Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Selkirk within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Selkirk, parl. and royal burgh, par., and county town of Selkirkshire, on Ettrick Water, 6½ miles S. of Galashiels and 40 miles S.E. of Edinburgh by rail - par. (partly in Roxburghshire), 22,559 ac., pop. 7432; parl. and royal burgh, pop. 6090; police burgh, pop. 5977; P.O., T.O., 2 Banks, 1 newspaper. Market-day, Wednesday. Selkirk has extensive manufactures of tweeds, tartans, shawls, and other woollen goods. It was made a royal burgh in the reign of David I., and played a prominent part in Border warfare, its burgesses, known as the "Souters (shoemakers) o'Selkirk," being distinguished for valour. It gives the title of earl to a branch of the Douglas family. Selkirk is a member of the Hawick (or Border) District of Parliamentary Burghs, which returns 1 member.