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Jedburgh Attractions
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Jedburgh
Scottish Borders Attractions
Jedburgh is one of the four Abbey towns of the Scottish Borders. Jedburgh has been occupied by the English and French and has benn attacked many times through the centuries due to its position near to England. It is where Mary Queen of Scots lived for some time in a tower house which is now a museum dedicated to her life and death.
Jedburgh Mercat Cross
The original ancient Jedburgh mercat cross was replaced by the present cross. The remains of the original cross is a part of the stone unicorn which can be seen in Mary Queen of Scots House museum.
Mary Queen of Scots
House and Museum
Mary Queen of Scots lived here for a period when recuperating from an illness in 1566. The tower house has been preserved as it was in the 16th century. The house holds many important documents and belongings of Mary . This House is full of the life of Mary and her demise. A museum to the life of a great Queen and a tragic end at the hands of a family member.
Mary's Last Letter
Mary Queen of Scots last letter
Mary’s last letter is one of the most poignant ever written. It explains to the King of France, brother of her beloved first husband, that her Catholicism would not allow her to accept the stay of execution offered by Elizabeth if she agreed to renounce her faith.
Mary's Last Letter
Mary Queen of Scots last letter
Mary’s last letter is one of the most poignant ever written. It explains to the King of France, brother of her beloved first husband, that her Catholicism would not allow her to accept the stay of execution offered by Elizabeth if she agreed to renounce her faith.
Translation of Mary’s last letter from French
Queen of Scotland
8 Feb 1587
​
Royal brother, having by God’s will, for my sins I think, thrown myself into the power of the Queen my cousin, at whose hands I have suffered much for almost twenty years. I have finally been condemned to death by her and her Estates, I have asked for papers, which they have taken away, in order that I might make my will, bit I have been unable to recover anything of use to me, or even get leave either to make my will freely or to have my body conveyed after my death, as I would wish, to your kingdom where I had the honour to be queen, your sister and former ally.
Tonight, after dining, I was advised of my sentence: I am to be executed like a criminal at eight in the morning. I have not had time to give you a full account of everything that has happened, but if you will listen to my doctor and my other unfortunate servants, you will learn the truth, and how, thanks to God, I scorn death and vow that I meet it innocent of any crime, even if I were their subject. The Catholic faith and the assertion of my God given right to the English crown are the two issues on which I am condemned and yet I am not allowed to say that it is for my Catholic religion that I die, but for fear of interference with theirs. The proof of this is that they have taken away my chaplain and, although he is in the castle, I have not been able to get permission for him to come and hear my confession and give me the Last Sacrament, while they have been most insistent that I receive the consolation and instruction of their minister, brought here for that purpose. The bearer of this letter and his companions, most of them your subjects, will testify to my conduct at my hour. It remains for me to beg Your Most Christian Majesty, my brother-in-law and former ally, who has always protested your love for me, to give proof now of your goodness on all these points: firstly by charity, in paying my unfortunate servants the wages due them – this is a burden on my conscience that only you can relieve: further, by having prayer offered to God for a queen that has borne the title Most Christian, and who dies a Catholic, stripped of all her possessions. As for my son, I commend him to you in so far as he deserves, for I cannot answer for him. I have taken the liberty of sending you two precious stones, talismans against illness, trusting that you will enjoy good health and a long and happy life. Accept them from your loving sister-in-law, who, as she dies, bears witness of her warm feeling for you. Again I commend my servants to you. Give instructions, if it please you, that for my soul’s sake part of what you owe me shall be paid, and that for the sake of Jesus Christ, to whom I shall pray for you tomorrow as I die. I be left enough to found a memorial mass and give the customary alms.
You’re most loving and most true sister,
Mary R
To the Most Christian King and brother and former ally.
Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh Abbey was founded in 1138 by David I as an Augustinian priory. A church or monastery has been on this site from the 9th century. This Abbey was the place of the coronation of Malcolm IV, King of Scotland from 1153 until his death in 1165. The other historic time was the marriage of Alexander III, King of Scots from 1249 until his death 1286,
when he fell from his horse.
Sir David Brewster
One of Jedburgh's sons, David Brewster was to become one of the most important inventors of all time and the rector of the University of Edinburgh. DAVID BREWSTER K.R. Born Jedburgh in 1781 and died in Edinburgh in 1868. David Brewster was one of the most important inventors of our time inventing the kaleidoscope, lenticular stereoscope, binocular camera, polyzonal lens, lighthouse illuminator, polarimeter. He also was instrumental in the development of fibre optics and lasers.
Jedburgh Museum Castle and Jail
The first castle on this site was built circa 1140 by King David I. When David I died, his 12-year-old grandson Malcolm became, King Malcolm IV. Malcolm IV died at Jedburgh castle in 1165 at the age of 23. Jedburgh Castle was demolished in 1409 by the scots to stop the English from using the Castle as a Fortress against the Scots. It was 1823 before the present structure was built. The prison was built in the form of a castle but was a debtor’s prison for men, women and children and closed in 1868. The prison is now used as a living museum. Haunted by ghost of executed prisoners many strange things have been heard and experienced.
Jedburgh Rock of Ages
This Rock that stands in the gardens of Mary, Queen of Scots, House Museum in Jedburgh is thought to be over 1400 years old and carvings from circa 8th century are visible. The rock was the base of an ancient cross that stood in Bongate Jedburgh. It may have also be used for other purposes.
