Borders tribute to Waterloo victory

A pair of stirrups used by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo will be worn for the first time in almost two centuries at a battle re-enactment in the Borders at the weekend.
Olympic rider Ian Stark holds a pair of stirrups used by The Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.Olympic rider Ian Stark holds a pair of stirrups used by The Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Olympic rider Ian Stark holds a pair of stirrups used by The Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Scottish Olympic equestrian hero, Ian Stark, will play the part of the Duke of Wellington in the re-enactment, which takes place at the Waterloo Monument at Penielheugh near Jedburgh, erected by the 6th Marquis of Lothian to celebrate Wellington’s victory, on Sunday, June 28.

Broadcaster and journalist Peter Snow will narrate the Hougoumont Farm battle re-enactment which is due to be attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the current Duke and Duchess of Wellington.

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The stirrups were given to their current owner by one of his ancestors who was a valet to the Duke of Wellington and he has loaned them for the event.

Michael Kerr, 13th Marquis of Lothian said; “We’re extremely grateful to have been given permission to use these precious, historic objects as part of our re-enactment.

“We think it is extremely fitting that the final time these stirrups will be used for riding will be for an event that commemorates the famous victory achieved by their original owner, Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington.”

The event on Sunday, June 28, features horses and soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (whose predecessor regiment the Scots Greys were famed for their bravery at Waterloo), members of the 94th Regiment of Foot and local Army and Air Cadets who will re-enact the Hougoumont Farm battle.

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