[Square Mile Murders Contents] THIRD DAY - WEDNESDAY, July 5.     The Court met again this morning, and resumed the trial of Dr Pritchard.     At five minutes past ten the prisoner took his seat in the dock, and immediately after his brother entered and took his seat by his side.     The first witness … Continue reading Dr Edward William Pritchard – Trial Pt. 3 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] TRIAL OF DR PRITCHARD  FOR THE  MURDER OF HIS WIFE AND MOTHER-IN-LAW.  —————  SECOND DAY - TUESDAY.  —————     The Court resumed this morning at a quarter-past ten o’clock, and like the day before was crowded...     Mary Paterson, who on being examined by Mr GIFFORD, deponed - I was engaged … Continue reading Dr Edward William Pritchard – Trial Pt. 2 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] TRIAL OF DR PRITCHARD  FOR THE  MURDER OF HIS WIFE AND MOTHER-IN-LAW.  —————  FIRST DAY - MONDAY.  —————     This morning Edward William Pritchard was placed at the bar of the High Court of Justiciary, charged with the wilful murder of Jane Cowan or Taylor, his mother-in-law, and of Mary Jane … Continue reading Dr Edward William Pritchard – Trial Pt. 1 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents]    The case of Dr Pritchard, though still exciting considerable interest in Glasgow, appears to be gradually getting divested of its serious character. The witnesses who have been examined speak principally as to the liason between the doctor and the girl McLeod, and nothing has yet been elicited which can be … Continue reading Dr Edward William Pritchard – Pre-Trial Pt. 2 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents]    “THE RUINS OF POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM.” - A very interesting and instructive lecture on this subject was delivered in the Mechanic’s Institution, Bath Street, on Wednesday night, under the auspices of the Mutual Improvement Association in connection with that institution. The lecturer, Dr E. W. Pritchard, of Berkeley Terrace, was … Continue reading Dr Edward William Pritchard – Pre-Trial Pt. 1 →

[Extra Articles Contents] 85  Agricola’s army defeated by the Caledonians at Mons Grampius & Agricola’s Wall built between the rivers Forth and Clyde.  120  A new wall built by Hadrian further south between the rivers Tyne and Solway.  139  Wall completed by Antoninus.  843  Northumbria claimed by Kenneth II. The river Tweed becomes Scotland’s southern … Continue reading Timeline of Events Between Scotland & England – Roman Era to 1900 →

[RSH Videos Contents] https://youtu.be/6H0DRWbYaSA - https://youtu.be/dpycuPNVuC8 - https://youtu.be/P2BRkoHDmGk - https://youtu.be/rPcU53S7pdw - https://youtu.be/eId8-IrAhEM - https://youtu.be/befwTqh7seg

[Square Mile Murders Contents]    Immediately on the conclusion of the charge, the jury expressed a wish to retire, and then were conducted out of Court. The prisoner also was removed for the time. After an absence of about twenty minutes, the jury returned to the Court, and the prisoner having been brought back,     … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – Verdict & Aftermath →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE.    The following evidence was then led in behalf of the prisoner:-     George Paton, examined by Mr CLARK - I am a milkman, and was in the habit of supplying the Flemings, who live in Sandyford Place, with milk. I supplied milk to that house in July last. … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – Trial Pt. 3 →

[RSH Videos Contents] https://youtu.be/WAR03Kh6hPQ - https://youtu.be/nZmjZPdxjbY - https://youtu.be/UyFDixbhsmo - https://youtu.be/hfl8XnLzBTk - https://youtu.be/k6FOyKpTCuw

