4 10 130 https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/18/569/GGLP-CYDI-Technical-Note-1-Polmaddy.pdf 9c57f9d92a091987661bf16e01722df9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Can You Dig It – Technical Notes – 1 Polmaddy Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Technical Notes Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Galloway Glens ‘Can You Dig It’ Community Archaeology project – Technical notes. #1: Polmaddy Deserted Settlement – The Auchendrain that never was PUBLIS HED: FRIDAY, 1 5 FEBRUARY 201 9 Sitting roughly 700m west of the A713, between Carsphairn and St John’s Town of Dalry, are the remains of the deserted settlement of Polmaddy. The site is located in an area of open ground within the Galloway Forest Park, bounded to the south and west by a loop in the Polmaddy Burn. Car parking facilities and a picnic area are provided nearby by Forestry Commission Scotland, who have also created a walking route which allows access to the site. FCS Access Sign Its History A settlement was first recorded here in 1505 AD, when King James IV granted the lands of Polmaddy to the McClellands of Bombie, a well-known local family with strong connections in the area around Kirkcudbright and the Dee Valley. The ruined buildings that survive today appear to be much later: the settlement probably remained occupied until the late 18th or early 19th century. At this point, it was abandoned, as part of a wider re-organisation of the agricultural landscape across south-west Scotland. Improvements During this period of change, known as the agricultural improvements, the traditional small communities or ‘ferm-touns’ were abandoned. They were replaced with much larger enclosed farms tenanted by a single famer who were encouraged to use a variety of techniques - such as applying lime or seaweed to the soil as fertiliser to improve yields and profits. The tenants of the fermtouns, who had traditionally eked out a living through growing a range of crops and livestock on often poor soils, faced losing their tenancy when lands were organised. Often, they were forced to seek alternative employment in nearby towns and cities or even further afield. The Fermtoun Polmaddy provides us with an unusual and well-preserved example of a traditional post-medieval fermtoun in lowland Scotland. A total of twenty-three different buildings were identified here during a detailed survey of the site which took place in 1971, their walls sometimes surviving to over 1m in height. A number appear to have been houses, but the remains of a byre were also found, identified by the presence of drainage holes at the base of the wall. Five kilns for drying corn were also found, as well as the ruins of the mill building where grain grown by the community would have been ground into flour for making bread. The mill would have been waterpowered: the mill pond and lade can still be seen in the centre of the settlement, to the north of an area which shows traces of the raised rigs where crops would have been cultivated. One of the buildings at Polmaddy The Pack Road An even more unusual survival at Polmaddy are the remains of an inn, built to serve the needs of travellers using the Pack Road which passed close to the settlement, and which had its origins in the medieval period. It is known to have run from near Glenlee to Carsphairn, but may originally have formed part of a much more extensive road linking Ayr to Kirkcudbright. The route forded the Polmaddy Burn just southwest of the settlement of Polmaddy, skirting its northwest edge. The inn sat slightly apart, to the east of the road, which can still be seen in places as a rough track which now survives as a hollow. Waymarker at the Inn The excavations The 1971 excavations revealed a number of finds in and around the investigated structures which helped shed light on the lives of their inhabitants. There were large numbers of fragments from clay tobacco pipes, and sherds derived from glazed red and white earthenware vessels. The assemblage was dominated by artefacts of late 18th or early 19th century date, i.e. material lost or discarded close to the time of abandonment. Some small pieces of structural ironwork and a single coin with an illegible legend were also found. Saving Polmaddy In 1971, the importance of Polmaddy became more widely known when the area was acquired for forestry. A local resident, Mr Ansell, championed the site, which was preserved in a clearing within the afforested area. At the time, the aim was to create a local amenity which featured a reconstructed house and kiln. This would have created a facility similar to the open air museum at Auchendrain, which had been established in Argyll in the mid-1960s. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the plans never came to fruition, making this the Auchendrain that never was. Its Current Status The recognition of Polmaddy’s importance in the 1970s meant that it was protected in an open space in an area which formed part of a much larger forestry plantation, now included in Galloway Forest Park. Its unique and valuable role in Scotland’s heritage was further highlighted in 1992, when it was granted statutory protection as a Scheduled Monument. This means that metal-detecting and ground disturbance without consent is illegal across the site, with disturbance of the standing structures similarly prohibited. This ensures that the site and all its component parts will remain intact and undisturbed for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Further Reading Yates, M J. (1978) 'The excavations at Polmaddy, New Galloway', Trans Dumfriesshire Galloway Natur Hist Antiq Soc, 3rd, vol. 53, 1977-8. Page(s): 133-46 Created by Rathmell Archaeology for the Galloway Glens, February 2019. http://www.rathmell-arch.co.uk/  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Can You Dig It – Technical Notes – 1 Polmaddy Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_109 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2019 Description An account of the resource Prepared as part of the Galloway Glens Can You Dig It scheme, these notes summarise some of the historic archaeological excavations to have taken place in the Galloway Glens area. archaeology GGLP https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/17/568/GGLP-CYDI-nuhin-new-unner-the-sun.pdf 640ba63cb03e30986cd8d42317727bc0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nuhin New Unner the Sun Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nuhin New Unner The Sun Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document nuhin new unner the sun nothing new under the sun we’ll nivver ken, jist foo mony we’ll never know, just how many tales tales are scrieved a’neeth the clay are written beneath the clay the mud is thick wi fit’s bin tint: the mud is thick with what’s been lost: stories only haulf telt; wirds an warlds, tashed an torn by time; mockit scraps fae past lives stories only half told; words and worlds, ripped up by time; filthy scraps from past lives aa that wis scrat wi sklate, everything that was scratched with slate swallad up by the wither, so fan folk gather swallowed up by the weather, so when people gather up the fragmentit hale aats bin left, up the fragmented whole that’s been left, they’ve tae guess fit haun wis huddin it they’ve to guess what hand was holding it the memry o a mither stravaigs doon Raider’s Road, it settles like a smirr, queart an saft , amon the shrapnel fae the past the memory of a mother strolls down Raider’s Road, it settles like a fine drizzle, quiet and soft, among the shrapnel of the past here wis a wifey fit played the manny o the hoose here was a women who played the man of the house een pair o hauns tae mak a guid man’s toil intae her ane one pair of hands to make a husband’s toil into her own the very same pair fit wid skelp, claethe an bathe three bairns the very same pair that would spank, clothe and bathe three children ower late tae ask her, fit her hert wid git sair fur an fit wid pit a glint in her een too late to ask her, what her heart would get sore for and what would put a glint in her eye ower late tae ask her, fit wye she’d bin leftil look aifter the hamesteed alane too late to ask her, why she’d bin left to look after the home by herself the livin hae a habit o screivin ontae the deid, an we cry this act: historical fact the living have a habit of writing over the deid, an act we call: historical fact but we ca truly spik, fur the speechless but we can’t truly speak, for the speechless especially fan we tak the stories o the day wi favour the maist an pint the past wi them so we can mak on fitiver