Memorial to Colonel Gardiner

Gazing upon this imposing stone obelisk, the Memorial to Colonel Gardiner stands as a stark reminder of a life intertwined with both virtue and vice. Colonel James Gardiner, a man of fascinating contradictions, met his tragic end right here, near his own home, during the Battle of Prestonpans in 1745. The Memorial to Colonel Gardiner, erected by public subscription in 1853, serves as a poignant tribute to this complex figure. In his youth, Gardiner was known for his recklessness and a tongue as sharp as any sword. However, a profound religious experience transformed him into a devout Christian, a stark contrast to his earlier life. This transformation led him to champion acts of charity and extend kindness to those of all ranks, even ensuring the well-being of the horses under his command. He married Lady Frances Erskine and together they had thirteen children, though sadly, only five survived to adulthood. Gardiner’s letters to his wife, signed off with affectionate terms of endearment, reveal a tender side to this hardened soldier. The Battle of Prestonpans, fought just a stone’s throw from Gardiner’s home, proved to be his final stand. As his dragoons fled the field, he attempted to rally the remaining foot soldiers. He was unhorsed by a Highlander wielding a scythe, receiving further wounds as he lay on the ground. The Memorial to Colonel Gardiner, with its four mournful stone lions, stands as a silent sentinel, guarding the memory of a man who found redemption amidst the chaos of battle. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the face of death, courage and faith can endure.