Flodden rideout 2015
This Thursday is the Flodden rideout from Coldstream, which sees hundreds of horses and their riders take part each year.
The event is a traditional Borders commemoration of the Battle of Flodden Field when the forces of England’s King Henry VIII met those of Scotland’s James IV. This battle in 1513 proved to be a decisive English victory with James IV killed – the last monarch from the British Isles to die on the battlefield.
The rideout runs from Coldstream to the battlefield of Flodden, and back, to mark those who fell at the battle of Flodden. It is led by an elected principal, the ‘Coldstreamer’, who carries the standard.
The event is actually one of four rideouts from Coldstream during the week, the others being to Norham, Birgham and Leitholm.
On Thursday, spectators of the Flodden rideout should head for Branxton Hill by 12 noon to see it arrive. Wreaths are laid at the Flodden memorial at the foot of the hill followed by a gallop up Branxton Hill for a short service held and an oration delivered by this year’s guest speaker, Noel Hodgson. A PE teacher at Wooler’s Glendale School for many years, he has three published collections of poetry – ‘Below Flodden’, ‘Dancing Over Cheviot’ and ‘A Grand Land’. His novel Heron’s Flight: The Battle of Flodden 1513
The Coldstreamer will then cut a sod of turf to carry back to Coldstream. This pays tribute to the actions of Abbess Isabella Hoppringle, who instructed that the bodies of the dead be brought for burial at Coldstream Abbey.
Flodden Rideout 2015
Thursday 6 August, leaving The Lees, Coldstream at 10:30am. Wreath laying at Flodden Memorial around midday. Rideout passes through Branxton village before gallop up Branxton Hill at 12:30pm. Departs Branxton Hill at 2pm, finishing at Coldstream Police Station 5pm with Coldstream Pipe Band.
Those wishing to take part in the actual ride must be confident riders and book in advance. See the Coldstream Civic Week website for details.
Pic: Martin Connolly [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
