Jedburgh is a town and former royal burgh in the Scottish Borders, on the Jed Water, a tributary of the River Teviot. It is 10 miles (16 km) from the border with England, and is dominated by the substantial ruins of Jedburgh Abbey . Other notable buildings in the town include Mary Queen of Scots House, Jedburgh Castle Jail, which is now a museum, and the Carnegie library. Jedburgh Abbey is maintained by Historic Scotland and is open to the public. The ruined abbey was the site of a major archaeological dig in 1984 and many of the finds from the excavation are displayed in the modern visitor centre attached to the Abbey ruins.
The Abbey, though much damaged over the years, is still one of the finest late Norman buildings remaining in Scotland. Jedburgh Castle Jail, built in the early 19th century on the site of the medieval castle, is also open to the public. The old name for Jedburgh is Jethart, and the Callants Festival is a long celebration marked by several traditional Common Riding and other local events, culminating in Festival Day. Pipe and drum bands add to the event. Another annual event is the Jethart Hand Ba game, a game of medieval football. The Canongate Bridge in the town dates from the 16th century, and there are some fine riverside walks. The Capon Oak Tree is reputed to be 2000 years old.
