Cavers Auld Kirk, Hawick for sale.

[William Douglas]

Cavers Auld Kirk, Hawick is for sale at an asking price of £249,995.

Cavers Auld Kirk is a beautifully presented detached traditional former Church in a peaceful setting within 1¼ acres of ground bounded by a mature woodland which has undergone extensive renovations to provide what is now a superior family home with a blend of traditional and modern features.

Situated in the heart of the former Cavers Estate, this is a stunning grade ‘B’ listed dwellinghouse which has been completely renovated by the current owners to provide bright and extremely spacious family home in a peaceful location. Upgrading works include:- new timbers and slates on the roof, installation of a central heating system and radiators, re-wiring throughout and new wood flooring, skirtings, facings and doors throughout. All windows have also been renewed with double glazed hardwood frames and ‘K’ glass as well as new bathroom and kitchen fittings throughout. The internal decor has been tastefully finished to a very high standard and the doors are finished in pine with wrought iron traditional latches

Robert The Bruce rewarded ‘The Good’ Sir James Douglas with lands spread across Scotland. These included Cavers, granted in 1320. Sir James had been Bruce’s trusted lieutenant at Bannockburn in 1314, and was key to his power base in southern Scotland. Bruce confirmed this in 1324 with the "Emerald Charter", giving James criminal jurisdiction over his own estates, as well as excusing the lords of Douglas from certain feudal obligations. By tying Douglas to his side, Bruce was ensuring his own position, and also ensuring a supply of men at arms for Scotland’s defence against the English.

James Douglas, Esq. of Cavers (1822-78) was the 20th and last, the male line becoming extinct.

William Elphinstone Malcolm married James' sister, Mary Douglas of Cavers in 1857. She produced a daughter, Mary, in 1859, but died tragically in childbirth. He married again in 1866, but had no more children. Mary had inherited from her mother the great estate of Cavers near Hawick. She married Capt. Edward Palmer in 1879 and produced a son and heir to both properties – Archibald Palmer Douglas. When Mary died in 1949, aged 90, the death duties payable on her estate were fatal to the family’s fortunes. Her son had pre-deceased her, so her eldest grandson, James, took over Cavers, and her youngest, John, Burnfoot (another Malcolm property).

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[William Douglas]

Contributed:
Your piece on Cavers Auld Kirk contains some inaccurate information. Whilst it is true that Mary Malcolm, wife of William Elphinstone Malcolm did die in childbirth her daughter Mary did not inherit the Cavers estate from her as her mother's brother James Douglas was still alive and the current Laird of Cavers at that time. He died in 1878, leaving no heirs which is why the young Mary inherited the estate from her Uncle James Douglas. She had to Disentail the estate in 1880 in order for to take control of Cavers. Mary actually had two sons, Malcolm who died aged 22 in 1902 and Archibald who was known as Archibald Palmer Douglas, Younger of Cavers, as his mother was still alive. He never actually inherited the estate, having predeceased her. Mary also outlived her husband Edward Palmer Douglas (died 1933)