OS1/29/18/112
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FERNEYHIRST CASTLE | Ferniehirst Castle Fernyhirst Castle Fernihirst Castle |
G. Rutherford Esqr. Jedburgh Estate Plan Blackwood's County Map of Roxbro. [Roxburgh] Burgh Records of Jedburgh Rev: [Reverend] Dr. [Doctor] Aitken Minto Manse Rev: [Reverend] R. Ritchie Jedburgh G. Hilson Esqr. Stobie's County Map of Roxburgh Origines Parochiales (Map with first vol [volume]:) |
021.09 | [Situation] 35 chains S.E. [South East] of Lintalee. On the right bank of the Jed Water, nearly opposite the Stronghold of the Douglas, stants Ferniehirst, in ancient times the mansion of the Kers, the vassals of the Douglas, and the bailies of the abbey of Jedburgh. It is thought that no part of the present structure is older than the end of the sixteenth century. It occupies the Site of a baronial fortress, erected in 1410 by Thomas Ker, a person distinguished in border warfare, and Called by him Ferniehirst. No information exists as to its form, but, according to Surrey's Letter to Henry VIII it "stode marvelous Strong, with a grete woode". There can be little doubt that the name was given to the house as descriptive of the locality in which it Stood - on a terrace or bank in the middle of an Oak wood. Sometime ago the remains of this baronial abode were converted into a farmhouse, and the "Chapel into a Stable". This place has been the scene of many a fray. Not a spot around the mansion but has been drenched in blood. The day after the Earl Surrey had taken Jedburgh, in 1523, he despatched Lord Dacre with eight hundred men to assault Ferniehirst. Ker was taken Captive. It is Said by Surrey that the house was thrown down, but it Seems to have been afterwards repaired and Strengthened by the English, for in 1549 it Stood a Severe Siege by the French general, who was then in possession of Jedburgh, aided by Sir John Ker himself & the inhabitants of the district. In this engagement the English were repulsed with great loss, and the Keep finally retaken by the Scots. In 1569 the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Egremont Ratcliffe, and other leaders of the English insurgents, found Shelter at Ferniehirst. Next year (1570) the Earl of Sussex penetrated into Teviotdale, and onto only laid in ruins this Stronghold, but other fifty towers & peels &c. Extracts from Jeffrey's History of Roxburgh. For further information See History |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 112Parish of Jedburgh
Sheet 21. No. 9 T. [Trace] 6.
Thomas Watson
2nd. Corp: R.E. [Corporal Royal Engineers]
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