Texthouse New Era in Kelso Corn Exchange
It’s an exciting new era for Texthouse! After several happy years at Dunsdalehaugh in Selkirk, we’re moving our office to Kelso, to be nearer home. We’re delighted to have found new accommodation in The Corn Exchange, a lovely building in Woodmarket in the centre of town.
The Corn Exchange is a listed building dating back to 1855, and has a fascinating history. According to British Listed Buildings, it was built by public subscription at a cost of £3,000, and a corn market was held there weekly. The street names Woodmarket and nearby Horsemarket are further reminders of commercial activities in the area. Since my Kelso grandparents lived in Horsemarket when I was growing up, I’m no stranger to the sound of cobbles!
The Corn Exchange is thought to be where the annual hiring fair was held for the 19th century Borders women farm workers known as ‘bondagers’. The bondagers were famously portrayed in a wonderful stage play by Sue Glover, so it’s great to find a creative connection for our writing business.
According to the Scottish Cinemas site, from 1917, Kelso Corn Exchange also housed a cinema – The Corn Exchange Picture House – which ran for nearly 20 years.
In the meantime, Kelso Corn Exchange has been refurbished and is home to two other businesses, the Gentle Touch dental practice and Kelso Health & Wellness.
So we look forward to our new start in Kelso, and to meeting our new neighbours.
