Eccles, Scottish Borders

Watson gives the derivation as most likely from the Welsh (or Cumbric) eglwys meaning church [2] and places with this name element are thought to indicate ancient Christian sites.

Only two barrel-vaulted cells of the east range at the west end of the churchyard survive as well as architectural fragments built into later garden walls, although the parish church, rebuilt in 1774, may include some mediaeval stones.

[9] The Reverend John Lauder, who had previously been the incumbent at Lilliesleaf, was ordained into Eccles 28 May 1691, when objectors opposed to him interrupted the ceremony.

Two of these were Richard Edgar of Newtoun, (an Episcopalian and opposed to the government of William & Mary), and Henry Home of Kames.

On Sunday 31 March 1695 Mr. Lauder was not present at Eccles to take the service, he "being sent to preach in the north as is ordered by the last Assembly that every Presbytery should send so many quarterly there.