Unearthing Coldstream Priory's Secrets

The Berwick Advertiser reports that from 22 to 25 August, the Flodden 1513 project is conducting an archaeological dig to unearth the history of Coldstream Priory, Coldstream, Berwickshire.

Canmore says 'St Mary's Priory of Cistercian Nuns, founded between 1136 and 1166. The last prioress had demitted office by 12th May, 1588, and the nunnery was secularised in 1621', however other websites give slightly later foundation dates.
Its prioress, Isabella Hoppringle is said to have provided information about the Scottish invasion force crossing the river at Coldstream on 22 August 1513. She may have acted as an informal conduit between the Scottish and English crowns and that she led her nuns to retrieve Scottish noblemen that fell at Flodden. In 1515, she gave refuge to Margaret Tudor, sister of king Henry VIII of England, and her second husband and son (the future king James V).

Much more Coldstream Priory history.

Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield Walk

To accompany the Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference 2010 there is a guided walk around the battlefield of Pinkie Cleugh on Sunday 21st November just outside Musselburgh. The battle of Pinkie Cleugh was fought on 10 September 1547 along the banks of the River Esk near Musselburgh and was part of Henry VIII's ‘Rough Wooing’ for the hand of Queen Mary in marriage to his son, Edward VI, and thus unification of England and Scotland; and a disaster for Scotland caused by the use of naval artillery by the English for the first time in a land battle in Scotland. More information from Andrew Coulson on 0131 665 3779.