MERTOUN
The church of Mertoun existed around the middle of the twelfth century. It was given by Hugh de Morville to Dryburgh. In 1241, the church was consecrated by Bishop de Bernham. Dene David Dewar was vicar of Mertoun in 1483. Having laid claim to the abbey of Dryburgh, a lawsuit ensued regarding the validity of his claim. The case came before the Lords, who, in 1488–89, found that Dewar, being a spiritual person, and the abbacy litigious, the abbot ought to summon him before the spiritual "judge."*
The present church of Mertoun dates back to 1658. Since then, it has undergone many repairs. An old stone, which forms the outer step at the east entrance, is inscribed:
"IVLIE 1658."
On a modern stone above this door, the same inscription appears, while another stone above the west door bears the following:
"Repd 1820."
The building is long and narrow and exceedingly plain.
The bell bears the date 1762.
On the front wall still hangs the old chain, complete with part of the collar of the jougs.
Parish Records.
The east gable is completely covered with ivy, which, along with the neat belfry at the opposite end and the whole structure snugly embowered within leafy shade, gives the little church a decidedly picturesque appearance.
In the interior, there are five old-fashioned square pews belonging to the heritors. One, worthy of special notice, belongs to the Right Hon. Lord Polwarth. It is enclosed with wood to a height of five feet and includes an old-fashioned fireplace.
The site of the original church of Mertoun is about a mile distant, situated in the center of the churchyard, which remains the parish burial ground. The east wall of the original church still stands to a height of about eight feet, and portions of the north and south walls remain. The building was in the Norman style, although all traces of its architectural features have disappeared.
An old sepulchral slab, bearing an ornamental cross carved in relief upon its upper surface, stands near the south wall. It shows considerable antiquity, but no date or inscription appears on it.
The churchyard contains a number of very interesting stones.
On a very plain, much-defaced stone:
"James Mill 1693."
On a small stone dated 1771:
"A budding rose swept doun
By water overfloun
Like a plant of renoun
A sweet flour tho wnrloun (?)"
On a small, very plain stone:
"A L March 17 I L 1691."
On a stone to the memory of John Lockie are these lines:
"Patient was he in his distress
Unto his parents dear,
To serve in glory was his hope,
And learning was his care."
On a small stone:
"Hear Ijs Alexander Lockie, who died the 15 day of Agos 1695.
His age 54."
On another small stone:
"Here Lays George Halliburton, tailer in Ne..., who died Feb 15, 1713, aged ..."
On a tall, narrow, and very peculiarly shaped stone:
"Heir lyis the Body of ane Honest man, John Haitley, who died the 25 day of January 1698.
His eag being 58 years."
On a very small stone:
"Here lyes Bessey Gregg, spoues to John Beety, who died the 10 of March 1699 & of age 40."
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel