Prestonpans

Prestonpans is a small fishing town situated to the east of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the unitary council area of East Lothian. The 2001 census recorded that the town had a population of 7, 153, but many more people have moved to the area since many new houses have been built. It is the site of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans, and has a history dating back to the eleventh century. The town boasts some impressive examples of historical architecture, such as the Preston Tower and the doocot and the local Mercat Cross, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland which remains in its original form and location. The town is also credited for achieving the title of "Scotland's Mural Town" with many wall murals reflecting the town's colourful past. HistoryAccording to certain stories Prestonpans was founded in the 11th century by a traveller named Althamer, who became shipwrecked on the local beach /coastal area. Finding it impossible to get home, the survivors of the wreck decided to remain where they were and founded a settlement named Althamer in honour of their leader. Whether this story is true or not is a matter of opinion, however when the monks of Newbattle and Holyrood arrived in the district in 1184 there was already a settlement named 'Aldhammer' on the site of what is now Prestonpans. The monks gave the settlement their own name, Prieststown or Prieston. Because of the salt manufacturing carried out by the monks using pans on the sea shore, the town's name would later develop into Salt Prieststown and Salt Preston, and finally Prestonpans.

Prestonpans is a small fishing town situated to the east of Edinburgh, Scotland, in the unitary council area of East Lothian. The 2001 census recorded that the town had a population of 7, 153, but many more people have moved to the area since many new houses have been built. It is the site of the 1745 Battle of Prestonpans, and has a history dating back to the eleventh century. The town boasts some impressive examples of historical architecture, such as the Preston Tower and the doocot and the local Mercat Cross, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland which remains in its original form and location. The town is also credited for achieving the title of "Scotland's Mural Town" with many wall murals reflecting the town's colourful past. HistoryAccording to certain stories Prestonpans was founded in the 11th century by a traveller named Althamer, who became shipwrecked on the local beach /coastal area. Finding it impossible to get home, the survivors of the wreck decided to remain where they were and founded a settlement named Althamer in honour of their leader. Whether this story is true or not is a matter of opinion, however when the monks of Newbattle and Holyrood arrived in the district in 1184 there was already a settlement named 'Aldhammer' on the site of what is now Prestonpans. The monks gave the settlement their own name, Prieststown or Prieston. Because of the salt manufacturing carried out by the monks using pans on the sea shore, the town's name would later develop into Salt Prieststown and Salt Preston, and finally Prestonpans.