Coldstream

About Coldstream

The town of Coldstream lies on the north bank of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders. There is a regiment of the British Army based there; the Coldstream Guards. General George Monck founded the regiment. It is one of two regiments of the Household Division that can trace its lineage to the New Model Army. In 2015, retired Coldstream guards officer and travel writer Harry Bucknall walked from Coldstream to St Pauls Cathedral in London following the journey made by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle when he marched from Coldstream to London enabling the Restoration of King Charles II. British Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home who served from 1963 to 1964, is buried in the Lennel churchyard in Coldstream. During the 1700 and 1800’s the town was a popular destination for runaway marriages, similar to Gretna Green, which took place in the town toll house.

Coldstream lies on the lowest point the River Tweed can be forded. This meant that the village was the point of conflict both Scottish and English armies crossed the border during the centuries of war and battles with England. There is a traditional festival type event known as "Civic Week" taking place in the first week of August each year. It comments important events in the towns history such as the Torchlight procession and horse-rides to the Battle of Flodden battlefield which in 1513 saw one of Scotland’s worst military disasters costing the lives of many lives including King James IV and his son.