Background

Newcastleton is an excellent example of a planned village. It was established in 1793 to a plan by William Keir of Whithaugh for the third Duke of Buccleuch as a settlement for handloom weavers. The village streets and squares are all laid out on a grid pattern with plenty of open spaces. there is a large gathering place in the centre called Douglas Square, to the east the streets go down to reach Liddle Water.

Plan of village circa 1793

The weaving enterprise was not successful, partly because of the remoteness of the village, the inhabitants had to make a living in other ways. Each house was given land, (one acre for a single storey, two acres for two storeys), and many grew crops and kept livestock. The street pattern of the village has changed little over the years and is well preserved today, as a walk round the village will show. It is a quiet and peaceful place and sits in the heart of some fine countryside.

The village tapestry, which is presented in detail over the following pages tells the history of the village as it has progressed through the last 200 years. The tapestry can be seen, along with many other artifacts, at the HERITAGE CENTRE in the village. The centre is open Easter - end of September from 1.30-4.30 every day except Tuesdays.