Sandra Whitnell tells the story of Kingsmeadows House, Peebles which has been many things to many people during the last 225 years. Since it was built in 1795 by Sir John Hay, 5th Baronet Smithfield and Haystoun, it has been a home, hospital, offices, and more.

How did changes in the local and wider world affect the residents of Kingsmeadows House, and what mark did its residents make on their world? Quite a lot!

In this talk, Sandra Whitnell will explore late Georgian/Victorian life through Sir John Hay’s large well connected family. Soldiers, sailors, businessmen and bankers, they were involved in important events across Britain and the Empire, as well as in the local community.