A PAIR of stirrups used by the Duke of Wellington when riding his horse, Copenhagen, at the Battle of Waterloo will be used for the first time in almost two centuries at a special battle re-enactment in the Borders to mark the 200th anniversary of the Duke’s famous victory over Napoleon and his French armies in 1815 in one of the most significant battles in European history.

Local Olympic equestrian hero, Ian Stark, will play the part of the Duke of Wellington in the re-enactment, which takes place at the Waterloo Monument at Penielheugh near Jedburgh.

The unique event will see a re-enactment of the Hougoumont Farm battle at Waterloo, which will be narrated by broadcaster and journalist Peter Snow and attended by TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the current Duke and Duchess of Wellington.

The stirrups are currently owned by a private collector from Perthshire and were passed on to him by an ancestor who was one of the Duke of Wellington’s valets.

After the event on Sunday, June 28, the stirrups, along with an armband belonging to the Duke and a letter explaining their provenance, will be given to the current Duke of Wellington to be donated to a Museum.

The Waterloo re-enactment is being organised by Lothian Estates and a committee of local people. Michael Kerr, 13th Marquis of Lothian said; “We’re extremely grateful to have been given permission to use these precious, historic objects as part of our re-enactment. We think it is extremely fitting that the final time these stirrups will be used for riding will be for an event that commemorates the famous victory achieved by their original owner, Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington.” The event at the 150ft Waterloo Monument at Penielheugh was erected by the 6th Marquis of Lothian to celebrate Wellington’s victory. The woodlands surrounding the monument were originally planted in the formation of Wellington’s troops at the battle.

The free event will also feature horses and soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, whose predecessor regiment, the Scots Greys were famed for their bravery at Waterloo.

The Scots Greys were one of six Scottish regiments to play a significant role in the Battle. The Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards and the 79th Highlanders also featured prominently. Two Scottish heroes of the Battle will also be remembered – Piper Mackay of the 79th Highlanders and Sergeant Ewart of the Scots Greys.

Piper Mackay inspired the troops by boldly marching around the outside of the regiment’s square defence position while playing the traditional rallying Piobaireachd, “Cogadh no Sith” (War or Peace), an act of bravery that earned him the respect of King George III who presented him with a set of silver mounted pipes.

Sergeant Ewart was promoted in the field after a daring episode where he captured a precious Eagle standard from the French.

Also that day, some members of the 94th Regiment of Foot and local Army and Air Cadets will re-enact the Hougoumont Farm battle and the event will also feature a horse cavalcade led by the Jethart Callant with local horses and riders invited and encouraged to participate.

The event also includes military, pipe and silver bands, cannon and musket firing, sword-fighting, fireworks, a bonfire, family entertainment and food and drink with both a local and a continental flavour.

Lord Lothian, continued; “Many people will be very familiar with the monument here at Penielheugh, not all will know that it was erected to commemorate Wellington’s victory at Waterloo – one that led to many years of peace in Europe following decades of conflict and hardship.

“On Sunday, June 28, we will be remembering the role of hundreds of Scots in this important battle with a free celebration for all the family. This will be a unique event filled with displays, music, food and fun and we’re inviting everyone from the Borders and beyond to come along and join us on the day.” Gates open at 12 noon on Sunday, June 28, with the main battle re-enactment taking place at around 2.45pm. Field car parking is available close to the monument. Transport from the car park will be available for disabled spectators.