Foundation of Cistercian Priory
The Cistercian Priory of St Mary the Virgin, established by c. 1158, was one of the richest and largest nunneries in Britain and Ireland.
King David 1
King David I gives Haddington and its lands to Ada, daughter of the Earl of Warenne and Surrey, when she marries his eldest son, Prince Henry. In the 12th century, King David I of Scotland granted a charter to Haddington, establishing it as a royal burgh. This status granted the town various privileges, including the right…
Earliest record
Haddington was one of the first chartered Royal Burghs created by David I in 1138. Unfortunately, the original charter has been lost or destroyed.
Haddington is twinned with Aubigny sur Nère in France
Haddington Twinning Association organises and promotes twinning activity between Haddington in Scotland and Aubigny sur Nère in France. For more on the Haddington twinning association, click here.
Sir William Maitland of Lethington (1525 – 9 June 1573)
The eldest son of the judge and poet Sir Richard Maitland, Sir William was born at Lethington, now Lennoxlove and rose to become Secretary to State to Marie de Guise and Mary Queen of Scots. A man of great wit and learning, he was educated at St Andrews and the French court. Joining the Reformers…