[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] OF that singular “Edinburgh Character,” WILLIAM MITCHEL, ‘The Tincklarian Doctor, who cures Pans and old Lantrens,’ (as he chose to be called), a crazed “White-Irone-Smith,” whose residence was in the “Bow-Head of Edinburgh, at the south side of the Butter Weigh-house,” few particulars are known, except those which are to be … Continue reading VII. Notice of William Mitchel, “The Tincklarian Doctor,” Edinburgh, 1672-1740, pp.xcix-ciii. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] PATRICK SANDELANDS, third son of James, seventh Lord Torphichen, a mischievous and unlucky boy, took it into his head, in the year 1720, under instruction, it is said, from a knavish governor, to play the possessed and bewitched person, laying the cause of his distress on certain old women and a … Continue reading VI. Additional Particulars as to the Witches of West-Calder, Linlithgow, 1720, pp.xciv-xcix.  →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THE following Paper is here Reprinted, as a very suitable addition to this new Edition of “Satans Invisible World Discovered,” from the Original Broadside which I discovered lately in a folio volume of Miscellaneous Papers, consisting of Dying Speeches, Elegies, and some Addresses of the Tincklarian Doctor, William Mitchel, &c., &c.  … Continue reading V. Notice of the Spirits that troubled the House of the Minister of Kinross, 1718, pp.xci-xciv.  →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] ABOUT the month of March last year, one Beatrix Laing, a woman of very bad fame, who had formerly been under process for using charms, and refusing to be reconciled to her neighbours, was debarred from the Lord’s table, came to one Patrick Morton, a blacksmith, desiring him to make some … Continue reading A Just Reproof to the False Reports and Unjust Calumnies, in the Foregoing Letters, pp.lxxvii-xci. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] SIR,  I Doubt not of your being exceedingly Surpriz’d with this short and Just Account I give you, of a most Barbarous Murder committed in Pittenweem the 30th. of January last. One Peter Morton a Blacksmith in that Town, after a long Sickness, pretended that Witches were Tormenting him, that he … Continue reading An Account of an horrid and barbarous Murder, in a Letter from a Gentleman in Fife, to his Friend in Edinburgh, pp.lxxiii-lxxvii. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] AN ANSWER of a LETTER from a GENTLEMAN in Fife to a NOBLEMAN, containing a brief Account of the Barbarous and illegal Treatment, these poor Women accused of Witchcraft, met with from the Baillies of Pittenweem and others, with some few Observations thereon. To which is added - An Account of … Continue reading An Account of the horrid and Barbarous Murder, in a Letter from a Gentleman in Fife, to his Friend in Edinburgh, pp.lxix-lxxii. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] The following “Narrative” is printed from the Original MS. in the Library of the University, Edinburgh. It appears to have been formerly in the possession of W. B. D. D. Turnbull, Esq., Advocate, 1832:-1  ANE NARRATIVE of the trouble of PATRICK MORTON.  And the confession of some women thairanent in Pittenweem.  … Continue reading ANE NARRATIVE of the trouble of PATRICK MORTON. And the confession of some women thairanent in Pittenweem, pp.li-lxix. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] EARLY in the year 1704 there was a remarkable outbreak of Diablerie - a frightful instance of popular bigotry - at the small seaport Burgh of Pittenweem, in the eastern part of Fife, which excited a considerable degree of interest, as it involved the clerical debates of two Ministers, one Episcopal, … Continue reading IV. Additional Particulars as to the Witches of Pittenweem, Fifeshire, 1704, pp.xlviii-xci.  →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] HUGO ARNOT, in his “Collection of Celebrated Criminal Trials in Scotland, 1536-1784,” records that in the year 1697, “An impostor appeared, in the character of a person tormented by Witches, Christian Shaw, daughter of John Shaw of Bargarran, a gentleman of some note in the County of Renfrew. She is said … Continue reading III. Additional Particulars as to Christian Shaw of Bargarran, and the Witches of Renfrew, 1696-1697, pp.xxxix-xlvii. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THE following very singular and laughable Relation is reprinted, as a proper Supplement to this new Edition of “Satan’s Invisible World Discovered,’ from the original small quarto pamphlet, now become very scarce; although, in the first year of its appearance, it went through two editions in Scotland, and also came out … Continue reading II. Relation of an Apparition, and actings of a Spirit which infested the house of Andrew Mackie in Rerrick, 1695, pp.xix-xxxix. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] HOMAS WEIR, one of the most celebrated Wizards of Scotland, was born near Lanark, in Clydesdale. Of his father, or grandfather, mention is made in the ‘Memoirs of the Somerville Family, written by James, eleventh Lord Somerville,’ (Edited, with Illustrative Notes, by Sir Walter Scott, and published in 1815, 2 vols. … Continue reading I. Additional Notices of Major Weir and his Sister, 1641-1670, pp.i-xix. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] AT Antrim, in Ireland, a girl of nineteen years of age, inferior to none in the place for beauty, education, and birth, innocently eat a leaf of sorrel, which she got from a witch, after she had given the begging witch bread and beer at the door: it was scarcely swallowed … Continue reading III. Concerning the bewitching of a Child in Ireland, pp.261-262.  →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] PETER MORTON, smith at Pittenweem, being desired by one Beattie Laing to do some work for her, which he refused, excusing himself in respect he had been pre-engaged to serve a ship with nails, within a certain time, so that till he had finished that work, he could not engage in … Continue reading II. Concerning the Witches of Pittenweem, pp.257-260. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] IT was about the end of August 1696, Christian Shaw,* daughter to Shaw of Bargarran, in the shire of Renfrew, about eleven years of age, perceiving one of the maids of the house, named Katharine Campbell, to steal and drink some milk; she told her mother of it: Whereupon the maid … Continue reading I. Concerning some Witches in the Shire of Renfrew, pp.255-257. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] SIr, That which I narrated to you the other day, I have now sent it under my hand, as a thing very certain and sure. I knew a servant Maid that served a Gentlewoman in the Old Provosts Closs, as they call it, who was married to a Butcher called Iohn … Continue reading An Apparition of a deceased Wife to her husband, at Edinburgh, pp.251-254. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] Sir, Within these few years, there was one T. C, by profession an Agent about the Session-house, who about flitting-time was removing his furniture from a lower part of the City to an higher. One in the afore-said Closs* seing his Maid on the Saturday carrying some light furniture to such … Continue reading An Apparition seen in a Dwelling house in Mary Kings Closs, in Edinburgh, pp.242-251. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] I Have subjoined this Relation, by way of Postscript, because it came to my hand after the book was finished by the Printer, from a Gentleman that knew exactly all the matters of Fact, and all the Circumstances of the business, which is as follows,  Nov. 11th. 1684.       For Mr. Sinclar … Continue reading Being a Relation anent Major Weir, pp.225-241. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] If any Gentlemen, and others, will be pleased to send me any Relations about Spirits, Witches, and Apparitions, in any part of the Kingdom; or any Information about the Second Sight, Charms, Spells Magie, and the like; they shall oblige the Author, and have them publisht to their satisfaction.  Direct your … Continue reading Advertisement, p.224. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THere is a young man that goes under the Authors name, that pretends to be a Poet, that for money, has presented his Verses to several Persons of Qualitie. Let no person think that Mr. Sinclar has any interest in that man, or his Verses; as indeed he makes many believe. … Continue reading Advertisement, p.223. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis Woman was a Servant to Margaret Kirkwood there, a Woman of good repute once, who before her death took some trouble of mind, but upon what account, I cannot determine. She made some insinuation (it seems) to some of her Friends, that she inclined to put hand in her self; … Continue reading Relation XXXVI. – Anent one Elizabeth Muidy at Haddington, pp.219-220. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] IN the time of ignorance and superstition, when the darkness of Paganism was not dispelled by Gospel light; Spirits keept a more familiar converse with families, and even in the time of Popery, what was more frequent in houses than Brownies whom they employed in many services. It were unseasonable and … Continue reading Relation XXXV. – Anent some Prayers, Charms and Avies, used in the Highlands, pp.213-219. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] For Mr. Sinclar, Edinb. Octob. 18. 1684. Sir,  I Cannot but much approve your design in publishing Satans Invisible World Discovered, especially at this time, when there are so many, that deny the existence of Devils, Spirits and Witches, and will credit nothing, but what they see with their eyes. I … Continue reading Relation XXXIV. – Anent Helen Elliot burnt at Culross, pp.207-213. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] Edinburgh, Octob. 8th. 1684.  For Mr. Sinclar.  Sir,  WHen I was at Glasgow in the Summer, 1677. I was desirous to see the Dumb Girle, whom you mention in your first Relation. At my first incoming she declined to entertain discourse, but by friendly expressions, and giving her some money, I … Continue reading Relation XXXIII. – A Short Information anent Jennet Douglas, pp.203-207. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis is a true Narrative of what happened to her one Night, while some persons were attending her. For what Past other nights I cannot relate, since I want Information. They say, that the Gentleman her Uncle, in the Parish of Gallashiells, came one Sunday after Sermon to the Minister there, … Continue reading Relation XXXII. – Anent Margaret Wilson, pp.200-202. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] ANNO 1612 one Monsieur Perreaud a Protestant Minister there, being from his own house one night, and his Wife being in bed, she was much troubled with noise, and din in the house: the next night, she felt somewhat that pulled the blankets from the bed; and the same night, all … Continue reading Relation XXXI. Of the Devil of Mascon in France, pp.193-199. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] ABout the time, that the Earle of Traquair, was his late Majesties Commissioner in Scotland, it happened at Dalkeith where he resided, that one Spalding a townsman killed his neighbour one Sadler. The Murderer fled and absented himself, for a year and more. Yet sometimes, came home in the Night time, … Continue reading Relation XXX. – Anent one Spalding in Dalkeith, pp.190-192. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] I Find among some of my Notes, written in the year 1666, that Richard Chaplain, and his Brother George both of them Merchants in Hadington, coming home late from Edinburgh upon a Saturday Night, being the fourth of November 1666, and riding off the Muire at a place called the Two-Mile … Continue reading Relation XXIX. – Anent an Apparition seen in Gladsmuire, with some other Gleanings, pp.187-190. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THe News of this witch-craft coming to the Kings Ear, his Majesty was pleased to appoint Commissioners some of the Clergy, and some of the Laity, to make a Journey to the Town aforesaid, and to examine the whole business; and accordingly the Examination was ordered to be on the 13. … Continue reading Relation XXVIII. – A Relation of the Strange Witch-craft discovered in the Village. Mohra in Swedeland, pp.167-186. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis City was annoyed with Rats and Mice. It happened that a Pied-Coated-Pyper, came thither, who covenanted with the Chief Burgers for such a Reward, if he could free them from the said Vermine, nor would he demand it, till a twelve Moneth and a day after. The Agreement being made, … Continue reading Relation XXVII. – A Marvellous Prank plaid by the Devil at Hamelen, a town in Germany, pp.165-166. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] A Lieutenent of a Guard called Jaquette having supped one night in a rich Merchants house, was passing home and by the way, said, I wonder what I have eaten and drunken at the Merchants house, for I find my self so hot, that if I met with the Devils Dame … Continue reading Relation XXVI. – A Wonderful and Strange Accident which fell out at Lions in France, pp.164-165. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] ABout thirty years ago, more or less, there was one William Barton apprehended for Witch-Craft. His confession was first, that if he had twenty Sons, he would advise them to shun the lust of uncleanness. For said he, I never saw a beautiful Woman, Maid, nor Wife, but I did covet … Continue reading Relation XXV. – Touching one William Barton a Warlock, pp.160-164. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THIS hath been published in a Sermon by a Godly Minister. But I must insert it here in its own proper place. On the 8 of February (saith my Author) in the year 1578, a company of Drunkards, whose names are recorded as followeth, Adam Gibbons, George Keepel, John Keysel, Peter … Continue reading Relation XXIV. – Touching some Drunkards destroyed by the Devil, pp.158-159. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] IT is written in the life of one Bruno, that a Doctor of great note for Learning and Godliness being dead, and being brought to the Church to be buried, while they were in their Popish Devotions, and came to these words, Responde mihi, the Corps arose in the Bier, and … Continue reading Relation XXIII. – Anent a great Doctor of Divinity, that raise out of the Bier, and spoke to all that were present, pp.156-157. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] Mr. Tindal, the first Translater of the Scripture into Inglish, after the Reformation, being at Antwerpe whilst the Persecution was hot in England against the Truth, he was shewed by some English Merchants there, of a notable Magician in the place, whose use was at Feasts, or when they used to … Continue reading Relation XXII. – Anent a Magician at Antwerpe, pp.154-156. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis Woman was born at Peaston in the Parish of Ormiston, and was for several years a very useful Servant to the Minister there, for all manner of Out-House-Work. She was of a low stature, small and slender of Body, of a Black Complexion. Her head stood somewhat awry upon her … Continue reading Relation XXI. – Touching Isabel Heriot, pp.144-154. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] SIR, Your desiring to be acquainted with some Passages concerning the Quakers in this Town of Balsham, obligeth me to give you the following account. At my first settlement here in the Ministry, I found them very busie in enticeing my People to a complyance with their perswasions in Religion. This … Continue reading Relation XX. – A Wonderful Story of one Robert Churchman, inveigled in Quakerism, and possessed by a Spirit and how he was recovered: written by way of Letter by Doctor John Templar, pp.135-144. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis is a known passage, which happened in the year 1659, at Crossen in Silesia. This is a part of Germany, which long since was under the Polonians, but is now subject to the Crown of Bohemia. The chief Magistrate of that town at that time was the Princes Elizabeth Charlotta, … Continue reading Relation XIX. – Touching an Apothecaries Servant that returned to the Shop, after he had been dead, pp.132-134. →

