History over here (in the UK) is really a long time

This was the site of a religious community in Jedburgh.  The Greyfriars were followers of St. Francis.  They earned their shoes after a year, but only when “necessary.”  (Um, this IS Scotland, where shoes are a necessity, trust me).  They would arise at 1:30 a.m. (matins) and retire at 8:00 p.m. 

Jedburgh was not always a royal town (the title burgh is granted by the King along with other priviledges).  It lies along the River Jed.  This was taken on my lovely evening walk.  The sun is setting later and the days seem to stretch so much longer!

A place where Mary Queen of Scots visited. 

Jedburgh Abbey—one of four great abbeys in the border region. 

Jedburgh Abbey again

The Abbey is set majestically on a rise.

Even my B&B has a good story:  BP Charlie stayed just down the street, but his HORSES were stabled on this property on his campaign southward.  Miss Jean Cruickshanks lived here at one time.  She was a very young muse (12) for Robbie Burns, inspiring “A Rosebud by My Early Walk.”  Anyone else creeped out that she sang for him and helped him refine his verse?  The B&B was incredibly comfortable and welcoming, regardless! 

Fulbrighter, Niki Holmes slept here.  

The lovely Melrose Abbey, another of the four border abbeys'

Looking into the body of the church from a bell tower.

Melrose Abbey from the rear.  Unlike Jedburgh, this abbey is nestled into a lovely valley.

Fun Gargoyle 1

Fun Gargoyle 2

A very Scottish Gargoyle--a pig playing bagpipes!

My trail to see both sights and a lovely morning walk!