Parsing a Postcard

Added on 04 January 2021

Ever organised a photocall? Having everyone assembled at the right place, on time, with the photographer, is not easy. Even in the age of mobile phones and instant messaging. (Scoring a dry day is always just pot luck.) And here’s one very likely arranged by postcards and telegrams. 1 An elde...

They Cleekhim Here, They Cleikum There . . .

Added on 11 November 2020

The true story of Airntully’s “Cleikim Inn” revolves around this formidable, fictitious, character, Meg Dods. In its edition of 6th April 1854, the Perthshire Advertiser reported the death the previous Friday of a centenarian, Catherine Henderson or Low, in Airntully. Actually 103...

The Dandy Fechters - Part 2

Added on 22 September 2020

Late in 1816, Richard Ryder, veteran of Waterloo, five other major battles and countless skirmishes, fell victim to “the peace dividend”. Parliament’s necessary, but still ruthless determination to save further military expenditure saw thousands of veterans discarded. The troopers ...

The Dandy Fechters - Part 1

Added on 22 September 2020

Young William Drummond Stewart, second of Sir George and Lady Catherine’s five sons, born Boxing Day 1795, was tutored at home before being sent away to Westminster School. Not to Eton, like older brother, John; apparently his parents saw enough of his adventurous character by age 10 to agree ...

Birnam on Steroids

Added on 22 April 2020

I was opening another map in the castle archive. The ninth or tenth of the morning. It was not scrolling out as an OS map of the estate, however. As large, yes, but hand-drawn. A word blazed out – 'Birnam'. A much bigger Birnam than the one we know today. What I had, measuring 110cm x ...

The One With Jesuistes and Blackmail

Added on 10 March 2020

Sword or rosary? Edged weapons or prayers? Stark options for Catholics in 1560s Scotland. The Reformation Parliament of 1560 had finally, irrevocably broken with the Holy Father in Rome and was hell-bent on stuffing their religion down History's stank. Their queen, Mary Stuart, held her throne l...