Over two incredible days, we have successfully marked the battle’s 280th anniversary.
Events began on 20 September with General Cope’s council of war on first hearing of the Jacobite approach, which was held on stage in our museum.
Then at 1pm – exactly 280 years after it had occurred – Charles Edward Stuart returned to Birsley Brae and questioned his officers over the suitability of the ground. Shortly after, a picket from Clan Cameron occupied the churchyard at Tranent and the adjacent ravine and thicket.
At 2pm our curator Arran led a fascinating walk around Tranent churchyard, picking out details of the church structure which remained from the original building and highlighting the role the position played during the course of the battle and its lead-up.
Later in the afternoon, shots rang out as the Camerons fired on Walter Grosset, who had been tasked with scouting the waggonway path across the marshes. But with the pickets’ position now revealed, General Cope fired upon them with his artillery. Allan Cameron of Clunes was struck down, becoming the first casualty of the battle, and the picket was forced to pull back.
Meanwhile, the museum on Prestonpans High Street was filled with music and storytelling, as visitors enjoyed The Prestonpans Tapestry and met with soldiers and gunners from General Cope’s army. That evening, a reception was held to thank the volunteers and re-enactors for their continuing support. In its midst, the Prince heard a report from Robert Anderson that a way through the marshes had finally been found…
Sunday 21 September began with a solemn ceremony on the battlefield itself. Wreaths were laid on the memorial tables as re-enactors from the Alan Breck’s Regiment fired a salute. After a minute’s silence, David Strachan of the Prestonpans British Legion Pipe Band played a lament across the cool but sunny fields.
Back at the museum again, the re-enactors talked with the steady stream of visitors before falling silent to hear Prince Charlie take council on how best to follow up his victory. Once he had concluded that the army would consolidate for a few weeks before marching on England, visitors were treated to more music and song from Ronnie Elliott and Rena Gertz, with On Gladsmuir Shall the Battle Be! sung by Fiona Johnston. Later in the day visitors looked on as the rival commanders attempted to re-fight the battle in miniature – with 28mm figures from our wargaming campaign! The results will be explained in our next TableTop ’45 video…
We would like to thank everybody who took the time to commemorate this landmark anniversary with us, from the re-enactors and the volunteers to the visitors who made it all worthwhile.
We are already looking forward to the 281st…