Prestonpans: Battlefield, Architectural History and Mural Art

Prestonpans brings together the history of the Jacobite Rising, historic buildings, mural art and routes for walkers. The town was the site of the first battle of the 1745 Rising. This gives you several different options when planning your trip: the battlefield landscape, architectural history and market traditions, or art in the form of murals and a tapestry.

Battle History and Landscape

The Battle of Prestonpans was the first battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The area where the first fighting took place remains farmland. The lower fields and the ridge occupied by Tranent form a well-preserved spatial setting. The Jacobites’ view from the churchyard across the government troops in the fields of Seton is also well preserved. This allows you to connect the history not only with an event, but also with specific features of the landscape.

The Battle of Prestonpans Museum explores the battle of 1745 and its historical and cultural heritage. Exhibits include musket balls recovered from the battlefield. The landscape and museum objects offer different perspectives on the same historical subject: one through the preserved spatial relationship between fields, ridge and viewpoint, the other through tangible finds.

Preston Tower and Market Traditions

Preston Tower is a four-storey, L-shaped tower house dating from the 15th century. Additions from the early 17th century and later alterations are also part of its architectural history. Two further storeys date from 1626 and feature Renaissance details. From the mid-15th century, the tower was the seat of the Hamiltons of Preston. Preston Tower also has restored gardens and a dovecot. If you are planning a visit, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

Another historic building, Preston Cross, was erected shortly after the charter of 1617. The charter granted Preston a weekly market and the annual St Jerome’s Fair. Among the Scottish mercat crosses of its time, Preston Cross is unique because it has never been moved. Market traditions and architectural history meet here: the charter explains the historical context, while the cross’s location gives it particular significance.

The Prestongrange Colliery Pump House and Pump is another historic building that has been preserved. It was built in 1874 by Harvey and Company of Hoyle in Cornwall as a three-storey pump house with a beam engine and pump. This broadens the range of historical themes beyond battles and markets to include industrial architecture.

Murals and the Prestonpans Tapestry

The Prestonpans Murals Trail features more than 55 murals in Prestonpans, East Lothian. The number may change as the trail develops. The town is also known as Scotland’s Mural Town. Murals and historic buildings offer different points of focus: one puts art in the streetscape centre stage, while the other tells the story of individual places and buildings.

The Prestonpans Tapestry offers another artistic narrative. It depicts the 25-year-old Bonnie Prince Charlie’s journey from France through the Scottish Highlands to his victory at Prestonpans in embroidered panels spanning 104 metres. Volunteers embroidered the panels along the route. The complete tapestry can be accessed and viewed online, making it possible to include the artwork in your travel plans.

Walking Routes and Practical Planning

Prestongrange Heritage Park is open year-round. The visitor centre’s opening hours are seasonal and should be distinguished from access to the park. Prestongrange is just off the John Muir Way and welcomes walkers. The John Muir Way passes through Prestonpans; when the tides are suitable, it follows the shore route at low tide. Route conditions and diversions may change. Before setting out, check local conditions and the tides if you plan to take the shore route.

Prestonpans railway station may also be useful when planning your journey: it is on the railway line to Edinburgh. As timetables may change, it is worth checking current services for your travel date. This lets you consider historical attractions, time outdoors and travel arrangements as separate parts of your planning.

Discover more destinations: Aberlady, Tranent, Musselburgh, North Berwick, Cockenzie And Port Seton, East Linton, Gifford, Haddington

For the wider travel overview: East Lothian.