Greyfriars Garden

Greyfriars Garden is an unassuming place in the centre of Jedburgh, hidden away behind the car park for the local Co-op. The garden is now somewhere to sit and enjoy a bit of peace, and the layout reflects medieval interest in horticulture. Even though nothing remains standing above ground, what remains is still the most extensive Franciscan Friary to be seen in Scotland. In the 15th century, Sir Andrew Ker of Ferniehirst provided this site so that the religious order of St Francis might establish a community in Jedburgh. To distinguish them from the ‘black friars’ of the Dominican order, the Franciscans were known as ‘grey friars’ from the colour of their habit or gown. Unlike other orders, the ‘grey friars’ had close links with the community and they provided services such as healing the sick and teaching the locals.