ELLEM, as already stated, was a separate parish until 1712. Concerning its history, we know almost nothing. The church was dedicated by Bishop Bernham in 1243. Thomas Brown, the parson of Ellem, swore fealty to Edward III after the battle of Halidon Hill (1333) and, in return, received protection for his person and parsonage.*
The remains of the old church are situated on an elevation on the north bank of the Whitadder, close to Ellemford, about three miles above Abbey St. Bathans. The foundations are easily traced, and a small portion of the south wall is still standing.
The churchyard appears to have been very small. Only two or three stones are lying about in confusion.
On a large horizontal stone:
"Here lyeth James Scovgal in Eel ... who died the 5
of Nov. 1627, of his age the 75 years.
Memento Mori."
On a similar stone:
"Heir lyeth James Scovgal who died in 25 day 1691."
The following is a list of the ministers of Ellem from 1567 until its incorporation with Longformacus:
Robert Flint, Reader — 1567 to 1585
Matthew Liddell — 1585 to 1591
Robert Levingstoun — 1593 to 1595
James Gaittis — 1595 to 1596
George Reidpath, M.A. — 1596 to 1627
Robert Home, M.A. — 1635 to 1645
Patrick Home — 1649 to 1650
William Home — 1652 to 1653
Zacharias Wilkie, M.A. — 1654 to 1683
John Brown, M.A. — 1684 to 1713
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel