Nestled under the Garleton Hills on the banks of the River Tyne, the Royal Burgh of Haddington, East Lothian, was established in the twelfth century to provide trade and industry in one of Scotland’s richest agricultural counties. It was upon the strength of its agricultural industry that Haddington prospered, and the town was at the heart of Scotland’s agricultural revolution in the mid-eighteenth century. Although relatively small today, Haddington was once the fourth largest town in Scotland, after Aberdeen, Roxburgh and Edinburgh.
Haddington suffered significantly in the wake of English invasions and disastrous floods, and it was also burned to the ground a number of times over the centuries. Despite this, the town continued to grow and prosper, as can be seen in its striking architecture. Today, Haddington’s rich history is evident with its wide streets and grand buildings, including St Mary’s kirk, the Town House and Lennoxlove Castle.