[Square Mile Murders Contents] GLASGOW MURDER TRIAL.  —————  AUTUMN CIRCUIT COURT.  —————     The following is the continuation of Christina Fraser’s evidence from yesterday’s paper, which was heard on Wednesday night after our parcel left...     Mr GIFFORD - How long would she be away? - She did not seem to be many minutes away. She … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – Trial Pt. 2 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] GLASGOW MURDER CASE.  —————  AUTUMN CIRCUIT COURT - WEDNESDAY.     The trial of Mrs. Jessie McIntosh or McLachlan, for the murder of Jessie McPherson Richardson, on the 4th or 5th of July last, within the house of Mr. John Fleming, accountant, 17 Sandyford Place, was proceeded with this morning, at ten o’clock, before … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – Trial Pt. 1 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] THE MYSTERIOUS MURDER CASE.  —————  FURTHER IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES.  ... But still a great link in the chain of evidence was awanting, as the pawner of the articles, Mrs McLachlan, implicated old Mr Fleming, asserting that he gave her them for the purpose to which she applied them, and that before the murder … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – Pre-Trial Pt. 2 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] MYSTERIOUS MURDER IN SANDYFORD PLACE,  GLASGOW.  —————  (From the Morning Journal.)     A murder, as full of the elements of mystery and horror as any which has of late years startled the country, transpired on Monday in a house at 17 Sandyford Place, Glasgow, tenanted by Mr Fleming, the accountant, the … Continue reading Jessie McLachlan – PreTrial Pt. 1 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] MISS SMITH’S TRIAL.    THE Trial of Madeleine Smith at Edinburgh for alleged poisoning, which has so deeply engrossed the attention of the public for the better part of a fortnight, was yesterday brought to a termination by a verdict of Not Guilty on the first of the three counts in … Continue reading Madeleine Smith – Verdict & Aftermath →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] TRIAL OF  MADELEINE SMITH  —————  HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY.  SEVENTH DAY - TUESDAY.     The Court met to-day at 10 o’clock.     The LORD ADVOCATE then addressed the jury as follows:- Gentlemen of the jury, after an investigation which, for its length, has proved unexampled, I believe, in the criminal annals … Continue reading Madeleine Smith – Trial Pt. 3 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] THURSDAY, July 2.    The Court resumed to-day at ten o’clock. The prisoner on being brought up maintained her usual calm and composed demeanour.  ...     The prisoner’s declaration was here read as follows:- My name is Madeleine Smith. I am a native of Glasgow; twenty-one years of age, and I … Continue reading Madeleine Smith – Trial Pt. 2 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents] TRIAL OF  MISS MADELEINE SMITH  FOR THE SUPPOSED  MURDER OF MR L'ANGELIER,  BEFORE THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY.  —————     Few events connected with the crimes of Scotland have given rise to so much gossip as the supposed murder of Mr L’Angelier by Miss Madeleine Smith. Ever since the death of the … Continue reading Madeleine Smith – Trial Pt. 1 →

