My Sword ancestors were born in Ettrick. An Ettrick Hall is mentioned and Hope House in Yarrow. Has anyone heard of these places. ??
James Sword (1752-1834) married Mary Riddel in 1781 at Sellkirk. Their 4 children, Walter, William, Jean and William(2) all born at Ettrick. James and Mary died at Hope House, Yarrow, Sellkirk.
Mary Riddel, daughter of William Riddel and Elizabeth Bruce.
Christian Bryden (c1790-1869) daughter of Walter Bryden and Margaret Greives. Married William Sword. All from Sellkirk as well. Can anyone help with more information ??
Dee Nairn

Ettrick Hall was in the village of Ettrick, next to the schoolhouse, according to the 1871 census.Hopehouse is about two miles closer to Selkirk. In 1871 there were several dwellings there.
Ettrick monumental inscriptions, stone 109:-
In memory of James Sword who died at Hopehouse 21 Dec 1834 aged 82 years.Also Mary Riddell his wife who died 1 Jan 1830 aged 71 years.
If Walter Bryden who died 19 April 1851 aged 83 years,is your Walter, he was the son of William Bryden who died 18 July 1800 aged 82 and Christian Linton who died 18 Oct 1813 aged 84. They married 12 July 1754 at Ettrick.
Margaret

Dear Margaret
Thankyou for the reply. Its often hard to get information anout overseas ancestors when you in Australia, although the internet is wonderful now.
I am sure the Bryden family you mention is mine. All I have on Walter Bryden is that he married Margaret Greive in 1756 at Ettrick, Sellkirk and that he was a farmer. His daughter Christian is my direct branch, (which links in with Walters mothers name as you mentioned). I will look into this further. Thanks again.
Dee Nairn

Dear Dee
The MIs.s for St Mary's Churchyard have several Walter Brydon/Bryden records. The most likely for a Walter who married 1756 is'Walter Brydon, late tenant in Crosscleugh who died 26 Jan 1825 aged 86 years and Marron (sic) Brydon his daughter who died Nov 1817 aged 26 years. Also Margaret Grieve his spouse,who died Jan 1837 also (Isabella?)Brydon their daughter,who died at Ettrick Side 11 Nov 1843.
Margaret in Brisbane

Dear Margaret
Thanks for your reply. I am sure this is my Walter Bryden because my records show he married Margaret Greive. Thanks for that information.
Dee