Mertoun

Parish No 751 Mertoun is located within the County of Berwickshire which is now known as the Scottish Borders.

"A parish in Berwickshire, extending 6 miles in length along the N. bank of the Tweed, and from 2 to 3 in breadth. The western district is elevated, and is very picturesque. From the top of Bemersyde hill the prospect is grand, comprehending in one view, wood, water, hills, vallies, elegant mansions, and ruinous towers, uncultivated land, and fertile fields. The surface slopes gradually towards the S., and the whole land is inclosed, and in a high state of cultivation ... The parish is beautified by the plantations and pleasure grounds of Harden, the seat of Mr Scott,and by the magnificent ruins of the abbey of Dryburgh, near which the Earl of Buchan has built an elegant seat. The banks of the Tweed possess inexhaustible stores of excellent freestone. Population in 1801, 535."

from Gazetteer of Scotland published 1806, Edinburgh.

History

Mertoun Parish is located close to St Boswells. After looking at my map it does not appear on it although St Boswells does. St Boswells Village has its own website and it can be visited here. In the History section of the site there is information about Mertoun Parish.

Military Records, Monumental Inscriptions, Poll Tax Lists etc

The Borders Family History Society have produced a book called ‘Mertoun Berwickshire Monumental Inscriptions 2’ [ISBN 1 874232 06 9]. I have borrowed a copy of this book from my local Library. These books are great for finding out information on your ancestors. If you had family in this area you can look up the surname index at the back of the book and you can see how many entries you have for this parish. The book contains all monumental inscriptions from Mertoun Parish Graveyard along with information on the Militia Records, Hearth Tax Records, Ministers of the Parish Church and details of the War Memorials. This book is well worth a read for those interested in Mertoun.

Church History

Dryburgh Abbey

Dryburgh Abbey was founded by Hugh de Morville, who was the Lord of Lauderdale and a Constable of Scotland, in 1150. Dryburgh Abbey has a number of high profile people buried here including Sir Walter Scott, Earl Haigh the First World War Commander is also buried here.

Mertoun Old Parish Church

Mertoun Old Parish Church is now a ruin and stands in the graveyard about a mile east of the present day Parish Church. Mertoun Old Parish Church was dedicated to St Ninian a Celtic Saint by David De Bernham in 1241.

Mertoun Parish Church

The present day Parish Church was built in around 1658. The church was extended in 1898. A North Aisle was added along with a Vestry. There is a memorial to the First World War in the Church to the 63 members of the Parish who fought in the war. 9 of these men died during their Service.

Population

Here are some figures showing the parish's population through time:

1755 - 502

1791 - 557

1801 - 535

1811 - 614

1821 - 640

1831 - 664

1841 -

1851 -

1861 - 730

1871 -

1881 – 686

1891 -

1901 -

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