folks we canna thole, jist didnae exist back then especially when we take the stories from today we favour the most and paint the past with them so we can pretend like whichever groups we can’t abide, just didn’t exist back then it’s a sair fecht, footerin aboot aul bones fur the truth it’s a tough job, messing around with old bones for the truth neentheless, nonetheless, dubbit finngurs muddy fingers dee their best tae mak sense o aa the guddle an the rubble, as they unpick the weel twistit threid o’ time aat scowps unnergroon do their best to make sense of all the mess and the rubble, as they unpick the well twisted thread of time that runs, hither and thither underground fur those o us fit bide aboon the soil — a puckle bitties o a tassie, fit wis blethered intae, for those of us that live above the soil — a handful of pieces from a cup, that was nattered and chatted into, lang teemt o it’s secrets an long emptied of its secrets and beddit bedded in the grun in the ground minds us tae dig deep an learn fit’s unnerneath reminds us to dig deep and learn what’s underneath wir ane skin our own skin mebbe there’s nuhin new unner the sun maybe there’s nothing new under the sun mebbe wir the same as wiv aywis bin maybe we’re the same as we’ve always been  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Nuhin New Unner the Sun Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_108 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 Description An account of the resource In 2021, the ‘Can You Dig It’ project commissioned Mae Diansangu to write a poem inspired by the ‘Can You Dig It’ investigation of a deserted farmstead called Upper Gairloch on the Raiders Road. Wanting to showcase a fresh perspective on Scotland's past during the pandemic, the poem was released to coincide with StAnza, Scotland's International Poetry Festival. GGLP heritage language https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/16/567/GGLP_CYDI-Lost-Wells-of-Galloway-Well-Cards.pdf 1f7c79a10aa9345bee60d31aabb7f9ab Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Well Cards Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Black Morrow Well also known as Black Moray / Murray’s Well There are several versions to the story. The well takes it’s name from from a gypsy chief who lived in the area called either Black Morrow or Murray. He took his name from his dark complexion and his great strength. He caused much suffering in the rich farm lands of the area. Young William McLellan, the younger son of the former laird of Bombie, wished to get his father's lands back, but did not want to fight Black Morrow personally. McLellan came up with a plan. He filled a well near Black Morrow’s camp with spirits; when the gypsy chief had drunk freely he fell asleep. McLellan who had been watching the proceedings from a safe place sprung out from his hiding place and with one blow severed the head of Black Morrow from it’s body. McLellan stuck the head on the point of his sword and took it to the king, James II, who then returned the Barony of Bombie to him. McLellan took the image of a head on a sword for his crest. Rediscovered by Jenny Roberts Location: 268442, 549405 Parish: Kirkcudbright Fairies Well In Spout Glen south of Lochhill. Named on 1843-1882 map but not thereafter. In the OS Names Book 1848-1851 Vol 132 p.17 Fairies Well is described as located at “About 5/8 mile NW by W of Valleyfield House” and as “A small spring well on the farm of Loch Hill and close to the margin of Spout Burn it is traditionally handed down as being formally [sic] the haunt of fairies, hence the name.” In the OS Names Book Vol 132 p.57 Fairies Well is “A small spring situated on the farm of Lochhill and in the Spout Glen the water of which is considered very good Mr Carlisle of Largs [said] that there is a superstitious tradition in the locality that fairies used to visit here, hence the name.” Fairy Wells were to be found on old estates in Scotland during the “Fairy Era” of the 19th Century. Rediscovered by Lyn Walby Location: 266878, 556917 Parish: Tongland Gout Well of Larg Rediscovered by William Ion - Minnigaff 242782, 566446 OS namebook: "A small spring well situated in doon wood and deer park of Kirroughtree, in former times it was much reported to be incredulous on the first day of May for the purpose of being cured of the gout & by washing or drinking of the water. It is still well known by this name." An additional note is added to the record as follows “hereabout is a well called the Gout Well of Larg of which they tell this story, how that a piper stole away the offering left at this well (these offerings are some inconsiderable thing which the country people used to leave at wells when they come making use of them towards any cure) but when he was drinking of ale which he intended to pay with the money he had taken away, the gout, as they say siezed on him, of which he could not be cured but at that well, having first restored to it the money which he had formerly taken away. Symson’s Descriptions of Galloway 1684” Only one other original reference, apart from Symson’s, was found. This was in ‘Where the Whaups are Crying - A Dumfries and Galloway Anthology’ edited by Innes MacLeod, 2001: “Minnigaff Kirk Session ‘rebooked and exhorted’ a number of young people, Patrick Stewart, James Reid, Jo Roxburgh, Robert Roxburgh, Margaret Martine and Jane Reid, on 29th May, 1720 for visiting the Gout Well on the first day of May. Minnigaff Parish Records” Gold Wells Rediscovered by Susan Paton - Carsphairn 258964, 597793 OS namebook: "near the summit are a number of springs, two of them are Known by the name of "Gold Wells" out of which and some small streams in the locality A William Dodd who was celebrated for his chemical skill collected a quantity of Gold, and converting it into some foreign coin but while doing so, he was disturbed by some of the officers of the Crown sent to apprehend him in his lucrative retirement." Rambles in Galloway by Harper: “In what are called the gold wells of Cairnsmore, it is said that a Dr. Dodds, a sort of alchemist in his day, placed paper-mills, with which he collected the gold dust from the water ; and near the roadside, on the lands of Lagwine, he erected his smithy for converting the gold into coins of the West Indian Islands. On the seclusion of his retirement being disturbed by some officers of the Crown sent to apprehend him, it is generally believed in the district that he threw his whole coining apparatus into what is commonly known as the green well of Lagwine….The Doctor was tried at Edinburgh, but it is not known what became of him afterwards.” Richardson’s Rock Rediscovered by Nic Coombey - Borgue 2655, 5432 Image Credit: Solway Firth Partnership Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia and Torrs Farm First published 1824: “Wee Ross – One of the best known islands belonging Galloway; …. Between the two lands is a rock termed Janet Richardson. This was a poor woman who belonged to Clauchendolly, and who went on to the rock at ebb-tide, to gather a powkfu’ o’ mussels; while so employed the sea flowed round the rock, unobserved by her, at length noticing it – she “kilted up her coats, aboon the na’el,” as the saying is, pluged in, but the buldering waters of the sound hurried her off her feckless shanks, but she having a farkage o’ claise about her, they keeped her aboon broe, until she was driven ashore on the Milton Lands; from such circumstance is the rock named, and that name will likely remain as long as if it had been given by Cook or Parry.” Craigencallie Natural Well Rediscovered by Arthur Eggleton – Minnigaff 250260, 578030 The well itself is unnamed but it sits next to a ruin called Craigencallie where the story lies… Legend is that following his first victory at nearby Loch Trool, Robert the Bruce divided his force and instructed them to meet at Craigencallie (Gaelic: Creagan Cailleach – The Crag Of The Old Woman). He arrived alone, exhausted. The three times widowed woman there offered her 3 sons, each of a different father, for soldiers and to demonstrate their worth they engaged in an archery display, shooting ravens. The rock upon which two ravens were slain by a single arrow is named Pin Rock (Stone) and can be seen on the current map. The three sons then played a prominent part in the victory at Raploch Moor a few days later, utilising cattle to create noise throughout the night so to mislead their opponents as to the size of their force, then attacking at dawn against an anxious and alarmed enemy. The widow was later rewarded with 15 square miles of farmland by Newton Stewart with the descendants of her sons farming there