For nearly fifteen years, our trusty Battle Board has been carried around to schools, exhibitions and re-enactments to help people visualise the landscape of the Battle of Prestonpans. Now the 8ft model is undergoing a major refurbishment before being unveiled as the centrepiece of our new museum display at Prestonpans Town Hall.
Changes to the model will include changes to the coastline and topography to better reflect the reality of the historical landscape, and a completely new set of miniature figures to represent the armies. The wonderfully crafted recreations of landmark historic buildings like Bankton House and Tranent Church will remain of course, and markers will be placed around the landscape to inform visitors of the significance of certain locations.
It is going to be fiddly, it is going to be a bit messy, but ultimately the refurbishment will allow us to better reflect what we now know about the battle – and its static location means it will take far less bumps and scrapes in the coming years!
Keep an eye on our facebook page for updates as the project progresses – and if you fancy painting a few tiny soldiers to add to the diorama, then why not get in touch! Email museum@battleofprestonpans1745.org
