•
Robert Avenel (d. 1185), ruler of the small former Northumbrian province. •
Earls of Douglas, feudal lords, with the title forfeited in 1455. •
John Alexander Ewart (1821–1904), British military leader, who had his family home in the area. •
John Malcolm (1769–1833), major-general and statesman, was born in the area. •
Thomas Telford (1757–1834), Scottish civil engineer, was born in the area. ==Sources==