into the 20th Century. Well structure built immediately by it King’s Well Lies at 587m (1925ft) on the saddle between Meaul Hill 695m/2250ft and Cairnsgarroch 659m/2153ft. It appears on the modern OS map and as far back as OS 6" 1843 - 82. Nearby on some of the older maps is King's Stone about 60ft away. Why King's Well? It is tempting to assume it refers to Robert the Bruce who was known to be at Glentrool & Clatteringshaws in 1307 (both less than 10 miles away as the crow flies) and at Glenluce/Whithorn in 1329 (Ref The Bruce Trust). The nearby Polmaddie to Carsphairn Pack Road is part of the old Pilgrims Way. However, from my own bookcase; "Galloway: the spell of its hills and glens", by Andrew McCormick published 1932 in the chapter headed "Cars Fearn", reference is made to "when King James V passed through that neighbourhood"; so could Kings Well be named after him (16th century) rather than Robert the Bruce (14th century)? Both kings visited Whithorn at some point. Of course the well may have been named in jest by shepherds or men building nearby drystane dykes from 1700s. Rediscovered by Niall Mackie Location: 250405, 591264 Parish: Carsphairn Physic Well (Chalybeate) Rediscovered by Michael Ansell in Forrest Glen, Kells 256152, 587533 Appears first on OS 1st ed. 6’’ map of 1853. Then on OS 6’’ map 1888-1913 and on subsequent OS 25:1 and 50:1 maps to the present day. Note the well as marked on the maps is about 20m too far east, it is actually positioned just inside the Forrest Estate land and on the west side of the dyke. The well seems remarkably well preserved but is of no great depth, probably filled in with debris. The well is close to a rocky eminence called Craigmaharb. Ostensibly this looks like ScG creag na h-earba, ‘rock of the hind’ but the ‘ma’ element often stands for the ScG honorific ‘mo’, meaning ‘my’ and is used to refer to one or other saint. This might mean that the site had some religious significance but this is highly speculative. The problem is that no known Gaelic saint is suggested by the specific element ‘herb’ here. It is hard to see a cult of St Herbert of Derwentwater being established here although of course Galloway was once under the sway of the Northumbrians. Although appearing to be remote and isolated, in the past the Forrest Glen was quite densely populated as the ruins of many former holdings such as nearby Ringreoch attest. So the well would have been within reasonable reach of the rural community here. Lost Wells of Kirkcudbright Rediscovered by Jenny Roberts Used by the monks at St Mary’s Butter Well 268212, 550148 Priory to wash the butter when they were making it. Reopened in the 1840s as the Park House well had run dry. Barbaras Well 268818, 551159 This well was thought to be called after a woman who lived nearby. Cotland Well 268802, 550007 Monk’s Well 267375, 548917 ‘An excellent spring of water issuing from a leading pipe into a trough or cistern’ used by the monks when the Augustian St Mary’s Priory was in existence. This well is situated near Cannee Far. In the 1840s the water from this well was piped to St Mary’s House. Sounding Kettle 269745, 549713 Refers to a hole in the ground through which a small burn enters. It makes a strange sound, hence the name. Wells at Drummore Castle Rediscovered by Alison Fabian – South of Kirkcudbright While looking into wells in her area, Alison came across written mention of two unnamed wells at the site of the prehistoric fort called Drummore Castle. ‘In his report of 1891, Frederick Coles stated that the ramparts were still imposing and strong, suggesting to him that the fort was constructed with one thing in mind....defence. He also stated that two wells were still visible in amongst the thick vegetation at the summit of the hill, indicating that the fort was meant to be inhabited. ‘ Harper’s Rambles in Galloway 1876 (who references Chalmer’s Caledonia 1807) identifies Drummore as being a frontier garrison of the Selgovae. ‘At the bottom of the hill was a well, now covered with stones, which is thought to have supplied the garrison with water.’ Image from Coles, F. R. 1981 ‘The Motes, Forts and Doons of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright (Part I)’, PSAS Vol. 25, 352-96 Placenames to suggest above: Howwell ‘Howwell is in the prefix from the Norse holl, contracted from hvall, for a hill or hillock. The meaning is, the well at the hill or hillock.’ St Mirran’s Well It is a spring well and is very close to Kirkmirran Kirk. They are named after St Mirren who was a Catholic monk and missionary from Ireland (c.565 – c.620). A contemporary of St Columba. He was prior of Bangor Abbey before making his missionary voyage to Scotland. It is very close to Potterland, by Potterland Mill and close to Potterland Lane which forms part of the parish boundary. It was on the grounds of Colonel Maxwell of Orchardton. The 1845 Statistical Account states that in ancient times it was probably a parish, with the kirk being a chapel of ease. Rediscovered by Ruth Airley Location: 280116, 555027 Parish: Kelton St Glassen’s Well In danger of becoming lost, as although described in 1847 in the Kirkcudbrightshire name books as an ‘excellent spring well’, it was described in 1971 as encased by a 1.0m diameter glazed pipe, the exposed end of which is covered by a cast-iron lid. There is a brief mention in 2004 that there is little left to see. Torrance 1996: The site dates from at least 1536. M’Kerlie 1878: We do not find any church dedicated to such a Saint, but in Keith's list of Scottish Saints there is MacGlastian, a bishop in Scotland in 814, whose festival day was the 30th January. Saints in this Place-Name: St. Glascian or Maglastian…is said to have been an illustrious and saintly bishop during the reign of King Achaius, a Scottish king contemporaneous with Charlemagne. Very few particulars can be ascertained as to his life. All that is at present known of him is gathered from the traces of his cultus which remain in various districts of the country. Thus the parish of Kinglassie, near Kirkcaldy, seems to have been named after him, and in the neighbourhood is a spring of fine water known as St. Glass's Well. There is another well named after him at Dundrennan (Kirkcudbrightshire). Kilmaglas, now Stachur, in Argyleshire, indicates another dedication to this saint. Rediscovered by Kathy Keeling Location: 275970, 546917 Parish: Rerrick Rumbling Well Rediscovered by Lyn Ferguson - Buittle 280515 561550 OS namebook: “This is a small and good spring upon the farm of New Buittle and used to be resorted to by the credulous. In the parish of Buittle about a mile from the Kirk towards the north is a well called the Rumbling Well. Frequented by a multitude of sick people for all sorts of diseases the first Sunday of May lying there the Saturday night and then drinking of it early in the morning.” Canmore: “The rumbling well is mentioned in 1684 as a resort of sick people, who left money or clothes as a thank you offering (1914). A spring of water from the base of a natural bank. The back of the well has been revetted with stone, and there is a plentiful supply of water (1963).” Places of Worship in Scotland 2003: “The well is described as a holy well located on flat ground near the foot of a hill , adjacent to a modern reservoir.” Slot Well Rediscovered by Lyn Ferguson - Buittle 281328 561613 Canmore: “The Slot well was frequented in 1684 by people wishing to cure their sick cattle. As a thank offering they left behind the bands and shackles used to bind the animals (1914). The Slot well is now buried beneath stones which have fallen from the field dyke and a mass of tangled under-growth. A steady stream of water, however, issues from the ground 3.0m below the position of the well indicating that the spring is still functioning (1963).” Lochenbreck Spa Well Image from Andrew Wilson Rediscovered by Sue Taylor – Balmaghie 264904, 565021 Lochenbreck spa well is a chalybeate well (natural mineral spring containing iron salts) located in Laurieston Forest on Laurieston Road, a minor road between Laurieston and Gatehouse of Fleet. The well has appeared on maps since at least 1797, and used to be a very popular attraction both for wealthy holidaymakers and for sufferers of TB and other ailments, who sought out the well's medicinal properties. Still today, its waters run bright orange. This well's history has been inextricably bound up with that of the Lochenbreck Spa Hotel, which was either built or converted from a previous lodging or dwelling house located on the other side of the current small road in order to meet a demand for spa visitor accommodation, probably in the 18th century