[Square Mile Murders Contents]    THE FATAL CASE OF POISONING IN GLASGOW. - It was stated briefly in our last that a young female of a most respectable family in Glasgow had been apprehended on the serious charge of poisoning a young Frenchman with whom she was intimate. The case has been matter of judicial … Continue reading Madeleine Smith – Pre-Trial →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] HE first public victim of the Restoration in Scotland was the celebrated Marquis of Argyll, who after passing scaithlessly through all the wars of the Covenant, had lived at peace during the Commonwealth. The fierce enmities and blood-feuds which the part he acted in national affairs had excited against him lay … Continue reading XIV. Lady Sophia Lindsay, pp.312-327. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents]                                                   “Every hour  They stood prepar’d to die, a people doom’d  To death; - old men, and youths, and simple maids.”                                                                                                              - Grahame’s Sabbath.  MMEDIATELY after the slaughter of Archbishop Sharp on Magus Moor, on 3rd May, 1679, the band of horsemen who slew him dispersed, and four of them … Continue reading XIII. Isobel Alison of Perth; and Marion Harvie of Bo’ness, pp.293-311. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents]    “I have obstinacy enough to pursue whatever I have once resolved; and a true female courage to oppose anything that resist my will.” - Congreve’s Double-Dealer.  HE Civil Wars in England and Scotland developed various phases of female heroism on both sides of the quarrel. We have told the story … Continue reading XII. Anne Keith, Lady Methven, pp.275-292. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] O Bessie Bell an’ Mary Gray!  They were twa bonnie lasses -  They biggit a bower on you burn-brae,  An’ theekit it ower wi’ rashes.                                                                - Old Ballad.  ARLY in 1645, the Plague appeared on the Scottish Border, after an absence of eight years, and rapidly advanced into the heart … Continue reading XI. – Bessie Bell and Mary Gray, pp.247-274. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] It fell on a day, and a bonnie summer day,  When the corn grew green and yellow,  That there fell out a great dispute  Between Argyle and Airlie.                                                             - Old Ballad.  ROBABLY few of our old Scottish ballads are better known throughout the land of their birth than “The Bonnie … Continue reading X. The Ladies Ogilvie of Airlie, pp.221-246. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] Oh! grief, beyond all other griefs, when fate  First leaves the young heart lone and desolate  In the wide world, without that only tie  For which it lov’d to live - or fear’d to die; -  Lorn as the hung-up late, that ne’er hath spoken  Since the sad day its master-chord … Continue reading IX. Fair Helen of Ardoch, pp.195-220. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “Gie up your house, ye fair lady,  Gie up your house to me;  Or I will burn yoursel’ therein,  But and your babies three.”                                                                                  - Ballad of Edom o’ Gordon.  T was in 1571, during the internecine war waged between the partisans of Queen Mary and those of her son, … Continue reading VIII. Margaret Campbell, Lady of Towie, pp.167-194. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] I wish I were where Helen lies,  Night and day on me she cries;  O that I were where Helen lies,  On fair Kirkconnell Lee!                                                       - Old Ballad.  HE banks of the small river Kirtle which flows through the old Annandale parish of Kirkconnell, are associated in the lyrical poesy … Continue reading VII. Fair Helen of Kirkconnell, pp.148-166. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “Ancrum Moor  Ran red with English blood;  Where the Douglas true, and the bold Buccleuch,  ‘Gainst keen Lord Evers stood.”                                                                                     - Scott’s Eve of St. John.  ET love, hasty vengeance,’ quoth an old Scots proverb, which wise saw was amply exemplified by the violent measures of Bluff King Hal of … Continue reading VI. Lilliard of Ancrum, pp.134-147. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “Oh! we have need of patient faith below,  To clear away the mysteries of such woe!”                                                                                                        - Mrs. Heman’s Records of Women.  THINK,” says Godscroft, in beginning the prefatorial remarks to his History of Douglas and Angus, “I think it will not be amiss to place here before the door, … Continue reading V. Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, pp.104-133. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “In Inchemortho the King Davy  Weddit Dame Mergret off Logy.”                                                                                - Wyntoun’s Cronykil.  “More glorious now to trace the ancient date,  When gallant Robert held the reins of State.  Then Drummond’s daughter as his consort shone,  And added lustre to the Scottish throne;  From whom, as from the fountain of … Continue reading IV. Queen Margaret Logie; and Lady Margaret Drummond, pp.75-104. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “Robert the Keith, a michty man,  .     .     .     .     .  In Formaretine at Fivy,  Assieged his aunt, a gud lady.”                                                                                - Wyntoun’s Cronykil. HE Castle of Fyvie, in the district of Buchan, is described as being “alike remarkable for its commanding situation, its antiquity, its connection with interesting events … Continue reading III. Margaret Keith, Lady Lindsay, pp.67-74. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “A lady, one that arm’d  Her own fair head, and sallying through the gate,  Had beat her foes with slaughter from her walls.  .     .     .     .     .  She trampled some beneath her horses’ heels,  And some were whelm’d with missiles off the wall,  And some were push’d with lances from … Continue reading II. Black Agnes of Dunbar, pp.37-66. →

[Scanned Images Contents] This was obtained after I was asked to provide some information about the Scottish heroine, Black Agnes, of Dunbar. I had begun by resorting to the newspapers, where I found Andrew Cheviot's weekly series, 'Black Agnes; A Romance of the Siege of Dunbar,' within the Aberdeen Weekly News dated from 3rd May, … Continue reading ‘Heroines of Scotland’ (1889) →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] “Mothers henceforth shall proudly tell  How caged and prison’d Isobel  Did serve her country’s weal,”                                                                       - Pratt’s Buchan.  T was in the spring of 1297 when Wallace came into the field as champion of Scottish rights. Nine eventful years elapsed; and in the spring of 1306 Robert Bruce was crowned … Continue reading I. Isobel, Countess of Buchan, pp.6-36. →

