Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Gretna Green

Gretna Green is a village in Scotland, just inside the border from England and 9 miles from Carlisle.

Because of differences between English and Scottish law, English minors could marry in Scotland without the consent of their parents.

This, and the fact that the village was on the main route Northwards, led to Gretna Green becoming famous from the 18th century as the destination for elopements.

Traditionally, weddings were conducted in the old Blacksmith`s Shop.

Today, the village is a much visited tourist attraction.

Gretna Green and its romantic associations are mentioned in works by Jane Austen and George Crabbe.