according to reports. The hotel clearly made a feature of the spa and its water properties to attract visitors, creating a circular pavilion to enclose the well, installing a pump for its water, and even extending the hotel gardens to include the well in its landscaping. The hotel closed in 1905 and sadly later burnt down. The tremendous fire was the result of an oil lamp spillage. It has been reported that the bard Robert Burns stayed at the inn a few times, and it's claimed he may even have written or made notes for his work Scots Wha Hae whilst there; but these claims are also disputed. Another frequent guest was the writer and artist Malcolm Maclachlan Harper (1839-1914), who apparently wrote articles about the hotel/spa, though I have been unable to trace any of these. However, the 1906 edition of his book Rambles in Galloway contains not only descriptions of the well and hotel, but also a poem he wrote inspired by the spa. The lassie I lo’ed Oh! dearly I lo'e a' the Dee's rocky mountains, Its licht birken glens, an' its dark heather braes, Where the bonnie wild roses in simmer are blawin' An' sweetly the wee birds are croonin their lays: An' dear aye to me is the bricht glancin' burrnie That rins 'mang the rocks in the deep shady dell But dearer an' brichter to me than them a' is The lassie I lo'ed at Lochenbreck Well! An' bonnie the wee ferny nook in the glen is Awa' 'mong the uplan's o' Grennoch's wild shore, An' pure is the breath o' the breeze that is blawin' Frae hills roun' Loch Dee, where the mad torrents roar. An' sweet to the e'e are the bricht broomy knowies, An' wee glentin flo'ers 'neath the sun's gowden spell But bonnier an' sweeter to me than them a' is The lassie I lo'ed at Lochenbreck Well! Oh! naething in Nature to me half sae fair is Nae wee modest primrose in shade o' the tree Nae lily in beauty wi' her can compare, Or wee daisies gleamin' sae fair on the lea. To me, a' the year, it would be a bricht simmer If that it were mine in her presence to dwell Malcolm MacLachlan For dearer to me than a' titles or gowd is The lassie I lo'ed at Lochenbreck Well! Harper 1876 Lochenbreck Well Time was, I poured golden from the earth. And they flocked to my brilliance, drank of my ochre goodness, housed my followers and me. Installed in my new bower, I bubbled free, glowed amber in goblets, eased pains, healed the sick, revived spirits; entertained the young people who, fired by my zest and sparkle, sipped til the small hours. Once, resplendent in red, I danced for Burns (well, he'd galloped through a storm for me). Star of Galloway! Flame of the North! Well of healing! - they called me. In those days. No one flocks or gallops now. It's quiet. In my roofless fallen bower in the silent woodland, I lie low, reflect, murmur, dancing only with the rain. Trickle a little, feral orange, waiting. Sue Taylor 2021 St Ninian’s Well Parton (270840, 569806), by Sue Taylor St Ninian's Well is located at Chapelbrae in the grounds of the former Parton estate on the east bank of the Dee, and close to a ruined estate chapel, a priest's house and an ice house. The well only acquires its very specific name on very recent OS maps - OS 2017 and OS 1944-70. The well does appear unnamed on four or five earlier maps (the earliest is 1843-82) - marked only as "Spring". Julia Watt, Whithorn Trust: “Generally, the naming of a well for the saint either means there was either a local dedicated church and cult of St Ninian or else it's on the pilgrimage route from the East to Whithorn and grateful pilgrims or local religious foundations named the well.” Image: Paul Hodson Image: Tom Marshall Paul Hodson: “The Glendonwyns of Parton were supporters of Robert the Bruce, and he gifted Parton to them in return. At the time of the reformation they remained Catholic, and in 1580 built [the nearby] house as their priest's house and private chapel. I would surmise that the chapel in the field either predates St Inan's Kirk [the late 16th century ruin in Parton churchyard] or was built at the same time as [the] house. The Glendonwyns got into financial trouble and the estate was bought by their cousins, the Murrays. The well alcove bears the inscription ’Fons Sancti Niniani’, which I think means ‘sacred waters of Ninian’. No idea of the well's age, but I guess the well and baptisms will be linked to the Catholic chapel rather than St Inan's, so Reformation times. The inscription is on a granite block and there is the remains of an iron fence and arch around the well, so I would say these are Victorian, when the Murrays tarted the estate up! Apparently they used to baptise people in the well, and we have what is left of the cup used to pour water on children’s heads (see photo). I don’t have a date for the cup. It is handmade, and was given to us by a former neighbour who had taken it from the well before we came here. There is also a small figurine of Ninian in Parton House that used to stand in the recess in the photo.” Green Well of Scotland By Sue Foster & David Bartholomew – Carsphairn 255735, 594564 OS Namebook: “A spring well on the Farm of Lagwine situated about 5 chains above the Bridge over the Deugh. It formerly was famed for its medicinal qualities but owing to the carelessness of the people in the neighbourhood all sorts of filth has been thrown into it. It was into this well that Mr Dodds threw his dies for coining when pursued by the officers of the crown. A great many tales is told by the country people about large quantities of gold being in the bottom.” Account of Alexander McKay c.1860: “by the villagers and others long resident in the parish this goes by the name of the Deil’s Well. The Bank Holm, the Deil’s Well and the neighbouring wood constitute the Sunday afternoon resorts of the villagers when the weather was fine. Of the Deil’s Well all sorts of stories were told: how that at times past it had at various times received valuables that otherwise were likely to fall into the hands of the enemy, and therefore other than it being unfathomably deep and containing much rubbish, it would yield these treasures again were it pumped dry and cleaned out. Its great depth however was a deterrent as it had swallowed up several chains of a stone dyke, part of which disappeared in my time, and yet apparently could swallow up as much more. Also it was said that slaughter and murder had been committed here, and the bones of the dead might not with impunity be disturbed. So that there were several reasons why no attempt had ever been made to clear out the Deil’s Well, and that was enough.” Image: Anna Campbell Willie’s Well Compiled by Claire Martin – Castle Douglas 277548, 563095 It is in the middle of a field, in an area where there are standing stones nearby. First map it appears on is 1843 - 1882 OS map 6 inch and it also appears on 1888 to 1913 OS 6 inch map. The entry for Willie's Well in the Scottish Healing Wells book by R & F Morris states that Willie's Well is “in a field in front of Erniespie House, probably named for William Graham, a Covenanter killed by Claverhouse troops who lies buried here [at Crossmichael churchyard], Erniespie is a mile north of Castle Douglas.” Further research states that William Graham was killed in 1682, another source says he was killed in 1684. The first source, Alexander Shield's A short memorial of 1690, states William was shot by the troops belonging to John Graham, Laird of Claverhouse. William Graham's gravestone is in Crossmichael Churchyard and was erected sometime between 1702 and 1714. William Graham was a tailor in Crossmichael and was said to have been visiting his mother on the day that he was killed. Another story appears in More Stewartry Sketches by Iain Durisdeer (shared by Dr Peter Hewitt) relating the well to a man called William Auchenleck who was shot and killed: “the soldiers disentangled the twisted body from the stirrup and threw it down an adjacent well in what is now the field in front of Ernespie House. Site visit: could not find a well site in the location listed on the current OS map. We did however find more than two piles of dressed stone in a nearby wooded area and wondered if perhaps the landowner had blocked up the well and moved surrounding stones to a different location? The well which was Auchenleck’s tomb became known locally as ‘Willie’s Well’, the name which it still bears. Not much of it is now visible because it was useless in its original function … Perhaps some day the well will be uncovered and the few mortal remains of William Auchenleck, Soldier-ofFortune and Covenanter, will be given an honourable burial.” Image: Claire Martin Frenchman’s Rock By Nic Coombey – Borgue 266029, 546358 OS