Originally a 19th century coaching inn, the Royal Hotel has been welcoming visitors to Jedburgh for almost 200 years.
James Douglas, born in Jedburgh in May 1764, was the brother of John Douglas, the master clockmaker. He began his working life as a carrier based in Woodend, but by 1803 had become the innkeeper of a lodging house on Canongate, Jedburgh. Known locally as Mr Douglas’ Inn, it served travellers and townsfolk alike. In 1804, James also served in the Jedburgh Militia. He remained innkeeper until his death in 1825.
One of his three sons, George Douglas, born in Jedburgh on 9 January 1788, initially worked as a farmer. By 1827, he had taken over the inn on Canongate. Around 1826, the establishment began to be known as the Harrow Inn, and later became the Royal Hotel, renamed for the visit to Jedburgh of Queen Victoria in 1867 when her retinue dined here.
The Douglas family, including James and George, were descended from the Douglases of Timpendean.
Notice the carriage pend on the left.
Nearby was the house where Robert Burns lodged during his visit in 1787, when he was made a Freeman of the Royal Burgh.
The Royal Hotel, 21 Canongate, Jedburgh is a Category C Listed Building.
The 14 room hotel passed to a new owner in August 2025 having been put
on the market for an asking price of £425K.
Notes:
James Douglas was born in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, in May 1764
and died there in 1825.
His son, George Douglas, was also born in Jedburgh on 9 January 1788, and died
there on 27 January 1838.
Comment:
Jedburgh is also rich in Douglas history, which can still be experienced today with a visit to the majestic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, Jedburgh Castle Jail or Mary Queen of Scots House – all of which are only minutes walk from the Royal
Hotel.
Contributions:
With thanks to
Sally Douglas for her
contribution. Do you have an ancestor whose
story should be told here? Please let us have the details.
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