Lauder

Modern town which retains much of it's medieval character.

The former Royal Burgh of Lauder has been in existence from at least the 12th century when King David I granted the town and its lands on the Leader to Hugh de Morville. The design of the town displays several characteristics of a medieval burgh. The main street divides in the town centre to enclose the Market Place and Tollbooth, representing civil authority, while across the street stands the 17th century cruciform church, symbolising spiritual authority. The town gates have long gone, but the course of the town wall can be traced in the back lanes or sides. Lauder is unique among Scottish towns in still retaining its open fields, known as the “Burgess Acres”.