Name Book: A large rock situated near the Western Coast of Kirkcudbright Bay and at Low spring tide it can be forded. According to tradition, Senwick Church contained a quantity of Plate [and] was plundered by French pirates who safely escaped with their booty; but a storm arising immediately after they had put to Sea, the ship was dashed upon this rock, and every person on board perished. In Memory of this event, the rock has ever since been styled the Frenchmen's Rock. It is also said the rock was bombarded one night by mistake, it being thought to be Paul Jones’s ship! Photo Credit: Solway Firth Partnership “They stole the silver plate but they paid with their lives! Heaven, as if watching over this act stirred up the winds and waves and the ship was wrecked on these rocks.” Rediscovered by Samantha Oakley Location: 262706, 577877 Parish: Kells Physic Well (A rather negative) Ordnance Survey Namebook: About 9 chains ESE [East South East] of Millbank. A Spring well on the farm of Millbank. It was formerly resorted to by diseased persons, who were superstitious enough to think its Waters possessed the virtue of healing. It is not a Mineral Well. Possible mention in Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment, Scotland, 1670-1740 by Lizanne Henderson (2016): An interesting late example indicates that professionals occasionally made use of folk cures. Robert Trotter (c.1736-1815), known as the “Muir Doctor”, was based in the Glenkens. He often sent his patients to the physic well in the New Galloway parks. Cairn Edward Well (Chalybeate) by Keith Hamblin – Kells 263435, 573408 Ordnance Survey Name Book, Sept 1846: “About 1 7/8 mile south of Kenmure Castle. A chalybeate well on the ---------- of Clone and situate near to the East base of Cairn Edward (Hill) hence the name. This well was much frequented too by diseased persons to which its waters had proved beneficial.” According to the Name Book, Cairn Edward (the Hill) takes its name from the following story: “When Edward Bruce was upon the pursuit of the English through Galloway, and when reaching the summit of the ridge of hills, which divides the Dee from the Ken, and beheld the imposing scene that presented itself to his view, he was transported with delight, and exclaimed, ‘that beautiful Country must be mine.’ The spot afterwards became famous, and a Cairn still called Cairn Edward, was raised upon it, as a memorial of this interesting visit.” Wishing Pot Recorded by William Ion – Minnigaff (241326, 566941) Sits in the rocks underneath Queen Mary’s Bridge. It is a round, deep hole in the rocks about 30cm across, probably formed naturally by the action of the water. Well known in the Newton Stewart and Minnigaff areas as a wishing well requiring stones to be dropped into it from the bridge for a wish to come true. The number of stones needed to be dropped into the well varies but three seems to be the most common figure. Knowledge of the well is still current but it is not clear for how long this tradition has existed. There is no reference to the well in older texts and it does not appear on maps or in Canmore. Five Pound Well Located in Minnigaff – 245184, 576457 The Ordnance Survey Name Book entry explains that the name for this well came from a bad bet: "This name applies to the source of Penkill Burn. It is said to have derived its name from a man who undertook to drink all the water in it for £5 but could not accomplish it.“ Five Pound Well first appears on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. It still appears on modern mapping and can even be seen on current aerial imagery as a small pool at the side of a burn, although it appears to be smaller in area than that depicted on the earlier mapping. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland Punch Well Minnigaff - 241149, 575213 Punch Well is located on the southwest side of Larg Hill, in an area named Punch Well Brae. The Ordnance Survey name book (1848-51) describes it as a "A good spring well on that portion of Larg Hill called Punch Well Brae. It’s name originated from the circumstance of shepherds, farmers and friends sometimes ascending this hill for the view of the surrounding country, and who are in the habit of making punch and drinking it here." Punch Well continues to appear on mapping until at least the 1960s, but is no longer shown on current maps. The name Punch Well Brae is still shown to this day though. Brownie’s Well Dalry 264584, 581416 The well only appears on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854. The Ordnance Survey name book describes it as "A spring well on the farm of Bogue and situate near to the south end of Brownie's Green hence the name. This well at present is nearly filled up and defaced." A more specific tale behind the name is given in Lights and Shadows of Scottish Character and Scenery (1824) by Cincinnatus Caledonius (reproduced on the website www.kirkcudbright.co). This story centres on a farmer called Ramsay who helped to conceal Covenanters on his land. He was summoned before the Council of Scotland and while he was away, his farm was mysteriously taken care of. Overnight the corn would be shorn, threshed and taken to the kiln before anyone was up the next day. The stories started going round that it was Brownies doing the work – although in the end it turned out that it was the Covenanters who he had helped out over the years. Image Pool by Susan Smyth – Dalry 264464, 591648 Ordnance Survey name book: “A small pool in the Stroanfreggan Burn in which an Image cut in stone of a woman and two babes was found some years ago, hence the name. The Image has been built into the chimney over the fireplace in Stroanfreggan House, also another one was got in it which is over the Door supposed to have been the representation of St Paul, no tradition or facts whatsoever can be gleaned respecting them.” A paper by John Corrie in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland from 1912 identifies a stone in the grounds of Hastings Hall, Moniaive (pictured) as being one of the stones pulled out of the Image Pool. It’s identified as being the shaft of an early Christian cross, and Corrie writes that the carvings might be similar to those found on the Anglo-Saxon Ruthwell Cross. Holy Linn Waterfall By Donald Gibson – Dalry 265552, 580844 The waterfall sits along the Garple Burn as it passes through Barscobe Wood. The Ordnance Survey name book describes it as "A cascade of about 20 feet of a fall in Garpel Burn, during the Scottish persecution, the ousted Minster of Balmaclellan had baptized several children of his flock here hence the name." It is mentioned in the New Statistical Accounts of Scotland from 1845: "[The progress of the Garpel] is marked by a few waterfalls. The most picturesque of these is the Holy Linn, a cascade worthy of its present celebrity, both on account of its natural beauty, and from having been the spot where the ejected minister of the parish, in persecuting times, baptized the children of his flock" (Parish of Balmaclellan, 1845, Vol. 4, pp 99-100).  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Well Cards Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_107 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/16/566/GGLP-CYDI-Lost-Wells-of-Galloway-Named-Pools.pdf fe236b6b38413f4ea70af2621a0e1fb2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Named Pools Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document NAMED POOLS No Name Location Overview Researcher 259478, 573556 257954, 573526 William Ion 1 The Otter Pool 2 Marion's Pool 3 Laggan Pool 257210, 574083 4 Linnfraig 259737, 589284 Pool on the Black Water of Dee at the site of Crannoch Ford. Only appears on modern maps (associated with the Raiders Road). Is a popular tourist attraction and picnic spot. A pool on the Black Water of Dee close to Marion’s Isles. Also close to Orchars farmstead which sits to the southwest. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1851 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/78/14) states: "This pool is situated at the West end of the islands called Marion from which it takes its name’. Marion’s Isles entry simply states that they are ‘supposed to have taken their name from a woman of that name". A pool on the Black Water of Dee beside Laggan Ford and near Laggan o’Dee farmstead (which sits to the north of the pool). It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1851 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/53/25) states: "A pool on the Black Water of Dee where Salmon abounds. It takes its name from the farm of Laggan of Dee". A pool on the Water of Deugh as it passes to the east of Dalshangan. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/17/17) describes it as: "A deep pool in the Water of Deugh, and situated at the south end of Dalshangan Plantation." The researcher notes: "the positioning of the name on the map leaves the exact pool location a little unclear. It is printed alongside a rocky constriction in the course of the river and I take it to be the pool above or upstream of this constriction that is referred to". They also note that "At first glance Linnfraig might suggest ScG Linn Fraoich, ‘heather pool’ however it’s unlikely that -fraig is a reflex of fraoich, one would expect -ree, -rie, ry(e) (as perhaps in Dalry). And /-xr-/ > /-fr-/ is phonetically quite possible ... It may be that the underlying form of the specific element is actually ScG creag, ‘a rock’, referring to William Ion William Ion Michael Ansell 5 Bloody Mires 253403, 588852 6 Carse Pool 260036, 587920 7 Cutter's Pool 267497, 546947 8 Red Brae Pool 268041, 556021 the rocky constriction I mentioned above. This is by analogy with Stroanfreggan, which an earlier spelling of 1655 shows as Stronchreigan for ScG Sròn a’ Chreagain (‘the promontory of the rocky place’). This shows that in this area Gaelic ‘ch’ can be represented in Scots by ‘f’. Thus Linn Chreag, ‘pool of rocks’ may be the correct interpretation." This water feature is shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853 and the second edition on 1888-1913 as a small lochan with open water. However, more recent Ordnance Survey mapping shows it as a bog with no open water. It is now in the middle of the huge Forrest Estate monoculture Sitka plantation and indeed has been ploughed over and planted up. It occupies something of a poorly drained col between Torrs and Thorny Hill. There are no burns entering or discharging from the mires. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/15/29) states: "A small stagnant pool of water on the farm of Darnaw, and a short distance N. West of Thorny Hill, in it at various times sheep have been found drowned hence the name." Carse Pool is located on the Water of Deugh as it passes Dundeugh. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/19/12) describes it as "A deep pool in the Water of Deugh, and situated close on the West side of the Carse of Dundeugh hence the name." The researcher notes: "The Scots word ‘carse’ means ‘a low lying tract of land beside a river’. This word was borrowed into Galloway Gaelic, giving rise to such as Cars Fàda (Carsfad) and Cars Fhèarna (Carsphairn)." Cutter's Pool sits along the eastern side of Kirkcudbright Bay. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/158/38) describes it as "A deep pool about 35 chains in length in the channel of the River Dee, it is both a sheltered & safe anchorage for vessels, and was the place where the revenue cutters used to lie hence the name." One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Red Brae Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Michael Ansell & Jen Cianci Michael Ansell Alison Fabian Lyn Walby 9 Gordon's Pool 268117, 555940 10 Chapel Pool 268204, 555706 11 Sandybrae Pool 268142, 555426 12 Clinton's Pool 268130, 555357 13 Boretree Pool 268351, 555084 14 Battery Pool 268353, 555016 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/23) describes it as “A small pool in Tarf Water situated close to Red Bank hence the name.” One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Gordon's Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/22) describes it as “A deep pool of water (in the Tarf Water) in which it is [said] a person called Gordon was drowned, hence the name.” One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Chapel Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/61) describes it as "A small pool in the Tarf Water, what gave rise to this name is not generally known, it may be from the farm Chapel which is close to it.” One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Sandybrae Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/23) describes it as “A small pool in Tarf Water situated opposite to Sandybrae hence the name.” One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Clinton's Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/24) describes it as “A small pool in Tarf [Water] which has its name from a person called Clinton who one time lived convenient.” One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Boretree Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/13) describes it as “A small pool in Tarf Water which derived its name from a kind of tree growing on its eastern side. Called Boretree in England, called Elder." The spelling 'Alder' is also written on the entry. One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Battery Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Lyn Walby Lyn Walby Lyn Walby Lyn Walby Lyn Walby Lyn Walby 15 Lint Hole 268589, 554476 16 Lochan of Vice 268986, 561261 17 Horse Pool 259942, 580988 18 Englishmen's Dub 264230, 573127 19 Bell's Pool 262138, 590321 20 Craig Pool 263539, 592076 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/14) describes it as "A small pool in Tarf [Water] on its eastern side is a [small?] battery which prevents the water from breaking over the fields hence the name." One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. A pool named Lint Hole first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/90) describes it as “A small pool in the Water of Tarf, it derives its name from lint being steeped at this spot.” A pool near to the summit of Whirstone Hill. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/109/18) states: "A small cavity at the western extremity of Whirstone Hill. It is filled with water two thirds of the year, the remainder which occurs during drought it is perfectly dry, the rocks immediately about it are of a dark color and tradition says that the Devil frequents it, hence the name." Horse Pool is located along Glenlee Burn to the east of Ford House. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/36/20) describes it as "A deep pool of water in Glenlee Burn, a horse at one time [?] been lost in it hence the name." A pool named Englishmen's Dub first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current (2022) mapping. Englishmen's Dub is located along the Lowran Burn on the eastern side of Cairn Edward Hill. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/57/19) describes it as: "A deep pool in Lowran Burn out of which two Englishmen had been got drowned hence the name." A pool named Bell's Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Bell's Pool is located along the Water of Ken, to the north of High Bridge of Ken. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/17/11) describes it as "A considerable pool in the "Water of Ken" and close to "Bell's Craig" it is said to have been a favourite pool of a person (while Angling) named Bell hence the name "Bell's Pool". A pool named Craig Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Craig Pool is located along the Water of Ken, to the north of Smittons Bridge. Lyn Walby Jennifer Roberts Dru Hatcher Keith Hamblin Susan Smyth Susan Smyth 21 Image Pool 264373, 591668 22 Big Alder Pool 260608, 590655 23 Little Alder Pool 260441, 590518 24 Well Hole 270013, 554032 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/20/7) describes it as "A deep pool in the Water of Ken and situated close to Stroanfreggan Craig hence the name". A pool named Image Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Image Pool is located along the Stroanfreggan Burn, to the south of Stroanfreggan Bridge. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/20/49) describes it as "A small pool in Stroanfreggan Burn in which an Image, cut in stone, of a woman and two babes was found some years ago, hence the name. The Image has been built into the chimney over the fireplace in Stroanfreggan House, also another one was got in it which is over the Door supposed to have been the representation of St Paul no tradition or facts whatsoever can be gleaned respecting them". A paper by John Corrie in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland from 1912 (Vol. 46, pp 258-263) identifies a stone in the grounds of Hastings Hall, Moniaive as being one of the stones pulled out of the Image Pool. It is identified as being the shaft of an early Christian cross, and Corrie writes that the carvings might be similar to those found on the Anglo-Saxon Ruthwell Cross. A pool named Big Alder Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. Big Alder Pool was located along the Water of Deugh to the east of Carminnow farm. The pool was later incorporated into Kendoon Loch, which was formed as part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme in the 1930s. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/17/20) describes it as "A small pool in the Water of Deugh, with a few alder trees growing on its margin, hence the name." A pool named Little Alder Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. Little Alder Pool is located along the Water of Deugh to the southeast of Carminnow farm. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/17/20) describes it as "A small pool in the Water of Deugh and situated a short distance south of Big Elder Pool". The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens database (https://kcb-placenames.glasgow.ac.uk) states "Its name has disappeared, probably as a result of its loss of significance since the raised water levels caused by the creation of the hydroelectric scheme". A pool along the eastern bank of the River Dee. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Susan Smyth Susan Smyth Susan Smyth Claire Heron 25 Milligan's Hole 261897, 579948 26 Poachers Pool 237320, 577298 27 Dog Pool 28 Auld Wife's Stank 237353, 577099 237464, 577621 29 Moss Robin 257356, 555705 30 Heat Haggies Pond 259412, 557955 31 Sprott's Pool 259417, 557080 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/44) describes it as "A deep pool in the River Dee east of Wee Doach, in it are quantities of salmon caught by the means of a shoulder net. It has its name from a spring well in the bank of the river opposite". A pool along Finlay's Burn to the west of the Water of Ken. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853 and continues to appears through to current (2022) mapping. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/36/69) describes it as: "A small pool of water on the south side of Meikle Hill. It formed part of the parish boundary betwixt Dalry & Kells. It is said from a man that this took its name." The site of Poachers Pool is shown on the Water of Minnoch as it passes to the southeast of High Minniwick. Appears on current mapping (2022) but does not appear on historic mapping for the area. The site of Dog Pool is shown on the Water of Minnoch as it passes to the west of Holm. Appears on current mapping (2022) but does not appear on historic mapping for the area. The site of Auld Wife's Stank is shown within fields to the north of High Minniwick. It is depicted as smaller 'pond' on current (2022) mapping. The origin of the name is unknown and it does not appear to be listed in the Ordnance Survey name book despite appearing on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. Moss Robin is located to the north of Low Ardwall Hill. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/127/28) describes it as: "A small pond or lake on the [?] of Low Ardwell, formerly it ha[?] a moss and in consequence of it [?] all cut away, it filled up with [?]." Heat Haggies Pool is located to the west of the Water of Fleet. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/126/18) describes it as: "A large pool on the farm of Pulcree on the west side of Water of Fleet." One of a series of named pools located along the Water of Fleet. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). Samantha Oakley Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell 32 Stroquhain's Pool 259546, 558370 33 Standing Stone Pool 259574, 557234 34 Ditches Pool 259907, 556769 35 Red Brae Pool 268635, 554181 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/128/28) describes it as: "A considerable pool in an angle of the Water of Fleet, [?] a short distance south of Standing Stone Pool. A man named Sp[rott] often frequented it whilst ang[ling] hence the name." One of a series of named pools located along the Water of Fleet. The pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 as 'Stroquhan's Pool' and continues to appear on current mapping (2022) under the spelling 'Stroquhain's Pool'. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/126/20) describes it as: "A small deep pool in the Water of Fleet, which has [its] name from a person called Maxwell (Laird of Stroquhan in Dumfriesshire) who was in 1699 drowned here, under the following circumstances, he had been on a visit to a Gentleman called Brown a resident in Bushy Bield near Anwoth, for whose [daughter] Jane Brown, Maxwell was said to entertain an attachment, but being unsuccessful in his addresses to the young Lady, & on the evening of the same day, it is said he left Bushy Bield [abruptly] & was drowned in the Water of Fleet in this pool which has been ever since called Stroquhan's Pool, in commemoration of the mournful accident." One of a series of named pools located along the Water of Fleet. The pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/128/28) describes it as: "A pool in an angle of the [Water] of Fleet, about 4 chains to the [east] of it is a small standing [stone] from which the pool took the name." A standing stone is visible to the east of the pool on mapping but has been identified as being more likely a "cattle-rubbing post" (MDG4578; Canmore: 63653). One of a series of named pools located along the Water of Fleet. The pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/128/29) describes it as: "A deep pool in the Water of Fleet situated about 30 chains below Sprotts Pool, not known in the locality how it got the name. It derives the name from a number of drains or ditches which empty their waters into the pool." One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. A pool named Red Brae Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear on mapping until 1957. The Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell Claire Williamson 36 Hell's Hole 268416, 554161 37 Lower Bridge Pool 268527, 554050 38 Compstone Pool 268523, 553606 39 Kiln-End Pool 269930, 553928 40 Boat Weil 261831, 581285 pool no longer appears on mapping by 1967, by which time the river appears to have changed course to the west. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/23) describes it as "A small pool in Tarf Water at the foot of a gentle declivity called Red Brae hence the name." One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. A pool named Hell's Hole first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/23) describes it as “A muddling deep pool in Tarf Water, what gives rise to this name is not known." On modern maps it appears as if the term might have been extended to also include the marshy ground to the east of the river. One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Lower Bridge Pool first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/23) describes it as “A small pool in Tarf Water and situate [sic] close to the Low Bridge of Tarf hence the name." One of a series of named pools located along Tarff Water as it runs south from High Bridge of Tarff to Cumstoun. Only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/24) describes it as “A large pool in Tarf Water from its proximity to Compston House it took the name." Kiln-End Pool sits along the eastern bank of the River Dee. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/149/44) describes it as "A pool in the River Dee situated a little south of Tongueland Mills, it is much frequented by anglers whilst fishing." Boat Weil sits along the Water of Ken just to the west of St John's Town of Dalry. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/36/25) describes it as "A large deep pool in the Water of Ken, situate between Boat Green & Dalry. A boat was at one time stationed here for the purpose of conveying passengers across the River, hence the name." Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson 41 Red Weil 282170, 561154 42 Dead Man's Weil 266328, 581739 43 Bar Weil 266051, 581279 44 Mc.Kie's Wiel 237438, 576989 45 Quaking Ash Wiel 237125, 575705 46 Queen Mary's Pool 270323, 554698 The site of Red Weil sits along the Urr Water to the west of Reedweel farm. Only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/116/14) describes it as "A deep pool in Urr Water at a bend in the river its extent is about 8 [?] in length." The site of Dead Man's Weil is located along the Garple Burn to the northwest of Barscobe Loch. Dead Man's Weil or Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/39/39) states: "A deep pool in that part of Garpel Burn which runs through Bar Glen. It took its name in consequence of a dead man being found in it". The site of Bar Weil is located along the Garple Burn as is passes Bar Wood. