History and Antiquities.—Of prehistoric nations, cairns, barrows, tumuli, and other sepulchral memorials, have been found in different parts of the county. Standing stones, some of them arranged in circles, are found; and the Eildon Hills and other eminences are crowned with forts. On the conquest of this part of the island by the Romans the county was comprehended in the province of Valentin, and Roman roads were carried across it. Some stations were formed by occupying the ancient forte or hill-camps of the natives, and strengthening and adapting them by Roman skill and labour. The camp on the Eildon Hills was thus occupied. A chain of Roman poets may be traced by their existing remains. One of the roads, a con tinuation of Watling-street, may be traced from the Northumbrian border across the county near Jedbargh and Melrose, in the direction of Lander. Coins, vessels of copper and braes, and other Roman antiquities, have been discovered.
On the departure of the Romans this county was attacked by the Angles. The construction of the Catrail, or line of defence, formed of a ditch 26 feet broad, with a rampart 10 feet high on each side of it, extending from near Galasbiela iu Selkirkahire to Peel Fell on the border of Northumberland, and stretching 18 miles through this county, is attributed to this period. Jedburgb Castle was erected in the time of David I. Roxburgh Castle was of as early a date, and at one time of greater importance. Hermitage Castle, near the village of Castletown, was built during the reign of Alexander II. (1214-42); and in following years,but especially after the aggressions of Edward L, arose various castles, towers, and peels, of which many rnius now exist, The ecclesiastical ruins, Kelso, Jedburgh, and MeIrme abbeys, have been noticed already. There are remarkable caves at Jedburgh, Roxburgh, and Ancrurn, which appear to have.been used as habitations, possibly as temporary retreat. during the border wars. There are some remarkable remains of walls in Ancruni parish, forming a quadrangle, inclosing an eminence above which they rose; they are called the Mahan Wall, and are supposed to be the remains of a building belong ing to the Knights of Malta. Smallholm Tower is so conspicuous as
to form a larchnark for seamen entering Berwick harbour.
Roxburghshire appears to have been early established Le a county. The Sheriff of Roxburgh is mentioned in the reign of Alexander L and Darid I. When Edward 1. seized Scotland he placed this county snider military administration. Robert Bruce and Douglas took Roxburgh Castle in 1313, and restored the former administration by a sheriff. The office of sheriff afterwards became hereditary iu the Douglas family, and continued so until the abolition of hereditary jurisdictions. Roxburgh Castle was taken from the English in 1460 by Mary of Gueldres, widow of King James IL, who had fallen during the siege. The calamities of war ruined the town of Roxburgh, which had in the reign of David 1. been a royal residence and the county town. On its downfall Jedburgh became, and has continued to be, the county town.
Statistic,: Beligioaa WorsAip and to the Returns of the Census in 1851 there were 87 places of worship in the county, of which 35 belonged to the Established Church, 17 to the United Presbyterian Church, 16 to the Free Church, 9 to Indesendenta, 4 to Episcopalians, 3 to Baptiste, 2 to Original Seceders, and 1 to Roman Catholics. In 07 of these places of worship the number of sittings provided was 28,259. There were 74 public day school, with 6130 scholars, and 32 private day school. with 1574 scholars. Of Sabbath schools there were 77, with 4473 scholars. Of evening schools for adults there were 3, with 136 scholars. There were 2 literary institutions in the county, with 188 members, and possessing 1090 volumes in their libraries.
Borings Banka—In 1953 the county possessed two seeings banks at Jetlbursh and Kelso. The amount owing to depositors on November 20th 1853 was 31,5251. 19s. 10d.