It is said that Ladykirk Parish Church was erected on the orders of James IV after an accident he had in the area. James IV’s horse stumbled as it was crossing the River Tweed at the ford beside Norham Castle and through him into the river. James IV was rescued from the River, James IV believed his rescue was thanks to the divine intervention of the Virgin Mary. After his rescue James IV vowed to build a church in gratitude to her. His orders were that a church was to be built that a ‘flood will not drown’ and a ‘fire will not burn’. Ladykirk Parish Church was built some 40 metres above the Tweed so as to protect it from the River bursting its banks and flooding the area. The church was made completely of stone including the roof and the pews inside so as it could not burn. The Church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Steill. This name was only used until around 1550 when the Church became known as Our Lady Kirk.