The 1684 Great Fire of Kelso

On April 8, 1684, the town of Kelso, a modest settlement in the Scottish Borders, was consumed by a devastating fire that left hundreds homeless and shattered livelihoods. Though Kelso is now known for its scenic beauty and rich history, the tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of early Scottish towns and the impact of fire on communities long before modern firefighting and insurance practices were established. This blog post delves into the origins of the fire, the havoc it wrought, and the broader implications for the town and the surrounding regions.