East Ditchburn sign
This sign marks the start of the 3/4 mile track from West to East Ditchburn. It can be followed by foot, on horseback or by tractor, but not by an on-road car. To travel between the two Ditchburns by roads suitable for cars involves a four-mile detour.
History tells us that "In 1422/3 East Ditchburn and the water mill there were worth nothing on account of destruction by the Scots" (History of Northumberland, Ed. Madeleine Hope Dodds, vol.xiv p414). Nevertheless the farm is now in good order and being farmed, though not by a Ditchburn. In fact we do not have any record of a person named Ditchburn living specifically at East Ditchburn. It is now a cattle farm. Earlier in this century there was a stone quarry on the East Ditchburn land. This provided stone used for building houses in Edinburgh. We do not have any records of people named Ditchburn actually living at this farm. However the 12th century records refer to people as 'of Ditchburn' so there may have been only one farm at that time or, more probably, the two farms came under the umbrella of the name 'Ditchburn'.
From 1628-1750 East Ditchburn was owned by Cuthbert Collingwood and other Collingwoods (Hodgson : 'Alwinton, Charlton, Eglingham etc'.)
East Ditchburn view
The view looking North-West from the drive leading to the farm of East Ditchburn, showing the Cheviot hills in the distance.