[Heroines of Scotland Contents] HE world has been loud in its praises of heroic women,” says an anonymous writer. “They have figured in battle, reigned as queens, been hailed as deliverers, and suffered as martyrs.” Their patriotic courage and devotedness, and their prowess in war, brighten many a dark page of the world’s history, down … Continue reading Introductory, pp.1-5. →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents] SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT STANLEY.  —————  PLOUGHMAN’S TERRIBLE PLIGHT.  —————     A serious accident occurred at Stanley early on Saturday morning. On Friday a young ploughman, named George Stewart, 19 years of age, and residing with Mrs Easson, 1 Precinct Street, Coupar Angus, had been at the Perth Feeing Market, … Continue reading December 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents] RAILWAY FATALITY AT ABERDEEN.  —————  CARRIAGE-CLEANER KILLED.  —————     A shocking accident occurred on the railway between Union Bridge and Schoolhill Station about a quarter past one o’clock yesterday afternoon, James Cumming, a railway carriage-cleaner, in the employment of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company, being run down by … Continue reading November 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents] HOLIDAY DISASTER.  —————  GLASGOW EXCURSION TRAIN WRECKED.  —————  TERRIFIC COLLISION.  —————  FIFTY PERSONS INJURED.  —————  BRAKES FAIL TO ACT.  —————     An accident of a serious nature took place near Sunnyside Station, Coatbridge, on the North British Railway, last night shortly after nine o’clock, resulting in injuries to about fifty … Continue reading October 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    FIRE IN PRINCES STREET STATION. - Through some cause, the exact nature of which is unknown, fire broke out in the lamp-room at Princes Street Station last night. On the arrival of Edinburgh Fire Bridgae it was found that the outbreak had a somewhat dangerous aspect, as the wood … Continue reading September 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    FATAL ACCIDENT INQUIRY. - An inquiry was held on Thursday in the Elgin Sheriff Court - before Sheriff Gray Webster and a jury - in regard to the death of William George Macpherson, railway guard, and residing at Boat of Garten, who, while engaged shunting, was crushed between a … Continue reading August 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    FATALITY AT GARTCOSH. - On Monday a sad accident occurred in Smith and McLean’s Gartcosh Iron and Steelworks. A man named Dallington, residing at Smith Terrace, Gartcosh, and who was well-known in Coatbridge, had been crossing a line of railway in the works when he was caught between the … Continue reading July 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    SUDDEN DEATH AT GALASHIELS. - Yesterday morning Mr William Skillen, coal agent, died suddenly in the lyes at the railway station. He was found lying in an unconscious state at the side of his horse and lorry. Medical assistance was called, but death ensued shortly after, being due to … Continue reading May 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents] MAIL ROBBERY ON CALEDONIAN RAILWAY.  —————  VALUABLE PROPERTY MISSING.  —————     RAILWAY and Post Office detectives, with the co-operation of the police of Glasgow and Belfast, are investigating a daring robbery from the Irish mail train which left Glasgow for Ardrossan on Saturday night. The train runs in connection with … Continue reading April 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    ACCIDENT AT RAILWAY STATION. - An accident, which might very easily have had serious consequences, occurred at Neilston [Glasgow, Barrhead & Kilmarnock] Station on Wednesday evening. Whilst a number of passengers were waiting for a down train some of the younger folks seem to have indulged in some frolics, … Continue reading March 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents]    WOMAN KILLED ON THE RAILWAY. - On Saturday the body of a woman named Elizabeth McPheat, 45 years of age, wife of Jas. McPheat, colliery engineer, Nimmo’s Rows, Longriggend, was found lying on the North British Railway, almost directly in front of her abode, having been run over by … Continue reading February 1907 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1907) Contents] THE ARBROATH RAILWAY DISASTER.  —————  DEATH-ROLL 21.  —————  ARREST OF THE EXPRESS DRIVER.  —————     As will be seen from a telegram which came to hand early this morning, the number of victims of the terrible railway disaster at Elliot Junction has been increased to 21.  —————  MESSAGE FROM THE … Continue reading January 1907 →

[Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal Contents] LIVING IN LONDON AND EDINBURGH.    A GOOD deal has been said and written in recent times respecting the saving of expenditure which English families may accomplish by taking up their residence in particular parts of the Continent. That the price of living is considerably lower in France, Germany, as well … Continue reading Living in London and Edinburgh, Saturday, November 14, 1835, pp.332-333. →

[Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal Contents] CHARMING AWAY DISEASES.    THE London newspapers lately amused their readers with the account of an Irishman, somewhere in the metropolis, who tried to charm away the hooping-cough from his child, by passing it to his wife below the belly of a donkey. Whether this be an established usage in the … Continue reading Charming Away Diseases, Saturday, November 21, 1835, pp.342-343. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    There is little more to tell. Salisbury, notwithstanding his signal defeat, did not at once raise the siege, but continued to blockade and bombard the Castle for many weeks until the intrepid Countess and faithful garrison were relieved by Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie, who entered the fortress by way of … Continue reading Epilogue. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    No sooner were the boats secured to the iron rings attached to the stone steps of the staircase than Salisbury ordered Hepburn to land and lead the way. The young man of course had no choice but to obey the imperious command. Might is a powerful influence in securing obedience, and … Continue reading Chapter XVII. – Only Saved by the Sparkle of a Diamond Star. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    The distance by sea between the English camp at the east end of Dunbar and the Castle at its northern extremity was short, but the time occupied in the brief voyage was slightly increased from the necessity of proceeding cautiously, in order to avoid the dangerous rocks, which then, as now, … Continue reading Chapter XVI. – The Secret Expedition on its Way to the Castle. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    The conversation which Salisbury had heard between Hepburn and the messenger who passed for Home in the Judas Cell set all his doubts at rest, and he was now confident that the enterprise would succeed, and accordingly busied himself in preparations for the all important expedition. During the four weeks or … Continue reading Chapter XV. – Hogmanay in the English Camp. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    Great was the delight of Home, Maxwell, and the two girls when the Countess returned safely to the Castle, and related how successfully she had outwitted the wary and experienced Earl.     “All is well so far,” explained Black Agnes. “Hepburn and I played our parts to admiration in the Judas … Continue reading Chapter XIV. – Hogmanay Night at Dunbar Castle. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    It may appear to those who do not understand the ancient methods of dealing with prisoners that Lord Salisbury was somewhat rash in agreeing to accept a stranger’s assurance of what took place at a private interview between him and a prisoner as a guarantee of the latter’s fidelity. But, as … Continue reading Chapter XIII. – The Judas Slit in Dunbar Jail. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    “Who are you?” asked Salisbury, “and why has Betsy Hepburn not returned here as she promised? She has been long in sending me a message. I was beginning to think that the lads in the Castle suited her so well that she had forgotten her man in my prison. Zounds, you … Continue reading Chapter XII. – Black Agnes Before the Earl of Salisbury. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    Meanwhile Salisbury had been fuming and fretting at the delay, and making things exceedingly unpleasant for his unhappy prisoner. Again and again Hepburn was brought before the Earl, and closely questioned as to the warders, guards, fortifications, and other safeguards of the Castle, and dire was the vengeance threatened should Betsy … Continue reading Chapter XI. – The Castle Messenger Arrives at the English Camp. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    Black Agnes pondered long and anxiously how to derive the greatest advantage from the startling stories she had heard from Betsy Hepburn. Thanks to the faithfulness of Hepburn and his wife, the Castle would incur no risk of capture from Salisbury’s treacherous proposal, for the Countess was now on the alert … Continue reading Chapter X. – A Messenger from the Castle to Visit the Camp of the Enemy. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    Although Lord Salisbury believed that the negotiations he had set on foot by the agency of Betsy Hepburn would speedily lead to the capture of the Castle, yet the attacks on the outer walls and inner buildings, feeble and ineffective though they proved, were never suspended even for a single day. … Continue reading Chapter IX. – A Cannonade in the Olden Time. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    Notwithstanding her apparent anger with Adam Home for marrying Elsie Purves without permission, Lady Dunbar was really highly pleased with the spirited conduct of the young man in volunteering for the dangerous service of assisting in the defence of the sore beset stronghold, and no sooner had she dismissed him to … Continue reading Chapter VIII. – How Betsy Fulfilled Her Mission. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    When the young couple again appeared before Lord Salisbury, they lost no time in apprising his Lordship that it was to be as he wished, provided means could be found for executing the treacherous project.     “I dinna like the job,” said Hepburn, “but what maun be maun be. It’s a … Continue reading Chapter VII. – Hepburn and Betsy Agree to Betray the Castle to Lord Salisbury. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    As Adam Home suggested to Ronald Maxwell, the warder, their friend Robert Hepburn and his newly-made bride had fallen into the hands of the Philistines as they were within an arrow flight almost of the sure refuge to which they were happening. When Hepburn’s horse fell - struck by the sentinel’s … Continue reading Chapter VI. – How it Befel Hepburn and His Bride. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    It was a gay and merry company which gathered round the glowing peat fire in the old Castle of the Homes at Wedderburn on the Hallowe’en of 1338. Since the widely-lamented death of the heroic King Robert the Bruce, nine years before, the old turmoils at home and troubles with the … Continue reading Chapter I. – Hallowe’en at Wedderburn Castle. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    “Who are you?” inquired the warder when Adam sprang from his horse, and assisted his wife to alight. “Who are you? I ask, and where is my comrade Hepburn? Speak, man, I say, else I will brain you where you stand with my halberd.”     “Ca canny, man, ca canny,” quietly … Continue reading Chapter V. – How Adam and Elsie were Received by Black Agnes. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    The Castle of Dunbar is now a ruin, and from the few weather-beaten walls which the lapse of ages, the inroads of the waves, and the artillery of successive besiegers have suffered to remain, little idea can be formed of its former renown and ancient magnificence, though even yet broken and … Continue reading Chapter IV. – The Castle of Dunbar and its Mistress. →

