COLDSTREAM

For all of its existence the town of Coldstream has been a crossing point over the border into England, with the fords over the River Tweed being the first upstream crossings unaffected by the tidal variations in the height of the river.

For this reason it is only since the beginning of the 17th Century and relative peace between Scotland and her larger neighbour that the town has been left unmolested by armies invading and retreating over the border. This is why very little of the early origins of the town can be seen today.

Coldstream was, however, the site of a Cistercian Priory for many years, its Nuns often playing an important role in patching up the injured from retreating/advancing forces and they played an important role following the defeat at Flodden when many of the fallen Scottish nobility were buried within the Priory grounds.

In the time of peace, Coldstream became a prosperous market town and the fine buildings that line the High Street and the Market Square reflect this era of prosperity.

Today Coldstream has a population of 1,700 and is a popular holiday location for tourists, fishers, cyclists and those who enjoy the unspoilt countryside of the Eastern Marches of the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland.

You can find a lot more about Coldstream at www.coldstream-scotland.co.uk