The History of Newcastleton

Founded in 1793

Newcastleton was established in 1793 by Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, as part of the agricultural improvements sweeping through Scotland in the late 18th century. The village was carefully planned with a distinctive layout featuring wide streets and a central square, reflecting the enlightened urban planning of the era.

Locally, the village has always been known as Copshaw Holm, a name that harks back to the area's earlier history and geography. The "holm" refers to the flat land beside the Liddel Water, while "Copshaw" has uncertain origins but may relate to local family names or landscape features.

The Debated Land

Before Newcastleton's founding, this area was part of what historians call "The Debated Land" - a wild frontier zone between Scotland and England that was subject to dispute and conflict for centuries. This unique status arose because neither Scotland nor England could effectively govern the region, leaving it in a state of near-lawlessness.

The Debated Land stretched from the Solway Firth to the Cheviot Hills, encompassing the lands around Liddesdale where Newcastleton now stands. It wasn't until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, that serious efforts were made to bring order to the region.

Geography and Strategic Importance

The area's strategic importance came from its position straddling the Anglo-Scottish border. The challenging terrain of hills, forests, and mosses (boggy areas) made it difficult for either kingdom to assert control, while providing perfect refuge for those who lived by raiding and rustling.

Border Reiver Heritage

The Scottish Borders, including the area around Newcastleton, was home to the infamous Border Reivers - families who engaged in raiding, cattle rustling, and feuding from the 13th to the early 17th centuries. The word "reive" means to rob or plunder, and these families developed a unique culture that existed outside the normal laws of both kingdoms.

Life in Reiver Country

The Reivers lived in a harsh world where loyalty to family and clan was paramount. Famous Border families included the Armstrongs, Elliots, Grahams, and many others. They built fortified houses called peel towers for protection and developed their own code of conduct.

Raiding was so common that the word "bereaved" - meaning to be robbed or deprived - comes from this period. The phrase "red-handed" originated from being caught with the blood of stolen livestock on your hands, while "blackmail" referred to the protection money paid to Reiver families.

The End of the Reiving Era

When James VI & I united the crowns in 1603, he was determined to pacify the Borders. He renamed it "The Middle Shires" to emphasize that it was no longer a frontier, and implemented harsh measures against the Reiver families. Many were hanged, transported, or forced to disband. By the mid-17th century, the Reiving way of life had largely disappeared.

The Modern Village Takes Shape

Nearly 200 years after the Reivers were suppressed, the Duke of Buccleuch saw the potential of these Border lands for organized agriculture and settlement. Newcastleton was laid out as a planned village to support the estate's farming activities and provide a market center for the surrounding area.

19th Century Development

Throughout the 1800s, Newcastleton grew as a center for agriculture, forestry, and small industries. The village developed a strong sense of community identity, maintaining connections to its Border heritage while embracing new opportunities brought by improved roads and later, railways.

The distinctive street layout remains largely unchanged from the original 1793 plan, making Newcastleton an excellent example of late 18th-century Scottish planned village design.

20th Century and Beyond

The 20th century brought changes as traditional industries evolved. Forestry became increasingly important with the expansion of what would become Kielder Forest. The village maintained its agricultural connections while adapting to modern life.

In recent decades, Newcastleton has become known for outdoor recreation, particularly the world-class 7Stains mountain biking trails in the surrounding forests. The village has also maintained its cultural traditions, including the annual music festival and the Copshaw Common Riding, which celebrates Border heritage.

Preserving Our Heritage

Today, Newcastleton takes pride in its unique history, from its Border Reiver past through its founding by the Duke of Buccleuch to its modern role as a gateway to outdoor adventures in the Scottish Borders. The village continues to honor its heritage while looking to the future.

Visitors can still see evidence of the original planned village layout, explore the surrounding countryside where Reivers once rode, and experience a living community that maintains its connections to over 230 years of documented history - and centuries more of Border tradition.