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Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we delve into a harrowing chapter from the 17th century—a time when Scotland grappled with the relentless scourge of the bubonic plague. Our focus is the town of Kelso and the drastic measures its inhabitants took to combat the deadly epidemic. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!

The year was 1645. Scotland was embroiled in the tumultuous Wars of the Three Kingdoms, but an even more insidious enemy lurked within its borders: the bubonic plague. This devastating disease had periodically ravaged Europe since the Black Death of the 14th century, and mid-17th century Scotland was no exception. Towns and villages across the nation were gripped by fear as the plague claimed countless lives.

Kelso, a picturesque town nestled in the Scottish Borders, was not spared. The plague's arrival brought panic and despair. Traditional medical knowledge was scant, and effective treatments were virtually nonexistent. In such desperate times, communities often resorted to extreme measures to halt the spread of the contagion.

Historical accounts from this period reveal that on April 1, 1645, a significant event unfolded in Kelso. It is believed that in an attempt to cleanse the town and eradicate the plague, certain areas were deliberately set ablaze. The rationale was that fire, a purifying force, could destroy the miasma or "bad air" thought to carry the disease. This practice, though drastic, was not uncommon in an era when understanding of disease transmission was rudimentary at best.

The decision to employ fire as a means of purification underscores the sheer terror and helplessness that communities felt during plague outbreaks. Without knowledge of bacteria or viruses, people clung to the belief that diseases were spread through corrupted air or divine punishment. Consequently, burning affected areas seemed a plausible, albeit destructive, solution.

The aftermath of the burning would have been devastating for the residents of Kelso. While the fires may have temporarily assuaged fears of the plague, they also resulted in the loss of homes, possessions, and livelihoods. The already beleaguered population faced the dual hardships of disease and displacement.

It's important to note that Kelso was not alone in adopting such measures. Other Scottish towns, including Leith, faced with similar outbreaks, implemented stringent quarantine regulations and cleansing rituals. In Leith, for instance, the town employed "cleansers" to fumigate and sanitize infected houses, and efforts were made to remove waste and refuse from the streets to combat the plague's spread.

These historical episodes highlight the profound impact of the plague on Scottish society and the lengths to which communities would go to protect themselves. They serve as grim reminders of the challenges our ancestors faced in the absence of modern medical knowledge and the resilience they exhibited in the face of overwhelming adversity.

As we reflect on this somber chapter in Kelso's history, it prompts us to appreciate the advancements in medical science and public health that have transformed our ability to combat such diseases. The burning of Kelso stands as a testament to the desperate measures taken in desperate times—a poignant illustration of humanity's enduring struggle against the invisible enemies of disease.

Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope this exploration into Kelso's past has provided insight into the trials and tribulations faced by our forebears. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!

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