[Scanned Images Contents] This wee book is a recent acquisition. I'm surprised it's still in one piece. All 10 pictures present, though this book was made to for it to be easy to detach the pictures from the spine, perhaps as additions to travellers holiday letters home, or in order to mount them in some … Continue reading Valentine’s Photobook of Loch Lomond (Undated) →

[Scanned Images Contents] RSH has been on tour throughout Scotland for a wee while now for our Out & About Videos. Loch Lomond has featured a number of times in videos, mainly as we head up or back by either side of the loch to get to varying sights. I love Valentine's photos and have … Continue reading ‘Valentine’s Snapshots’ of Loch Lomond (Undated) →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] DOctor Bretton late Rector of Ludgate, at Deptford, lived formerly in Herefordshire, and married the Daughter of Doctor Santer. This Gentlewoman was a Person of extraordinary Piety, which she expressed as in her life so at her death. She had a Maid, that she had a great kindness for; who was … Continue reading Relation XVIII. – The Appearing of the Ghost of Mistris Bretton, pp.128-131. →

[Scanned Images Contents] These are a bit more contemporary than anything else in the RSH collection. They do, however, go quite nicely with the Railway Incidents we've been getting into. - Outside of Railway Postcards Wallet Inside of Railway Postcards Wallet - uploaded as a High Res image Here, so the timetable can be viewed. … Continue reading West Highland Line Steam Postcards (1961) →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis mans name was Sandie Hunter, who called himself Sandie Hamilton, and it seems was called Hattaraik by the Devil, and so by others, as a Nick-name. He was first a Neat-herd in East-Lothian to a Gentle-man there. He was much given to Charming and cureing of Men and Beasts by … Continue reading Relation XVII. – Anent Hattaraik an Old Warlock, pp.122-127. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] SOme few days before the Duke of Buckingham went to Portsmouth where he was Stabbet by Felton, the Ghost of his Father Sir George Williers appeared to one Parker, a religious and sober man, who had been a servant to the said sir George, but now servant to the Duke his … Continue reading Relation XVI. – Anent the Apparition of Sir George Williers, pp.120-122. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] SHE was apprehended about the end of August 1649. upon some threatning words, she had spoken in her drunkenness to John Rankins Wife in Kilwinning. Whereupon the poor Woman ten dayes after took Sickness, and shortly died. She was imprisoned in the Steeple, for the space of thirteen weeks, all which … Continue reading Relation XV. – Some observable Passages of GODS Providence to a Godly Minister, in giving him full clearness concerning Bessie Graham, suspect of Witch-craft, pp.109-120. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THomas Goddard of Marleburgh in the County of Wilts, Weaver; on the ninth of November 1674 going to Ogburn, at a Style on the Highway about nine in the morning, met the Apparition of his Father in Law, one Edward Avon of this Town Glover, who dyed in May last, having … Continue reading Relation XIV. – The Apparition of Edward Avon, to his Son in Law Thomas Goddard, pp.102-108. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THough this be well known to all who read our Scots Histories, yet it will not be amiss to insert it here, as in its own place, for their sake especially who have not heard of it. While the King was about the setling of the Countrey, and punishing the Troublers … Continue reading Relation XIII. – King Duff the 78 King of Scotland Bewitched, pp.100-102. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis Story hath as much certainty with it, as any Human Story can have. The Author that writs it is a Famous Minister of the Gospel, and attested by famous Witnesses. This Woman was arraigned and condemned at Newgate for bewitching one Mary Glover a Marchants Daughter in Themes-Street. One Doctor … Continue reading Relation XII. – Anent Mother Jackson her Witch-Craft, pp.95-100. