OLYMPIC showjumper Ian Stark will wear a pair of stirrups used by the Duke of Wellington in the Battle of Waterloo during a special re-enactment to mark the 200th anniversary of Napolean's defeat.
The stirrups, which are owned by a private collector, have not been worn since the Duke of Wellington used them on his horse Copenhagen in his victory over the French army on June 18, 1815.
The historic artefacts will come back into use during an anniversary event to be held at the Waterloo monument at Penielheugh near Jedburgh on June 28, when Stark will play the part of the Duke of Wellington.
Horses and soldiers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, whose predecessor regiment the Scots Greys played a pivotal role at Waterloo, will also take part.
The current Duke and Duchess of Wellington, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are expected to attend the re-enactment, which will be narrated by broadcaster Peter Snow.
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 stirrups were passed on to their current owner by an ancestor who was one of the Duke of Wellington's valets. After the re-enactment the object, along with an armband belonging to the Duke, will be given to the current Duke of Wellington to be donated to a museum.
The Waterloo Monument at Penielheugh was erected by the 6th Marquis of Lothian to celebrate the victory.
The re-enactment, along with family entertainment, is being organised by Lothian Estates and a committee of local residents.
Lord Lothian added: "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."
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