Our Jed Valley
THE JED VALLEY
The Jed Valley is an area within the southern Scottish Borders that has many
historical links to the history of Scotland and the Border Reivers. There are many
settlements, some quite remote, alongside the A68 trunk road, which is one of the
most picturesque routes into Scotland from Carter Bar a vantage and the crossing
point between Scotland and England. There are remains of peel towers, hill forts, and
remote cairns as we shall endeavour to explain in the following text. The map of the
Jed Valley Community Council area sets the tone for the narrative.
THE CAPON TREE
The Capon tree lies at the northern end of the Jed Valley Community Council area.
The Capon Tree is reputed to be one of the last remaining oak trees from the ancient
Jedforest. It is thought to be in excess of 500 years old.
It is located south of Jedburgh off the A68 and adjacent to Jed Water. Its massive
trunk, about 10metres in diameter, has a split so much so that the trunk and
branches need to be supported by a system of props.
The ancient Jed Forest was once part of a great northern forest. The Capon tree is
still alive and stands in a small public access area where in 2002 the Tree Council
erected a plaque to recognise its place as one of 50 great British trees.
CARTER BAR STANDING STONE
Carter Bar lies at the southern most tip of the Jed Valley Community Council area.
Carter Barr is the crossing point between Scotland and England on the A68 at
Redesdale in the Cheviot Hills. It is about 1370 ft (418 m) above sea level. It is a
popular stopping point for people to look out over the beautiful and expansive
Scottish Borders countryside. There is a large “Border Stone” on either side of the
A68 originally created by a local border stonemason - Edy Laub. Carter Bar was the
scene of border skirmishes between the Scots and English and the location of Truce
Days held by the Lord Wardens of the Marches.
RAID OF REDESWIRE
On the 7th July 1575 a skirmish took place at Carter Bar between the Scots and
English. It is heralded as the first major skirmish after the Battle of Pinkie Cleuch and
the last major battle between the two countries. Sir John Carmichael assembled a
small band of men at Lillesdale in preparation to meet Sir John Forster and his army
at Carter Bar for a truce. Carmichael feared the meeting could turn into a battle as
Forster was well known for his double dealing. The truce did not turn out well and
insults were exchanged between the sides resulting in a battle. The English with their
bows and cannon were getting the better of the Scottish gun and pikemen. However
the English were finally routed by the timely arrival of cavalry reinforcements from
Jedburgh. To this very day the Common Ridings in Jedburgh recite the ballad of the
rout.
JED WATER
The Jed Water is approximately 25 miles long, rising in the Cheviot Hills and is part of the important catchment area of the River Tweed. Jed water is fed by numerous streams, burns, sikes and the like as it weaves its way through the Jed Valley to the Teviot Water and ultimately into the River Tweed. Obviously water levels rise and fall with the season and disturbance of the natural flow can seriously affect the surrounding farmland as well as the many domestic dwellings and agricultural holdings that depend upon springs and boreholes for their water supplies.
SWINNIE PLANTATION
This is one of the smallest woodlands managed by the Forestry Commission Scotland and for its size has a good mix of coniferous and broadleaf trees. It is a popular area for recreational activities such as walking, horse riding mountain bike trials. It is also a haven for wildlife. An area has been set aside for picnics and from the higher levels there are good views of the surrounding countryside.
AULD COACHING BRIG
We were recently informed of an old bridge near to Overton Bush that is thought to be of historical interest as it seems that it was used in the 1700's as a stage coach crossing of Richards Cleuch on the old road into Jedburgh. Today it is falling into disrepair and is in danger of disappearing altogether in the near future. It was locally known as "Richards Cleuch Bridge" but that honour is attributed to another bridge higher upstream which has gained recognition by HIstoric Environment Scotland. If you know of anything of the bridges history we would like to hear from you.
Chairman’s Note: Members of the public are invited to forward an original brief article of geographical or historical interest from within the Jed Valley for inclusion in “Our Jed Valley” by forwarding it to one of the three Ward Councillors representing the Jed Valley. We look forward to hearing froim you.
Jed Valley Community Council reserve the right to edit any article submitted for publication.