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THis is that famous and notable Story of the Devil of Glenluce, which I published in my Hydrostaticks, anno 1672, and which since hath been transcribed word by word by a Learned Pen, and Published in the late Book Intituled Saducismus Triumphatus, whom nothing but the truth thereof, and usefulness for … Continue reading Relation XI. – The Devil of Glenluce enlarged with several Remarkable Additions from an Eye and Ear witness, a Person of undoubted Honesty, pp.75-94. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] In the year 1661, about the middle of March a Gentleman named Mr. Mompesson, in the County of Wilts, being at a Neighbouring town called Ludgarshal and hearing a Drum beat there, he enquired of the Bailly of the town, at whose house he then was, what it meant. The Bailly … Continue reading Relation X. – A True Narrative of the Drummer of Ted-Worth, pp.55-75. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] IN the beginning of the year 1649, a common report passing up and down in all Mens and Womens mouths, of an eminent Warlock whose name was Robert Grieve, alias Hob Grieve, traffecking in these parts of the Country, and deceiving many simple People, he was at last discovered, apprehended, and … Continue reading Relation IX. – A Remarkable Story of discovered Witch-Craft at Lauder, anno 1649. and of the Wyls which the Devil used in deceiving poor Creatures, pp.45-55. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] COncerning the Apparition of the Ghost of Major George Sydenham (late of Dulverton in the County of Somerset) to Captain William Dyke, (late of Skilgate in this County also, and now likewise deceased:) Be pleased to take the Relation of it, from a Worthy and Learned Gentleman, Doctor Thomas Dyke, a … Continue reading Relation VIII. – Anent the Major who returned from Death, to tell the Captain, whether there was a GOD or not, pp.40-45. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] WHile the King stayed at Lithgow, attending the gathering of his Armie, which was defeat at Flowdon, being full of Cares and Perplexity, he went into the Church of Saint Michael, to hear Evening-Song, as then it was called. While he was at his Devotion, an Ancient Man came in, his … Continue reading Relation VII. – An Apparition to King James the Fourth, and his Courtiers, in the Kirk of Lithgow, pp.39-40. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THe Commissioners, October 13. 1649. with their Servants being come to the Mannor-house, they took up their lodging in the Kings own Rooms; the Bed-Chamber, and withdrawing-Room: the former whereof, they also make their Kitching, the Council-Hall their Brewhouse: the Chamber of Presence, their place of sitting to dispatch business, and … Continue reading Relation VI. – Strange Pranks plaid by the Devil at Wood-Stock in England, Anno 1649, pp.32-39. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THE Narrative taken by a Dutch-Merchant from her own mouth, Begins thus, A Miraculous Cure upon Jesch Claes, a Women about fifty years of Age, for these many years, well known to my self and the Neighbours. This Woman for fourteen years had been lame of both her legs, one of … Continue reading Relation V. – A Miraculous Cure of a Dutch-Woman, accompanied with an Apparition, pp.29-32. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] AFter that King James the fourth, had mustered his Army in the Borrow-Moor, being at that time a large spacious Field, and most Pleasant and Delightful, by reason of many staitly Oaks, which overshadowed the place; about midnight, in the Month of July, there is a Proclamation heard at the Mercat … Continue reading Relation IV. – A Proclamation over the Mercat Cross of Edinburgh, at twelve a clock at night, pp.28-29. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] THough this be of too old a date, to comply with the title of our Stories, yet being a true copy of Record so Authentick, though not so fresh, it may haply not be amiss briefly to name some effects, kinds, and circumstances of her Sorcery; as her skill in Diseases, … Continue reading Relation III. – Touching the Witch-Craft of Agnes Simpson, pp.22-28. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] ABout the year of our Lord 1632, near unto Chester in the Street, there lived one Walker, a yeoman of good estate, and a Widower, who had a young woman called Anna Walker to his kinswoman, that kept his house, who was by the Neighbours suspected to be with child, and … Continue reading Relation II. – Being a Wonderful Discovery of Murder by an Apparition, pp.19-22. →

