Hadingus

Haddington is a town in East Lothian, Scotland, situated approximately 16 miles east of Edinburgh. The name "Haddington" is derived from the Kingdom of Northumbria, where "Hadde" was a 7th-century ruler.

Haddington has a rich history dating back to the 7th century, when it was an important center of learning during the time of the Columban Mission to Scotland. The town was known for its high school, one of the oldest in Scotland, which has a continuous history of education dating back to around 1128.

In the 14th century, Haddington was granted the right to hold a market, and a municipal charter granted in 1503 further helped to establish the town's economic status. Throughout the centuries, the town played a significant role in the region's ecclesiastical history, housing St. Mary's Collegiate Church.

The town's most famous resident was Hugo de Giffard, who lived in the early 12th century and was instrumental in the creation of the town's municipal government. His descendant, Robert de Giffard, was created the Earl of Hertford by King Henry III in 1166.

Haddington still maintains much of its medieval architecture, including the oldest surviving municipal building in Scotland, the Old Market House, built around 1444. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, a Collegiate Church dating back to the 14th century, also remains an important site of historical significance. These architectural relics and the town's historical background provide a glimpse into its complex and fascinating past.