Lilliesleaf

Settlement in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Lilliesleaf

Lilliesleaf is a small village located in the Scottish Borders region of Roxburghshire. Situated on the banks of the River Teviot, it is surrounded by picturesque countryside and offers a tranquil setting for its residents and visitors alike.

With a population of approximately 300 people, Lilliesleaf maintains a close-knit community feel. The village is known for its charming traditional architecture, with many houses dating back several centuries. The historic St. Mary's Church, built in the 12th century, is a prominent feature in the village, showcasing its rich heritage.

Lilliesleaf offers a range of amenities, including a local shop, a village hall, and a primary school. The village also boasts a popular pub, providing a social hub for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy a traditional Scottish meal or a pint of local ale.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the stunning surrounding countryside, ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring. The nearby Harestanes Visitor Centre offers various outdoor activities and events for all ages, making it a popular destination for families.

For history enthusiasts, Lilliesleaf holds significant importance. It was here, during World War II, that the secret Auxiliary Units were established. These resistance groups were trained to operate in the event of an invasion, and a memorial now stands in the village to commemorate their bravery.

Overall, Lilliesleaf is a charming village with a rich history, offering a peaceful and picturesque retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Lilliesleaf Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.517123/-2.7406713 or Grid Reference NT5325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lilliesleaf Parish Church

The first church on this site was said to be built in 1110 and replaced in 1430. The present church was built in 1771 and extended in 1883 and 1910 with the addition of a bell tower. This photo was taken at 11.50 on Christmas Day.

Walter Baxter

Lilliesleaf Churchyard

This view of the southeast part of the churchyard was taken from the entrance to the Riddell burial aisle.

Walter Baxter

A symbolic gravestone at Lilliesleaf Churchyard

The head of the winged soul on this lichen-covered portrait headstone is missing.

Walter Baxter

A horse reflection at Riddell

A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field.

Walter Baxter

The Generalâs Tower at Riddell

This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

Sheep at Riddell

This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

Walter Baxter

The caphouse on the Generalâs Tower at Riddell

The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

A crest above the entrance door to the generalâs Tower

The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

Mixed farmland at Lilliesleaf

The fields were viewed from the B6400 opposite Lilliesleaf Parish Church.

Walter Baxter

An old Riddell milepost

The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see NT5225 : Old milepost.

Walter Baxter

The Sprot family mausoleum

This small mortuary chapel surrounded by a locked iron railed enclosure is situated about 80m south of the General’s Tower on the Riddell Estate. Three window tablets are inscribed with details of Sprot family members.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF JAMES LEWIS BOYD SPROT, WHO DIED AT SCHOOL AT EALING NEAR LONDON, 25TH APRIL 1857 AGED 13 YEARS. THIRD SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ROXBURGHSHIRE. ALSO MARK GEORGE SPROT, CAPTAIN OF THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS SECOND SON ON MARK SPROT, WHO AFTER A LONG ILLNESS DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT THE HOTEL BYRON, LAKE GENEVA ON 16TH SEPTEMBER 1853 AGED 28 YEARS. ALSO EDWARD WILLIAM SPROT, OF DRYGRANGE FOURTH SON OF MARK SPROT WHO DIED AT DRYGRANGE 1ST FEBRUARY 1898 AGED 52 YEARS AND IS BURIED AT MELROSE. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF ELIZABETH, THE BELOVED WIFE OF MARK SPROT, RIDDELL, AND ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN SHEWELL OF CLAPHAM COMMON WHO DIED SUDDENLY AT EDINBURGH MUCH REGRETTED 9TH FEBY 1871 AGED 60 YEARS. ALSO MARK SPROT ESQR OF RIDDELL WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 21ST NOVEMBER 1883, AGED 82 YEARS. ALSO LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ELDEST SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, LATE 83RD FOOT AND 91ST HIGHLANDERS WHO DIED AT RIDDELL 19TH MARCH 1907 AGED 77 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF GEORGINA MARY SPROT, THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL JAMES SPROT, ASST ADJUT GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND AND THIRD DAUGHTER OF HENRY E. SURTEES ESQR OF REDWORTH HALL & CO DURHAM & DANE END & HERTS WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 16TH MARCH 1876 AGED 27 YEARS. ALSO IN MEMORY OF HER INFANT DAUGHTERS LOUISE SPROT, WHO DIED AT FORT GEORGE 1873 AND IS BURRIED AT ARDERSEER GEORGIE CAROLINE SPROT, WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 1876 AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THIS VAULT ALSO CECELIA ELIZABETH SPROT THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL J. SPROT OF RIDDELL, AND DAUGHTER OF THE REVD. WILLIAM BLAKE DOVETON OF CORSTON SOMERSET WHO DIED AT EASTBOURNE 8TH JUNE 1884 AGED 32 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter