as well as being a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. In the mid-to-late 19th century, this included health tourism, centring around hydropathic establishments, which over time morphed into hotel format, with Peebles Hydro Hotel being one of the few survivors of that era. Notable buildings in the town include the Old Parish Church of Peebles
Old Parish Church of Peebles
The Old Parish Church of Peebles is the main church in Peebles, Borders, Scotland. It is a congregation of the Church of Scotland. Dedicated on 29 March 1887, it lies at the end of the High Street....
and Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle is an L-plan rubble-built tower house, overlooking the River Tweed about 1 mile west of Peebles in the Borders of Scotland. The castle is closed to the public.-History:...
. Other local attractions include a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
and the Kailzie Gardens. Peebles has the highest shoe shop to population ratio in the UK. It has won multiple awards for an excellent range of shops on its High Street.
Location
Peebles lies at the confluence of the River TweedRiver Tweed
The River Tweed, or Tweed Water, is long and flows primarily through the Borders region of Great Britain. It rises on Tweedsmuir at Tweed's Well near where the Clyde, draining northwest, and the Annan draining south also rise. "Annan, Tweed and Clyde rise oot the ae hillside" as the Border saying...
and Eddleston Water
Eddleston Water
Eddleston Water is a small river north of Peebles, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland which joins the River Tweed at Peebles. It is also known locally as "The Cuddy"....
(locally called "the Cuddy"). The Tweed flows west to east, and the Eddleston flows from the north, turning to flow south-west 300 yards before the confluence. This south-westerly turn demarcates a raised triangular piece of land, open to the east but contained by the rivers to the south and north. The name is generally accepted to come from the Brythonic
Brythonic languages
The Brythonic or Brittonic languages form one of the two branches of the Insular Celtic language family, the other being Goidelic. The name Brythonic was derived by Welsh Celticist John Rhys from the Welsh word Brython, meaning an indigenous Briton as opposed to an Anglo-Saxon or Gael...
pebyll tents, signifying a temporary settlement.
The eastern side was defended in historic times by a town wall, which ran in an east facing arc, through which the road to Glentress passed at the East Gate. The road passing through this gate, the Eastgate, is one of four gates in Peebles, the others being Northgate, Bridgegate (where the Eddleston Water was crossed to the north of town), and Ludgate (the western gate of the town), now called Young Street.
At the junction of Eastgate and Northgate roads, where the Eastgate becomes High Street, is an ancient market cross. The present-day market is held in the station car park, to the north and south ends of which are the remains of the town wall.
Peebles High Street runs parallel with the Tweed along the spine of a ridge, at the west end of which is the parish church.
Historic features and traditions
The oldest building in Peebles is the tower of St Andrew'sSaint Andrew
Saint Andrew , called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. The name "Andrew" , like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews from the 3rd or 2nd century BC. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him...
Church. The church was founded in 1195. It was destroyed (along with many other Borders abbey
Abbey
An abbey is a Catholic monastery or convent, under the authority of an Abbot or an Abbess, who serves as the spiritual father or mother of the community.The term can also refer to an establishment which has long ceased to function as an abbey,...
s and priories) by the soldiers of Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
. The stones of the ruins were pilfered for many other local buildings leaving only the tower standing amongst the gravestone of the churchyard. Another ancient church in the town is the Cross Kirk, founded in 1261. Although now mainly ruins, the Cross Kirk plays a prominent part in the local festival.
The annual local festival in Peebles is called the Beltane
Beltane
Beltane or Beltaine is the anglicised spelling of Old Irish Beltaine or Beltine , the Gaelic name for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on the first day of May.Bealtaine was historically a Gaelic festival celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.Bealtaine...
, and involves (as with many Borders festivals) a Common Riding
Common Riding
Common Riding is an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns and in some other places, to commemorate the times of the past when local men risked their lives in order to protect their town and people.- Hawick :...
. The Beltane culminates with the crowning of the Beltane Queen (a girl chosen from one of three local primary schools) along with her court, including the likes of the First and Second Courtiers, Sword Bearer and Standard Bearer; on the steps in front of the parish church. The adult principal of the festival is the Cornet
Cornet
The cornet is a brass instrument very similar to the trumpet, distinguished by its conical bore, compact shape, and mellower tone quality. The most common cornet is a transposing instrument in B. It is not related to the renaissance and early baroque cornett or cornetto.-History:The cornet was...
, a local young man chosen by the organising committee on a basis of being considered worthy of representing the town, who then carries the town standard for a year.
To the west of the town is Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle is an L-plan rubble-built tower house, overlooking the River Tweed about 1 mile west of Peebles in the Borders of Scotland. The castle is closed to the public.-History:...
, which can be reached on foot through Hay Lodge Park, the route offering spectacular views of the castle. The castle is now closed to the public.
