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Riddell

Settlement in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Riddell

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.
A horse reflection at Riddell Credit: Walter Baxter

Riddell is a small village located in the historic county of Roxburghshire, in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Situated approximately 2 miles north-west of the town of Lilliesleaf, Riddell is known for its picturesque setting amidst rolling hills and verdant countryside.

The village is home to a relatively small population, with a tight-knit community feel. Its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.

Riddell is renowned for its rich history and heritage, with several notable landmarks and historical sites to explore. One of the most prominent features is Riddell House, an impressive mansion that dates back to the 17th century. This grand building is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, adding to its charm and allure.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the nearby Riddell Estate, which encompasses an extensive area of woodland and offers numerous walking trails. The estate is also home to the Riddell Tower, a striking 19th-century structure that provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

While Riddell may be small, it boasts a strong sense of community spirit. The village hosts various events throughout the year, including summer fairs and Christmas markets, which bring locals and visitors together to celebrate and enjoy each other's company.

In conclusion, Riddell is a quaint village nestled in the heart of Roxburghshire, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat for those seeking tranquility and a taste of Scotland's rich history.

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Riddell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.507299/-2.7773621 or Grid Reference NT5124. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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.
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.
The General’s 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2142196">NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell</a>.
The General’s 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.
Sheep at Riddell This winter feeding station is by a farm track.
Sheep at Riddell
This winter feeding station is by a farm track.
The caphouse on the General’s 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell</a>.
The caphouse on the General’s 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.
A crest above the entrance door to the general’s 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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098037">NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell</a>.
A crest above the entrance door to the general’s 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.
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.
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.
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
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.
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
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.
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 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
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.
Riddell Mill This is the site of a former watermill.
Riddell Mill
This is the site of a former watermill.
A farm road on the Riddell Estate This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.
A farm road on the Riddell Estate
This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.
Riddell South Bridge The bridge spans the Ale Water on the Riddell Estate. There is a sign at the junction of the estate road to the southeast and the B6400 warning of a maximum weight of two tonnes for this bridge.
Riddell South Bridge
The bridge spans the Ale Water on the Riddell Estate. There is a sign at the junction of the estate road to the southeast and the B6400 warning of a maximum weight of two tonnes for this bridge.
A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum For a view of the mausoleum, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7098055">NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum</a>.
A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum
For a view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.
Field track to Riddell A pleasant walk through farmland near the Ale Water.
Field track to Riddell
A pleasant walk through farmland near the Ale Water.
Sheep grazing near Riddell Estate land near the ruined house at Riddell. Left of centre is a stone bridge taking the track over a minor burn.
Sheep grazing near Riddell
Estate land near the ruined house at Riddell. Left of centre is a stone bridge taking the track over a minor burn.
Ale Water bridge at Riddell A handsome single arched stone bridge in the Riddell estate.
Ale Water bridge at Riddell
A handsome single arched stone bridge in the Riddell estate.
Remains of the former Riddell House The gaunt remains of the house, a roofless ruin with substantial tree growth within. The house is on the site of an old peel tower which might date back to the 14th century. The house was extended and changed over the years but burnt down in 1943 to leave this shell standing. Further details can be found on the Canmore website at <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/55483/riddell" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/55483/riddell">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Remains of the former Riddell House
The gaunt remains of the house, a roofless ruin with substantial tree growth within. The house is on the site of an old peel tower which might date back to the 14th century. The house was extended and changed over the years but burnt down in 1943 to leave this shell standing. Further details can be found on the Canmore website at LinkExternal link
Doorway to the former Riddell House The doorway on the south side of the ruined house, destroyed by fire in 1943. It appears that a plaque or stone above the door has been removed. The ruin is of course fenced off as it is clearly in a potentially dangerous state. For more details see the Canmore website at <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/55483/riddell" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/55483/riddell">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Doorway to the former Riddell House
The doorway on the south side of the ruined house, destroyed by fire in 1943. It appears that a plaque or stone above the door has been removed. The ruin is of course fenced off as it is clearly in a potentially dangerous state. For more details see the Canmore website at LinkExternal link.
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Riddell is located at Grid Ref: NT5124 (Lat: 55.507299, Lng: -2.7773621)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///timer.landmark.cable. Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders

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