[Black Agnes Contents]    At the period of our story, and for hundreds of years afterwards, the forms of locomotion in Scotland were alike primitive and few. Travellers to Dunbar at that time had not the “Flying Scotsman” of to-day to birl them along at the rate of sixty miles an hour, the fast mail … Continue reading Chapter III. – A Night Ride to Dunbar. →

[Black Agnes Contents] Elsie Purves, who had been brought up in the service of the Countess of Dunbar, and now filled the responsible position of principal tirewoman to that great lady, was, at the Hallowe’en season our story opens, on a visit to her old friends, the parents of Adam Home, at their comfortable farmhouse … Continue reading Chapter II. – A Double Marriage in Wedderburn Castle. →

[Extra Articles Contents] One of Random Scottish History's patrons has spent some amount of time and funds on acquiring CDVS that contain hints as to who the people pictured were in a bid to find current family who may want the pictures of their ancestors. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling that's a particularly … Continue reading Scottish Cartes de Visites →

[Chambers’ Edinburgh Journal Contents] GREYFRIARS' CEMETERY, EDINBURGH.    THE principal burial-ground in the Scottish capital is one situated in the southern quarter of the city, and which forms the precinct of the Greyfriars’ churches. Previously to the Reformation, the greater part of this ground was a garden connected with a kind of school or college, … Continue reading Greyfriars’ Cemetery, Edinburgh, Saturday, May 2, 1835, pp.109-111. →

[General History of Scotland Contents] From the Acceʃʃion of MALCOLM CANMORE, to the Death of ALEXANDER III. in the Year 1285.    IT is to the Engliʃh hiʃtorians that we are chiefly indebted for the hiʃtory of Scotland, at this remarkable period. Fordun is angry with William of Malmʃbury, for aʃcribing the glory of Malcolm’s … Continue reading Book the Fourth, pp.245-400. →

[General History of Scotland Contents] From the Death of KENNETH MAC-ALPIN, to the Acceʃʃion of MALCOLM CAINMMORE, in 1054.     THE difference among the Scots writers concerning the hiʃtory and character of Donald, who ʃucceeded his brother Kenneth Mac-Alpin in the throne, ought to caution us againʃt placing any implicit faith in the hiʃtories of … Continue reading Book the Third, pp.157-244. →

[General History of Scotland Contents] From the Eʃtabliʃhment of that Monarchy, under FERGUS, the Son of ERTH, to the Death of KENNETH MACALPIN, in 855.     NENNIUS the oldeʃt and moʃt unexceptionable hiʃtorian of Britiʃh affairs, as confined to this iʃland, gives ʃuʃʃicient evidence that the Iriʃh and the Britiʃh Scots were a diʃtinct people, … Continue reading Book the Second, pp.95-156. →

[General History of Scotland Contents]    FERGUS, commonly called the firʃt king of Scotland, ʃaid to have reigned three hundred and thirty years before the Incarnation, is reported to have been by birth an Iriʃhman; and we are told, that the inhabitants of Ireland were then called Scots. Be this as it may, the authors … Continue reading Book the First, pp.25-94. →

[General History of Scotland Contents]    I SHALL, without adopting any particular ʃyʃtem hitherto published, lay before my readers the earlieʃt accounts which have come to our hands of the inhabitants of SCOTLAND.     Several histories of Scotland have advanced circumstances, ʃome not only beyond all credibility, but impoʃʃible, in the nature of things, ʃuppoʃing … Continue reading Introduction, pp.1-23. →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    SINGULAR MISHAP AT PORTOBELLO. - About midday yesterday, a cart with a load of straw thereon, belonging to Mr Thomas Russell, Windy Gowl, Tranent, was destroyed by fire in Baileyfield Road, Portobello, the straw having been set alight by a spark from an engine passing on the South Leith … Continue reading December 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR DUNBAR.  —————  SCOTTISH EXPRESS RUNS INTO TRUCKS.  —————  MARVELLOUS ESCAPE FROM DISASTER.     About 11 o’clock last night, the Scottish express, known as “The London Diner,” which left King’s Cross at 2.20 p.m., narrowly escaped disaster at East Fortune, owing to uncoupled waggons, which had been derailed, … Continue reading November 1906 →

