Melrose Town House

About Melrose Town House

At roof level of the gable you can see a simple bell. On the front of the building is a memorial tablet, commemorating the fact that the Duke of Buccleuch gifted the Town House to Melrose in 1896. Above this is an armorial panel which probably belonged to Abbot William Turnbull, dating from the 16th century and taken from the Abbey. When it was carved, it was copied from the stamp used to seal the Abbot's documents and consequently its details appear reversed.
In 1813, the Burgh Council provided a new public well and in in 1838 when a local water company was established, the people of Melrose were able to request a piped supply. The Burgh Council was late in introducing street lightning in comparison with other Border towns. It was not until 1836 that gas lightning was installed, fully 10 years after Hawick. Sewage removal was rudimentary in 19th century Melrose and there were several open sewers running through the town. Thankfully these have long gone!
Abbey Street was called "The Bow" until 1826, a name derived from the arched entrance gateway to the Abbey precinct which was located here.
At the end of the lane next to Melrose Town House is the site of a Parish School built about 1600.