Coldstream Guards

Coldstream’s place in history owes a lot to its strategic position on the River Tweed, which defines the Border at this point. It was the location of an important ford providing the crossing point until the opening of John Smeaton’s magnificent bridge in 1766. As a result, the town witnessed many historic events including Edward I’s invasion of Scotland in 1296 and General Monk’s march on London in 1660 with his Regiment of Foot, later to become the Coldstream Guards, when they played a major role in the restoration of the Monarchy.

In 1996,700 years on from Edward’s invasion, the Stone of Destiny returned to Scotland having been removed to Westminster Abbey by the English king. It was fitting that the chosen route home was over Smeaton’s Bridge and that Coldstream was the first place in Scotland to welcome its historic return. It was also fitting that a contingent of Coldstream Guards played a major role in escorting the Stone over the Border.

Coldstream’s most prominent feature is the monument to Charles Marjoribanks, standing some 70 feet high, overlooking the river and known simply as “Charlie” by the townsfolk. It was erected to commemorate his victory in the 1832 general election when he became the first Liberal MP for Berwickshire.