Anniversary Address. 38l 



Branxholme had no doubt been a strong feudal castle, 

 having been for a time the principal residence of the 

 Buccleuch family, until it was destroyed by fire in the 

 reign of Elizabeth. Branxholme was held by Sir Thomas 

 Inglis of Manor, in the reign of James the First. He ex- 

 changed it with Sir Walter Scott of Kirkurd. Tradition 

 imputes the exchange to a conversation, in which Inglis, 

 who was a man of mild disposition, complained of the 

 injuries to which he was exposed by the English. Sir 

 Walter Scott agreed to exchange the lands of Murdiestone 

 for one half of the Barony of Branxholme, and when the 

 bargain was completed, he dryly observed that the cattle 

 in Cumberland were as good as those in Teviotdale. James 

 the Second granted to him and to David his son, the 

 remaining half of the barony. In 1570-1, the castle was 

 destroyed, but it was repaired and enlarged the same year 

 as appears by an inscription in front. The castle has for 

 many years been the residence of the Commissioner of the 

 Duke of Buccleuch. 



The party resumed their carriages, and drove to the 

 remains of an ancient camp — nothing was known of its 

 history — and afterwards took the road to Harden, the resi- 

 dence of the noted freebooter, Walter Scott, who married 

 the " Flower of Yarrow," by whom he had six sons. One of 

 them being slain, and his brothers wishing to avenge his 

 death upon the offenders, Walter Scott, the father, caused 

 them to be secured in the dungeon of the Tower, while he 

 hurried to Edinburgh and stated the crime, and obtained the 

 land of the offenders at Gilmanscleugh ; and then releasing 

 his sons, shewed them the charter, and encouraged them 

 to take possession, saying the lands of Gilmanscleugh were 

 well worth a dead son. 



Harden is situated on the top of a steep hill,and any attempt 

 to have taken it in the face of a vigilant force would have been 

 attended with great risk. We got admission to the house. 

 The children only were at home, but a young son very 

 courteously exhibited several interesting miniatures of the 