[Satan's Invisible World Contents] Pollock, 24 of June, 1684.      Sir,  I Send you herewith the true Account, my Father caused me write from his own mouth, which is the surest Relation I can give, either of his own trouble, or what concerns Jennet Dowglas, the first discoverer of these Pictures. There fell out some less … Continue reading Relation I. – Touching the troubles which Sir George Maxwell of Pollock met with from the Devil and his Haggs, pp.1-18. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] MY Purpose is only by some few Collections to prove the existence of Devils, Spirits, Witches, and Apparitions. The Philosophical Arguments, which are brought for this end, though very cogent, yet many of them are so profound and speculative, that they require a greater attention and sagacity, than many learned men, … Continue reading The Preface to the Reader, pp.xvii-xlii. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] MIramur tam multa tui monumenta Georgi  Ingenii & claram famam, quam scripta per orbem  Conciliant docta dum lucubrata quotannis  Conspicimus tot missa manu: dum falsa refutas  Dogmata divini pandens mysteria verbi;  Et monstras rectum per tanta pericula callem,  Quo sacræ veritatis amans, incedere possit  Tutus iter, sacro firmatus lumine mentem:  Et vero faciles … Continue reading In Auctorem & Opus, Encomiasticon, pp.xv-xvi. →

[Satan’s Invisible World Contents] TO  THE RIGHT HONOURABLE  GEORGE  EARL of  WINTON,  Lord SETON and TRANENT, &c.  And One of His MAJESTIES most Honourable Privy Council.  My Lord,  PRESENT your Lo: with an oblation, both Lame and Imperfect. ‘Tis all which my Ability can afford. I must Sacrifice with Barley-Meal, because I want Frankincense.  Farre litabit … Continue reading Epistle Dedicatory to the Earl of Winton, &c., pp.iii-xiv. →

[Satan's Invisible World Contents] f the parentage, place of birth, or early life, of that singular character but well-known mathematical writer GEORGE SINCLAR, who was Professor of Philosophy and afterwards of Mathematics, in the College of Glasgow in the latter part of the seventeenth century, no particulars have been ascertained. His brother, John Sinclar, A.M., … Continue reading Prefatory Notice, pp.iv-liii. →

[Scanned Images Contents] Anyone who knows Random Scottish History, especially the YouTube offerings, will know, because I've mentioned it a few times, how much I've been dying to obtain a copy of this publication. Anyone who knows me in person will know why I've been after a copy. Having just turned 40 we felt it … Continue reading ‘Satan’s Invisible World Discovered’ (1871) →

[Newspaper Article Lucky-Dip Contents] It might be an idea, if you’re particularly sensitive to distressing information and details to have a look under each video to see what will be discussed prior to hitting the play button. - https://youtu.be/Pw6a58KMhpY?si=ummoAFJb8eijQUom We had 3 articles in this episode. All with some relation to marriage by pure coincidence. … Continue reading Newspaper Article Lucky-Dip Series 2 →