[Scanned Images Contents] I was originally only able to obtain volume 2 of this set, though, recently, an extremely generous Patron. sent me volume 1. So, that's our next priority for upload. It's one I've been excited to get into and it's wonderful to have the chance already. This is William Guthrie’s ‘General History of … Continue reading ‘General History of Scotland’ (1767) →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] RAILWAY FATALITY NEAR DUMFRIES.     Dumfries, Saturday. - About half-past six o’clock this morning Sam. Taylor, driver of an engine returning from Castle-Douglas, found the dead body of a man lying on the up line opposite Lochside, about a mile west of Dumfries. The head rested on the rails, and … Continue reading October 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    NIGHT WATCHMAN KILLED. - An accident, which has terminated fatally, occurred about two o’clock on Saturday to William Ballantyne, night-watchman at the North Saw Mills, who resided at Glenthorn, Glensburgh. The accident happened while some shunting operations were going on in the mill. From the deceased’s own story it … Continue reading September 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    FATAL ACCIDENT AT NEWBATTLE. - James Tully, a banksman employed by the Lothian Coal Company (Limited), Newbattle, was fatally injured in the railway sidings at the Lady Victoria colliery yesterday, several waggons which were being shunted knocking him down as he was crossing the railway lines. Tully, who was … Continue reading August 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] PERTH STATION SMASH.     A rather unfortunate railway mishap occurred on the main line at Perth General Station this morning, and, although no person was injured, the accident put the railway officials to a considerable amount of inconvenience. While the passenger train from the Alyth district, which arrives in Perth … Continue reading July 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    ACCIDENT. - Alexander Birse, carter, Queen Street, was working in the Caledonian Railway goods yard on Monday night, when he was caught between the horse-chain and the buffer of the waggon which his horse was drawing. Dr Connon found that two ribs had been broken, and ordered the injured … Continue reading June 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] RAILWAY FATALITY AT LEITH.     A surfaceman, named George Dryburgh Wilson (46), in the employment of the North British Railway Company, and residing at 25 Annfield, Newhaven, was instantaneously killed this morning in the tunnel between Junction Bridge and North Leith Stations, where he was knocked down and run over by … Continue reading May 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR KIRTLEBRIDGE.  —————  ONE PASSENGER KILLED AND SEVERAL INJURED.  —————     A serious railway accident occurred about nine o’clock last night on the Caledonian main line between Kirtle bridge and Ecclefechan. The train, which was the 2.10 express from London to Glasgow, was travelling at nearly seventy … Continue reading April 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents] FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT LEITH.  AN UNFORTUNATE FAMILY.     Last night an accident whereby William McIntosh, 15 years of age, son of a widow, residing at 24 Burlington Street, Leith, lost his life, occurred on the railway near the Citadel Station. McIntosh was employed by the North British Railway Company … Continue reading March 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    HORSES KILLED. - On Monday night the driver of the Edinburgh-Glencorse train discovered he had ran into something or other at Oatslie Crossing. He stopped the train and on making an examination of his engine he found the head of a horse sticking between the wheels. Proceeding a little … Continue reading February 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1906) Contents]    SEASONABLE GIFTS. - By the kindness of Lord Leith of Fyvie, handsome presents of pheasants, hares, and rabbits have been distributed to the drivers, firemen, guards, and brakesmen on the Macduff section of the Great North of Scotland Railway, and also to each of the staff and waymen at … Continue reading January 1906 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1905) Contents] NARROW ESCAPE AT EDZELL RAILWAY STATION.  —————     An accident which, but for the promptitude of Railway Guard J. Duncan, would have had very serious results, occurred at Edzell station on Saturday afternoon. The 2.55 train from Brechin had just arrived, and the carriages had been uncoupled from the engine … Continue reading December 1905 →

[Extra Articles Contents] I received a request for information on Bob Dragon, or Robert Dreghorn, of the Glasgow Dreghorn family. So here it is. A fairly interesting account but not of someone most would want anything to do with, by the sounds of things... - THE LAST OF THE OLD GLASGOW MANSIONS.  ...     The … Continue reading Bob “Dragon” →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1905) Contents]    COLLISION ON THE DUMBARTONSHIRE AND BALLOCH JOINT RAILWAY. - Yesterday morning a collision occurred on the Dumbarton and Balloch Joint Railway Line, between Balloch and Balloch Pier. The 5.25 A.M. workmen’s train from Bridgeton Cross, Glasgow, was proceeding from Balloch to the pier, and when crossing over into the … Continue reading November 1905 →

