Should the 1745 Battle's Living History Centre be at Charlestoun?

Important Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with Hargreaves as Charlestoun plans develop …

The new town being created at Blindwells old opencast mining area, which the Battle Trust wishes to see named Charlestoun, is a serious contender as the future location for the proposed Living History Centre.

Hargreaves, which is owner and responsible for the entire area, knows well it stands on the famous Riggonhead Defile along which The Prince and his 2500 Highlanders marched, three abreast during the night, to launch their dawn charge on the Hanoverian redcoats. The late Andrew Hillhouse captured the moment beautifully in his painting shown below [now on display in The Thomas Nelson Suite at the Prestoungrange Gothenburg].

Under the MoU the Trust will be engaging with the architects who are beginning this autumn to craft their important designs for Charlestoun's new town centre at the NW corner of the whole community. Already The Prince's Loch is scheduled and The Prince's Park. The Trust is also ambitious for an equestrian statue of the Prince - Scotland's first. By early 2020 visual impressions of what might be achieved at Charlestoun will be prepared so that fund raising can commence.



Meanwhile the Trust has mapped out a three year Path to Victory and is seeking further support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards that investment. It will include extended year long cultural commemoration of the 275th Anniversary of The Prince's Victory in 2020 with support anticipated from EventScotland. The Prestonpans Tapestry will once again go on tour at selected locations across the nation as will the Scottish Diaspora Tapestry.




N.B. Charlestoun is not the only location the Trust is evaluating - but it's making most progress so far!

The Trust's ongoing Consultation remains open with an opportunity to give your own reactions to the plans proposed and to join the Friends of The Prince [entrance is free]. GO HERE

Published Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2019