Christian Heritage in the Borders

by John Dent and Rory McDonald

Christianity is 2,000 years old and, for at least sixteen centuries, the region now represented by Scottish Borders has been part of the Christian world. These years have left a legacy of personalities, structures, and events, such as:
Cuthbert, one of Britain’s most revered saints, born in Lauderdale and associated with Old Melrose and St Abbs, the Border Abbeys, built as the showpiece of Scotland’s “front window”, but later savaged by border warfare, the “Bishops’ Wars” and “Killing Times” of the 17th century, when the Borders became a battleground.

This book examines the history of the Christian church in the region, its effects on the land and people, and the buildings and other remains that are visible testament to its fortunes over the centuries.

Scottish Borders contains many places of exceptional interest, and to help the reader experience some of these, the text contains a list of sites with access arrangements.

Published 1998; 64pp; 248mm x 186mm; 8 colour & 22 half tone illustrations; ISBN 0 9530438 1 9 (pb) £5.00