Stow of Wedale

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For other places with the same name, see Stow.

Stow of Wedale, or simply Stow, is a Scottish village seven miles north of Galashiels. Population 620 (2004). The name "Stow" is thought to be derived from an Anglic word meaning either "holy place" or "fort" whilst "Wedale" is thought to be derived from the words "Wiche" meaning shrine and "Dahl" meaning valley.^{[dubious – discuss]} Another explanation is that "Wedale" means "Dale of Woe" commemorating, according to local folklore, a battle fought there by King Arthur. Wedale itself is an old name for the vale of the Gala Water, first attested in the 12th century.

Pack horse bridge across the Gala Water, at the south end of Stow

There has been a church at Stow since the 7th century but the earliest example still visible today was built in the late 15th century on the site of the Church of St Mary which was consecrated on 3 November 1242. The church used today, St Mary of Wedale, was built in 1876 and features a 140 foot high clock tower. Our Lady's Well is situated a mile south of the village and was rebuilt in 2000. A rare example of a packhorse bridge, built in the 1650s, can be found in Stow. Stow was an important place in the woollen and agricultural industries in the 19th century.