[RSH Out & About Contents] This post is to accompany the Hallowe'en Video & offer up some extra information & sources for the information related therein. - Steps up to Mary King's Close & the High Street from the Edinburgh Dungeons - - Plan of the City & Castle of Edinburgh, William Edgar, 1765. - … Continue reading Edinburgh Dungeons & Mary King’s Close True Crime Tour →

[Guest Articles Contents] On one of our Out & About days, on an "Accies Tour," we ended up in Inveraray after having visited Dumbarton Castle. We popped into the Inveraray Inn for a late lunch & met RSH's new friend, Millie. She very kindly sent over some of her own pictures of the town & … Continue reading Inveraray →

[Gazetteer of Scotland Contents] CROOKSTON CASTLE, an interesting relic of feudal times, crowning the summit of a wooded slope overhanging the southern bank of the White Cart, in Renfrewshire; about 3 miles south-east of Paisley. When Crawford wrote, this building consisted of a large quarter, and two lofty towers, with battlemented wings. Much of it … Continue reading Crookston Castle, pp.323-324. →

by Suzanne Brown - A fairytale yet to happen on the Isle of Skye. “Probably spam,” Paul thought, reading his messages in his flat in Glasgow, and he almost deleted the email, but he remembered in time that spam wasn’t likely to have his name in the header. Confirmation for Paul Burns was showing, and … Continue reading Paul’s Music →

[RSH Videos Contents] Alex & I don't get abroad often but when we do we try & fit in as much as possible. It's a great chance to compare Scotland's historical past to that of other countries. Great excuse tae get wee Hamish out & about, too. - https://youtu.be/5G36iTWjjdQ - https://youtu.be/83rIzt2gTa4 - https://youtu.be/oUTze0PFQRU - https://youtu.be/FoI1OIKqySw … Continue reading RSH Abroad →

[RSH Videos Contents] These tours began in the summer and, although ye cannae escape the dreich weather entirely in Scotland, I've been especially up for getting out & about tae see varying parts of our beautiful country to get a wee peek at some of its historical gems. - Waverley Trip Doon the Watter 2023 … Continue reading RSH Out & About →

by Suzanne Brown - A fairytale in Glasgow, 2023. The first one wasn’t made accidentally. No, Jenny meant to crochet a wee toy for the new baby, the wean that was so soft and tender. Babies like shiny things, don’t they? And so Jenny had gone in search of a shiny yarn. But maybe finding … Continue reading Jenny’s Gifts →

[RSH Videos Contents] These are videos that are more difficult to categorise; days out, &c. The Random Scottish History YouTube Channel has a Miscellany Playlist, so why not here, too. Paul Burns has very wonderfully provided the musical accompaniments to most of the recent videos. - https://youtu.be/qZAkkAN37zY - https://youtu.be/HlVx8YU63vU - https://youtu.be/fLDM1NxPnVQ - https://youtu.be/vQFHV4M4hoU - https://youtu.be/Lahs3xTa4z0 … Continue reading General Miscellany →

[Gazetteer of Scotland Contents] TAIN, a parish on the northern border of Ross-shire; bounded on the north by the Dornoch frith; on the east by Tarbat and Fearn; on the south by Logie-Easter; and on the west by Edderton. Its greatest length from east to west is between 9 and 10 miles; its breadth at … Continue reading Tain, pp.738-739. →

[RSH Publications] - Hi there, I’m resident artist Alex Eeles and my NFT project has now gone live in order to directly contribute to Random Scottish History’s growing library of resources. Random Scottish Goblins (RSG) is a series of images of wee Goblins and in true RSH style they will be themed entirely randomly. From … Continue reading Random Scottish Goblins →

[RSH Videos Contents] This ended up being a wee bit too long to have as 1 episode so it was split into 2 parts at short notice after most of the editing and pictures had been added. Hope no-one minds. Thank you to Random Scottish History supporters & followers, but especially to my Patrons, who … Continue reading Scottish Death Traditions & Customs (Show & Tell) →

