Newtown Street

About Newtown Street

28 Newtown Street was originally called ‘Clackmae’. This is reputedly one of the oldest houses in Duns. This building dates from the 18th century but may incorporate some 17th century fabric.
It has incredibly thick walls and a steep roof pitch indicating that it was originally thatched. Notice the round headed arch window in Gourlay’s Wynd. Opposite this building is no. 43 Newtown Street.
This was built in 1843 in the Jacobean style as the Boston Free Church School and has a number of decorative panels.
Although Boston died in 1732, his local influence was so strong that at the time of the Disruption in the mid-19th century, the local Free Church and its school were named in his honour. As you can see, the former schoolhouse is richly ornamented with carved stone plaques. Above the central window on the attic floor is a carved scroll bearing the inscription “Boston Free Church School” and at the first floor, above the right hand door, is a burning bush and the title “School of Industry – Feed My Lambs”. The panels above the doors are scallop shaped.
To the left on Newtown Street is the former British Linen Co Bank building (no. 24). It was built in 1845 by William Waddell, with a Georgian extension to the rear.
Half way along Newtown Street is no. 29 with its simple and elegant doorpiece. This house was built around 1741 although it was re-fronted and extended in the early 19th century. There is a barn and a stable to the rear of the building. In 1780, the house belonged to the quartermaster for the 4th Regiment of Horse.
Retrace your steps and continue along Newtown Street. As you walk, look up towards roof level on your right and see the crowstep gables from nos. 34 to 40. This end of Newtown Street saw traders buying and selling horses in the 19th century. At the end on the right is a 19th century villa which houses a local museum; the Jim Clark Room