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Greenlaw
"A town and parish in the county of Berwick. The town is situated nearly in the centre of the county, and is a borough of barony, held in feu from the Earl of Marchmont, who is superior.
After the town of Berwick was taken by the English, the courts of justice were removed to Dunse, and shorterly after established in the town of Greenlaw, which is still the county town.
It contains about 600 inhabitants. The parish extends about 7 or 8 miles in length, and on average 2 in breadth.
The surface is in general level, but has several eminences, which are of considerable height. The soil in the S. part of the parish is a deep strong clay, exceedingly fertile, but towards the N. it becomes wet, and spouty, and of a very inferior quality; and, on the northern borders, is only fit for sheep pasture.
The beautiful house of Marchmont, the seat of the Earl of Marchmont, is situated about a mile or two from the town. It is surrounded with extensive plantations, and beautiful pleasure grounds.
There are the remains of two religious houses, which were dependent on the priory of Kelso. Population in 1801, 1270." from Gazetteer of Scotland published 1806, Edinburgh."
Last updated: 02 February 2000
