Coldstream – Coldstream Ventures

Coldstream is a Scottish town of nearly 2,000 people on the north bank of the River Tweed, which forms a natural boundary between England and Scotland. Today Coldstream is one of the three main “gateways” into Scotland and due to its location on the border it has a rich history. With the exception of the Scottish Highlands, the Borders were the last part of Britain to be brought under the rule of law and from the 14th to late 17th century displayed all of the characteristics of a frontier, lacking law and order. Border families were often reivers, active in cattle rustling, feuding, murder, arson and pillaging along the border between the two sovereign countries of England and Scotland.

Other highlights include:

The Coldstream Museum on the site of the first headquarters of the Coldstream Guards, the oldest regular regiment in continuous service in the British Army. Founded in the town in 1650 by General Monck, the Coldstream Guards are part of the Household Division and carry out a dual role as the Sovereign’s personal troops and the nation’s elite fighting soldiers. State Ceremonial includes events such as The King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), State Opening of Parliament, State Visits and the national act of remembrance at the Cenotaph. Public Duties include The King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and at Windsor Castle along with Guards of Honour and ceremonial Guards

The nearby battlefield of Flodden where in 1513 King James IV of Scotland and much of the Scottish nobility were killed by the English
The 7 arched toll bridge built by John Smeaton in 1766 and from where Robert “Rabbie” Burns, Scotland’s most famous poet and lyricist, first set foot on English soil in 1787

A toll and marriage house once a rival to Gretna Green where five Earls and a Lord Chancellor were married
The remains of a Cistercian Priory founded by Earl Gospatrick in 1165
The Hirsel Estate, the seat of the Earls of Home since 1621. The 14th Earl, Sir Alec Douglas Home, renounced his title to serve in the House of Commons, first as Foreign Secretary and then Prime Minister in 1963. His son, David the 15th Earl of Home, was until recently Chairman of Coutts Bank
Norham Castle, set high on a grassy mound commanding a vital ford over the River Tweed and one of the castles most frequently attacked by the Scots – it was besieged at least 13 times, once for nearly a year by Robert Bruce

Norham Castle near Coldstream, Sunrise c.1845 Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851, Tate Britain