Before the union between Scotland and England in 1707 this was a hotly contested border area, and only fortified buildings survive from earlier times. Patrick’s grandfather and uncle took part in the Jacobite uprising of 1715, and earlier generations of the family had been major players during centuries of border conflict.

Visitors had been less that welcome in the troubled times, but peace and prosperity in the new United Kingdom made it possible to construct this architectural gem just 250 meters from the border. Paxton stands as a fine example of the design and craftsmanship of Adam and Chippendale, and it tells the story of the social and environmental history of the last two hundred years. *

*From the Foreword in the Paxton House guidebook by John Home Robertson.

Prior to the building of the bridge, those wishing to cross the River Tweed between Horncliffe on the English side and Paxton on the Scottish side would have to negotiate the New Water Ford.  This could be quite dangerous, especially if there had been a flood or it was high tide.  As industrialisation took hold there was a growing demand to transport coal and lime from north Northumberland into Berwickshire which made it necessary to bridge the river.

The bridge was designed by Captain Samuel Brown, he used a revolutionary technique to suspend the deck using iron bars instead of cables.

A Grand Opening

We take easy transport for granted, but in 1820 a round trip to the other side could take days.   So the opening of the bridge was cause for a celebration.

On the big day, an excited audience gathered, cramming the river banks on both sides.  Captain Brown raced across the bridge first in an open topped carriage, cheering and waving.  He was followed by a dozen heavily laden carts to prove the strength of the bridge.

With the bridge tested to their satisfaction, hundreds of spectators flooded through the toll gates, marvelling at their new crossing.*

It is still possible for vehicles to cross the bridge, but only one vehicle at a time is allowed.

*Information taken from a plaque by the bridge.

The history of the castle:

The site for the building of Floors Castle is a natural terrace overlooking the River Tweed and facing the Cheviot Hills, the heartland of the Roxburghe Family Estate.

It lies on the opposite river bank to Roxburghe Castle, once the strongest fortress along the former border with England.

In 1721, William Adam was commissioned by the 1st Duke to make additions to the eastern end of an existing tower-house to create a plain, but symmetrical, Georgian country house.

The 6th Duke invited on the Scotland’s leading architect, William Playfair, to remodel the castle between 1837 and 1847. He drew his inspiration for Floors from the highly ornamented picturesque style of Heriot’s Hospital in Edinburgh.

The result is a romantic fairytale castle with its roof scape of turrets, pinnacles and cupolas.

For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out tnchick.

There is nothing better then a nice cup of tea to quench your thirst and refresh the soul.

This cuppa was taken in taken in a building adjoining the walled garden that featured in my previous posts. There were many tempting delights from fresh sandwiches and light lunches to cakes… I was just content with my cup of tea.

Within the cafe there is also a deli counter with pies, quiches and fresh ham and beef off the bone which I am sure the locals enjoy taking home.