The ancient race of Somerville's played an important part in Linton’s history and legend. The original Walter de Somerville came over from Normandy with William the Conqueror.  A descendant, William was knighted by Bruce. Linton Tower was the family’s stronghold for close on two and a half centuries, and their bones were buried in the chancel of the church.

The tale of how Somerville of Lariston slew the "Worm" of Linton and was rewarded with the Barony, is traditional in the Borders. During the 12th century the people of Linton were kept in a state of great distress because of a terrible monster or "Worm." (orme or worme is the ancient Norse for serpent)  A 12th century writer described it as "In length three Scots yards and bigger than an ordinary man’s leg - in form and callour to our common muir edders."

The monster lived in a hollow on the side of Linton Hill, a spot still known as the "Worm’s Den." from its lair it crept all over the countryside and kept people in constant terror.  Somerville of Lariston, having heard so many tales was determined to see the beast and work out a plan for its destruction.

He rode to its den at dawn, when the beast crawled out to find a horseman so near, "It lifted its head and half its body and for a long time stared him in the face with open mouth," after which it crept back into its den without doing him any harm.
 
Somerville hit on an ingenious plan to get rid of the beast, he noted that it invariably stared an observer the face with open mouth, so he had a long lance made of great strength with a wheel near the point which turned very easily.   On the point of the lance he placed a lighted peat daubed with pitch. For many days he rehearsed his proposed attack, so that the horse would become used to the smoke blowing in its face.

Then in spite of many sceptics among his neighbours he set out for the "Worm’s" den accompanied by a servant. Whenever the beasts head appeared the servant lit the peat, then spurring his horse to full gallop Somerville charged the monster and thrust his lance with the burning peat into its open mouth and down its throat.  The fatal blow had been dealt, "In the pangs of death the monster raised up the whole ground that was above her (part of her body being still in the den) and overturned the same to the furthering of her ruin.

For his heroic deed Somerville was appointed Royal Falconer, honoured with a Knighthood and made First Barrone of Linton. The crest of the Somerville's was wyvern (heraldic dragon) perched on a wheel.

The peerage is now extinct.

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