has gloss | eng: Stow of Wedale, or simply Stow, is a Scottish village seven miles north of Galashiels. Population 620 (2004). The name "Stow" is thought to be derived from an Anglic word meaning either "holy place" or "fort" whilst "Wedale" is thought to be derived from the words "Wiche" meaning shrine and "Dahl" meaning valley. Another explanation is that "Wedale" means "Dale of Woe" commemorating, according to local folklore, a battle fought there by King Arthur. Wedale itself is an old name for the vale of the Gala Water, first attested in the 12th century. |