Having Ker(r) ancestors from Sprouston in Roxburghshire, I was interested when I looked at a map of the area to see two nearby places called Kerchesters and Kerquarters. Can anyone shed any light on these? would the names point to a possible link with my Kers who so far go back to Thomas b 1772?
Kerchesters and Kerquarters are old farms within the Roxburghe Estates - probably start with Ker because the Duke(s) of Roxburghe are and were Ker(r)s.
My 1806 book shows (travelling further down the River Tweed from St Boswells): "At the turn of the river is the church of Maxton, about a mile below which is Littledean tower, in former times a seat of the Kerrs." And separately, in the description of the parish of Maxton: "On the farm of Littledean, about a mile east from the church, are the remains of an old tower, formerly the residence of the Kers [sic]..." Then in the list of Chief Seats for Roxburghshire is included: "Ker [sic],-Cavers" the latter being a parish within the county. Hope this is of interest. Cheers, Ward
Kerchester & Kerquarters near Sprouston
Posted - 28 August 2011 : 22:32:31
