Jacobite Tercentennary 1715 – 2015
Traquair’s close associations with the Jacobites are being brought to the fore in 2015 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion.
The Stuarts of Traquair were prominent Jacobite supporters as were their close relations, the Nithsdales. The stories of these families include a dramatic escape from the Tower of London, the closing of the famous Bear Gates until the return of a Stuart King and an intricate system of secret communication including an unbroken coded letter.
A Jacobite theme will run through the year and a series of events and exhibitions will be mounted. The highlights will include the following:
- A Jacobite Story – June 1st – Sept 30th. A new exhibition in the House will bring together rarely displayed documents and letters from the Traquair Archives telling the story of the Stuarts’ involvement in the rebellion and the Nithsdale escape along with a collection of contemporary Jacobite jewellery by Josephine Conkie. The exhibition will also include a loan from the Drambuie Collection of Jacobite glass that will complement Traquair’s own outstanding collection.
- Traquair Harpsichord & Lute Recital – Saturday June 13th. A special chance to see the Jacobite exhibition after hours and attend a recital on the Traquair Harpsichord and Lute by Jan Waterfield and Jamie Akers. The Traquair Harpsichord dates from 1651 and has been recently restored. This will be the first time it has been played in public in over 20 years. Tickets available but limited!
- A Jacobite Detective Trail will be linked to the exhibition and will encourage children to discover the many Jacobite secrets hidden in the house.
- “Secret Symbols and Hidden Meanings” will be the subject of a Jacobite talk with Murray Pittock at the Beyond Borders International Festival on the 22nd/23rd August.
- A Jacobite Ghost Tour – The traditional Halloween Ghost Tours on 30/31st October and Fri 6th/Sat 7th November will have a historical Jacobite twist.