Balfour Monument
Obelisk In East Lothian, Borders
An obelisk erected to James Maitland Balfour, MP and Major Commandant of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry.
As obelisks go, this one is a belta with a magnificent view. Sitting up in East Lothian with a commanding view of Traprain Law the Balfour Monument was erected in 1858 in homage to James Maitland Balfour.
Balfour served as a Member of Parliament for the nearby Haddington and was also the father of Arthur Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour, who was the Prime Minister in the early 20th century.
James was also Major Commandant of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry and it was the cavalry that erected this monument for him. The inscription reads:
Erected to the memory of James Maitland Balfour Esq. of Whittingeham, Major Commandant of the East Lothian Yeomanry Cavalry by the officers and non-commissioned officers of that Corps in testimony of their great respect and esteem of him as a Commanding Officer, of their affectionate regard for him as an amiable and able country gentleman and of their deep and lasting regret for his premature removal from among them..
James died in 1856 from tuberculosis in Madeira.
Fabulous views over the surround area with Traprain Law in the foreground and Berwick Law much further back.
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How To Find Balfour Monument
Where Is Balfour Monument?
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55.947782, -2.681238
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Where To Park For Balfour Monument?
There is a grassy verge right next to the monument with enough space for a few cars.
Contributed by Simon Hawkins
Thanks for checking out this place on the Fabulous North! I do enjoy a wander out in to the countryside trying to find hidden gems that not many people know about. You can't beat a rogue Pele tower up a remote hill or a mysterious stone circle or a stunning waterfall secluded in a forest.
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