[Scottish Railway Incidents (1905) Contents] ACCIDENT AT CULTER STATION.     An accident occurred at Culter Station on Saturday morning whereby a fireman named William McPherson, residing at Woodside, narrowly escaped with his life. While the train leaving Aberdeen at 7.10 a.m. was proceeding through the station he was on the top of the tender of … Continue reading October 1905 →

[Scanned Images Contents] My attention was brought to this book by a YouTube video by Storied entitled 'The Macabre Origins of the Grim Reaper,' featuring our favourite mortician, Caitlin Doughty, from the Order of the Good Death. Those who know me won't be in any way surprised by that introductory sentence. This is a publication … Continue reading ‘Circle of Human Life’ (1847) →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] Notice of George Heriot - Dies Childless - His Will - The Hospital founded - Its Progress - The Master Masons - Opened - Number of Scholars - Dr. Balcanquall - Alterations - The Edifice - The Architecture of it - Heriot’s Day and Infant Schools in the City - … Continue reading Chapter 43 – George Heriot’s Hospital and the Greyfriars Church., pp.363-384. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] The New University Buildings - The Estimates and Accommodation - George Watson’s Hospital - Founded - Opened and Sold - The New Royal Infirmary - Its Capabilities for Accommodation - Simpson Memorial Hospital - Sick Children’s Hospital - Merchant Maiden Hospital - Watson’s Schools - Lauriston United Presbyterian Church - … Continue reading Chapter 42 – Lauriston., pp.355-363. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] “The Douglas Cause,” or Story of Lady Jane Douglas-Stewart - Hugh Lord Semple - “The Chevalier” - The Archers’ Hall - Royal Company of Archers formed - Their Jacobitism - Their Colours - Early Parades - Constitution and Admission - Their Hall built - Messrs. Nelsons’ Establishment - Thomas Nelson.  … Continue reading Chapter 41 – Hope Park End., pp.349-355. →

[Non-Scottish Publications Contents] This is a book I had borrowed from a friend and read as a teenager, though that edition was far more contemporary than that before you in this post. That publication's title had the qualifier of the author's nationality, i.e., 'Confessions of an English Opium Eater.' It and its author, Thomas de … Continue reading ‘Confessions of an Opium Eater’ (1890s) →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] Ross House - The last Lord Ross - Earlier Residents in the Square - House of Walter Scott, W.S. - Sir Walter’s Boyhood - Bickers - Green Breeks - The Edinburgh Light Horse - The Scots Brigade - Admiral Duncan - Lord Advocate Dundas - The Grants of Kilgraston - … Continue reading Chapter 40 – George Square and the Vicinity., pp.338-348. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] Lady Nicolson - Her Pillar - Royal Riding School - M. Angelo - New Surgeons’ Hall - The Earl of Leven - Dr. Borthwick Gilchrist - The Blind Asylum - John Maclaren - Sir David Wilkie - Roxburgh Parish - Lady Glenorchy's Chapel.  NICOLSON STREET, which runs southward to the … Continue reading Chapter 39 – Nicolson Street and Square., pp.334-338. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] Bristo Street - The Darien House - The Earl of Rosebery - Old Charity Workhouse - A Strike in 1764 - Old George Inn - U. P. Church - Dr. Peddie - Sir Walter Scott’s First School - The General’s Entry and the Dalrymples of Stair - Burns and Clarinda … Continue reading Chapter 38 – Bristo and the Potterrow., pp.323-334. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] The Sanctuary - Geology of the Hill - Origin of its Name, and that of the Craigs - The Park Walls, 1554 - A Banquet al fresco - The Pestilence - A Duel - “The Guttit Haddie” - Mutiny of the Old 78th Regiment - Proposed House on the Summit … Continue reading Chapter 37 – Arthur’s Seat and its Vicinity., pp.303-322. →

[Old & New Edinburgh Contents] The Old Royal Infirmary - Projected in time of George I. - The First Hospital Opened - The Royal Charter - Second Hospital Built - Opened 1741 - Size and Constitution - Benefactors’ Patients - Struck by Lightning - Chaplain’s Duties - Cases in the Present Day - The Keith … Continue reading Chapter 36 – The Old Royal Infirmary – Surgeon Square., pp.297-303. →