[Video Research] Registration of death was begun in 1855 when it became mandatory for any death to be noted with a civil registrar. It was really the churches of the parishes that recorded the deaths of parishioners prior to this.     RITES OF SEPULTURE. That tender and sincere affection which subsists among near relations and … Continue reading Scottish Death Traditions & Customs →

[Useful Family Receipts Contents] Polishing Wax for Furniture. Melt eight ounces of bees wax in a glazed pipkin, pound two ounces colophony, and stir it in; when well incorporated, warm and add by degrees four ounces spirit of turpentine, mix it well together and pour it into small pots, such as are used for pomatum. … Continue reading Appendix – Chap. III. – Useful Family Receipts, pp.438-445. →

[Made Wines Contents] Observations. There are a few rules to be observed in brewing, which are equally indispensible as they are simple. Put all liquids into clean, dry, well fumigated casks; as a wet cask checks fermentation, and a musty one effectually spoils the liquor. Never suffer fermented liquors of any kind to overwork themselves … Continue reading Appendix – Chap. II. – Made Wines, pp.431-437. →

[Curling & Salting Meats Contents] SALTING meat requires particular attention, and it must be observed as an invariable rule, that when meats are not completely covered with pickle they must be daily turned and rubbed, and that saltpetre has a tendency to harden all meats, while prunella every way answers the same purpose without producing … Continue reading Appendix – Chap. I. – Curling and Salting Meats, &c., pp.425-431. →

[Dressing Out Tables Contents] THE same directions apply to every one who has a table to dress out; let it therefore be particularly observed, by those who would do it handsomely, that a load of expence will by no means gain the end; it is in combining taste and consistency in the choice, cooking, and … Continue reading Observations on Dressing Out Tables, pp.421-424. →

[Pancakes & Fritters Contents] General Observations. GREAT care should be taken that the frying pan is quite clean; take a bit of butter, or fresh lard, melt and make it touch every part of the pan, then pour it out, and wipe the pan with a cloth; put in a little more butter or lard, … Continue reading Chap. XX – Pancakes and Fritters, pp.417-421. →

[Baked Puddings Contents] General Observations.    BREAD and custard puddings require a moderate, and batter and rice puddings a quick, oven. Before pouring the pudding in any dish be careful to rub the bottom and sides with butter, if it is not lined with paste. For ornament, put a border of puff paste round it, … Continue reading Chap. XIX. – Baked Puddings, pp.413-416. →

[Puddings Contents] General Observations.    HAVE ready a sweet clean cloth and the water boiling; dip the cloth into the boiling water, wring it out and dredge it well, shake off the loose flour, put it over a basin, then pour in the pudding. If it is made of bread tie it loose that it … Continue reading Chap. XVIII. – Puddings, pp.402-412. →

[Meat Pies Contents] General Observations.    SAVOURY pies are made of a variety of articles, and if well prepared are generally relished. Some eat best when cold, in which case no fat or suet should be put into the forced meat. When the pye is very large, or composed of meats which require more dressing … Continue reading Chap. XVII. – Meat Pies, pp.389-402. →

[Dressing Veg, Eggs, Cheese, &c. Contents] Observations on Boiling Vegetables.    ALL vegetables should be cut at an early hour, before the sun grows hot, and laid in a cool place; they should be thoroughly examined for fear of insects and worms, cleaned by plunging in quantities of water, but not broken or squeezed, nor … Continue reading Chap. XVI. – Dressing Vegetables, Eggs, Cheese, &c., pp.381-389. →

[Potting Contents]    WHATEVER article you pot observe that it be well covered with clarified butter, tied over with strong paper three or four fold, and well baked. When it is baked, drain it well from the gravy; the seasoning should be finely pounded. Before potting, press it well; it should be cold before the … Continue reading Chap. XV. – Potting, pp.375-381. →

[Collaring Contents] Rules to be Observed.    ROLL the meat up tight and bind it firmly, which makes it cut properly without breaking and adds much to its beauty. Great attention is necessary in boiling, that it may not be under or overdone. The meat must be quite cold before it is laid in pickle; … Continue reading Chap. XIV. – Collaring, pp.372-374. →