Melrose is the location of the ancient Melrose Abbey (the supposed site of the burial of the heart of Scottish king Robert the Bruce). Latterly the town became home to many textile mills, an industry which continues to prosper there.
Nearby is the Roman fort of Trimontium.
King Arthur is supposedly buried in the Eildon Hills, which overlook the town. A few miles west of the town lies Abbotsford, the home of novelist Sir Walter Scott.