On the south side of High Street are the old burgh
Burgh
A burgh was an autonomous corporate entity in Scotland and Northern England, usually a town. This type of administrative division existed from the 12th century, when King David I created the first royal burghs. Burgh status was broadly analogous to borough status, found in the rest of the United...
offices. These incorporate the town's library, art gallery and local museum. The building occupied by these are called the Chambers Institution
Chambers Institution
The Chambers Institution is home to the Tweeddale Museum and Gallery, a museum, library and art gallery at Peebles in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland....
, being deeded to the town by William Chambers, a member of the Chambers publishing family who originated in the town. Chambers' house can be found on the oldest street in Peebles - Biggiesknowe.
Peebles is no longer connected to the railway network. In years past, the Symington, Biggar and Broughton Railway
Symington, Biggar and Broughton Railway
The Symington, Biggar and Broughton Railway Company was a railway in southern Scotland. It was later absorbed by the Caledonian Railway, and is now closed...
had lines that connected Peebles to Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
and Galashiels
Galashiels
Galashiels is a burgh in the Scottish Borders, on the Gala Water river. The name is often shortened to "Gala" .Galashiels is a major commercial centre for the Scottish Borders...
.
Notable people
Traditionally, a person born in Peebles was called a gutterbluid, although few people can now claim that distinction as Peebles no longer has a hospital. Most babies are born in Edinburgh or Borders General HospitalBorders General Hospital
The Borders General Hospital is a hospital, operated since 1988 by NHS Scotland, situated on the outskirts of the town of Melrose, Scotland. The hospital created over 1000 jobs in the Borders and has a bed capacity of 328. It offers a wide range of treatments, the BGH has an Accident and Emergency...
at Melrose
Melrose, Scotland
Melrose is a small town and civil parish in the Scottish Borders, historically in Roxburghshire. It is in the Eildon committee area.-Etymology:...
.
- Eric BogleEric BogleEric Bogle is a folk singer-songwriter. He emigrated to Australia in 1969 and currently resides near Adelaide, South Australia.-Career:...
, folk musician, born in Peebles in 1944 - John BuchanJohn Buchan, 1st Baron TweedsmuirJohn Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir was a Scottish novelist, historian and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since Canadian Confederation....
practised law in Peebles, and his house (opposite the old Sheriff CourtSheriff CourtSheriff courts provide the local court service in Scotland, with each court serving a sheriff court district within a sheriffdom.Sheriff courts deal with a myriad of legal procedures which include:*Solemn and Summary Criminal cases...
) bears a commemorative plaque - Robert ChambersRobert ChambersRobert Chambers was a Scottish publisher, geologist, proto-evolutionary thinker, author and journal editor who, like his elder brother and business partner William Chambers, was highly influential in mid-19th century scientific and political circles.Chambers was an early phrenologist, and was the...
, publisher and author of Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation - Mungo ParkMungo Park (explorer)Mungo Park was a Scottish explorer of the African continent. He was credited as being the first Westerner to encounter the Niger River.-Early life:...
is likewise commemorated, at a house on the north of the Cuddy, where he practised medicine - Callum James GreensCallum James GreensCallum James Greens is a Scottish music executive, record producer, radio producer and web entrepreneur. Greens is the founder and director of the UK record label DimeRock Records.-Early life:...
(Music Producer) born in Edinburgh and raised in Peebles. Attended Peebles High School
Facilities
Peebles has three primary schools, the state Kingsland and Priorsford Schools and the Roman Catholic Halyrude Primary School. Peebles also has the largest secondary school in the Scottish Borders, Peebles High School, which is attended by pupils from all over Tweeddale.A hillside to the north of the town is dominated by the Peebles Hydro
Peebles Hydro
Peebles Hydro is an early 20th century four star country house hotel and spa resort in Peebles, in the Scottish Borders at the south of Scotland....
Hotel. The town is surrounded by hill country on all sides and is therefore an attractive centre for the hillwalker and cyclist. From a car park 2km south of the town, a network of tracks and paths ascend the slopes of Cademuir Hill. The highest point (416m) is easily accessible, despite being within a forestry plantation and off the paths.
In 2005, a study by the New Economics Foundation
New Economics Foundation
The New Economics Foundation is a British think-tank.NEF was founded in 1986 by the leaders of The Other Economic Summit with the aim of working for a "new model of wealth creation, based on equality, diversity and economic stability"....
ranked Peebles as the best town in Scotland (second best in the UK, after Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is a market town within the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, in West Yorkshire, England. It forms part of the Upper Calder Valley and lies 8 miles west of Halifax and 14 miles north east of Rochdale, at the confluence of the River Calder and the River Hebden .A 2004 profile of...
in Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
), for range of independent shops and 'home town identity'.
Further reading
Full text at Google Books.- Joe Brown and Iain Lawson, History of Peebles: 1850-1990 (Mainstream) 1990.