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/39/40) describes it as "A pool in the Garpel Burn on the [farm] of Mill Mark & a short [distance] North of it is the Site of [Bar] Cothouse (hence the name)." Mc.Kie's Wiel is located to the west of Holm farm. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1848 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/45/13) describes it as "A deep pool in the Water of Minnick, its name originated from a [man] called McKie who was drowned in it." Quaking Ash Wiel is located along the Water of Minnoch, to the southwest of the Old Bridge of Minnoch. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1848 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/45/52) describes it as "A deep pool in the Water of Minnick over which leaned an Ash tree, which shook with the Slightest Breeze hence the name". Queen Mary's Pool is located at the southern end of Tongland Loch. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/53) describes it as: "A pool in the River Dee, over which Queen Mary's Bridge was built hence the name." The New Statistical Account for Tongland, describes a well a short distance from “Mary`s Brig” (1845 Vol. IV, 89-90): “An estate and knoll called Queenshill derived their name from Mary Queen of Scots, who, on her flight from the battle of Langside, is said to have rested in the neighbourhood and taken some refreshment. Continuing her flight, she crossed the Lyn Ferguson Donald Gibson Donald Gibson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Moira Charters 47 Kennan's Isle Pool 270546, 555472 Dee by a wooden bridge ... about a mile from the present church [1845] ... There is a well, also, at a short distance [from the bridge], called by her name, from whence tradition says that she drank." It is said that the wooden bridge which Mary crossed was then destroyed to delay any pursuers and allow her to make haste on to Dundrennan Abbey. The Ordnance Survey maps from 1852 onwards show the site of the bridge and Queen Mary's Pool (as opposed to a well). It is said that after taking water from the well she waited at Dun's Wa's (270280, 554518), a house on the east bank of the river, while the bridge was destroyed. The Tongland dam now covers the site of this house. The current Ordnance Survey map (2022) also shows Queen Mary's Pool but it appears as part of the larger dam flowing to Tongland. There appears a bit of a debate as to whether this was the route that Mary took. The memoirs of Lord Herries, one of her supporters and who accompanied her on her flight from Scotland, states that she travelled via Sanquhar, Terrgeles and then on to Dundrennan. It is interesting the number of references to her in the area of Tongland (Queens Hill, Wood, Knoll, pool) and makes more sense in terms of a route to Dundrennan. Kennan's Isle Pool is located along the eastern side of Tongland Loch close to Kennan's Isle. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/48) describes it as: "A considerable pool in the [River] Dee, which took its name [from] a small island on the [?] river called Kennan." The researcher notes: "I may be speculating here but the Kennan's Isle Pool and Kennan's Isle, could be related in some way to the Abbey at Tongland, due to its proximity and the name Kennan." Moira Charters  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Named Pools Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_106 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/2/565/GGLP-CYDI-Lost-Wells-of-Galloway-Named-Wells.pdf 2598c3d3b8da3178a23e8a65b827fe01 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Named Wells Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Description An account of the resource The Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme undertook five years of co-ordinated activity and projects in Dumfries & Galloway between 2018 and 2023, focused on the river catchment of the Ken/Dee valley. An initiative of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Environment Team, the aim was to ‘connect people to their heritage’ and in doing so, drive economic activity in the area and support sustainable communities. The Scheme was primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, with additional support from a range of other partners, including Dumfries & Galloway Council and the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 - 2023 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document NAMED WELLS No Name 1 Location Overview Gout Well of Larg, 242817, Minnigaff 566466 Located in the policies of Kirroughtree House about a mile east of Old Minnigaff village. It now sites in coniferous plantation adjacent to an open field close to Doon Hill. Gout Well first appears on 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 at NGR: 242782, 566446. No longer appears on mapping from 1895 on. Researcher confirmed the remains of the well still present - location taken from this. The Ordnance Survey name book entry (OS1/20/97/32) states "A small spring well situated in doon wood and deer park of Kirroughtree, in former times it was much reported to be incredulous on the first day of May for the purpose of being cured of the gout & by washing or drinking of the water. It is still well known by this name." An additional note is added to the record as follows “hereabout is a well called the Gout Well of Larg of which they tell this story how that a piper stole away the offering left at this well (these offerings are some inconsiderable thing which the country people used to leave at wells when they come to make use of them towards any cure) but when he was drinking of ale which he intended to pay with the money he had formerly taken away, the gout, as they say siezed on him, of which he could not be cured but at the well, having first restored to it the money which he had formerly taken away. Symson’s Descriptions of Galloway 1684.” Appears as Canmore ID: 63483. Reference also found in ‘Where the Whaups are Crying - A Dumfries and Galloway Anthology’ edited by Innes Macleod, 2001 (page 51): “Minnigaff Kirk Session ‘rebooked and exhorted’ a number of young people, Patrick Stewart, James Reid, Researcher William Ion 2 Pot Well, Minnigaff 243403, 567419 3 Charlie's Well, Minnigaff 241215, 565608 4 Wishing Well or Wishing Pot, Minnigaff 241326, 566941 Jo Roxburgh, Robert Roxburgh, Margaret Martine and Jane Reid, on 29th May, 1720 for visiting the Gout Well on the first day of May. Minnigaff Parish Records”. Site visit revealed it to be stone lined, rectangular in shape and overgrown. Dry at the time of the visit. Located north of Bents Farm on the east side of Well Knowe. Pot Well first appears William Ion on 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/98/10) states: "About 3/4 of a mile West of Glenamour Loch and at the E [East] side of Well Knowe. A Small spring well on the farm of Bents enclosed by a metal pot hence the name. It is convenient to Bents farm house and on the estate of Lady Maxwell". Located in the middle of the Newton Stewart to the rear of properties along William Ion Millcroft Road. Downstream from the Cree Bridge on the E bank. Very close to the river. Charlie's Well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1851. It does not appear on mapping again after this. Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/97/9) states: "This name applies to a beautiful well on the bank of the river Cree and from which I think it is supplied by the river Cree by filtration. It is frequently overflowed by the river during floods at other times the water is remarkable for its purity." Well does not appear on any available mapping but is known locally as a wishing William Ion well beneath Queen Mary's Bridge. It is a round, deep hole in the rocks about 30cm across, probably formed naturally by the action of the water. Well known in the Newton Stewart and Minnigaff areas as a wishing well requiring stones to be dropped into it from the bridge for a wish to come true. The number of stones needed to be dropped into the well varies but three seems to be the most common figure. Knowledge of the well is still current but it is not clear for how long this tradition has existed. There is no reference to the well in older texts and it does not appear on maps or in Canmore. 5 Gold Wells, Carsphairn 258964, 597793 The site of two wells located near to the summit of Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. Gold Susan Paton Wells first appear on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continue to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/4/22) states: "The largest as well as the highest Mountain in Galloway with the exception of the "Merrick" it rises to an elevation of about 3696 feet above the level of the Sea, and from its summit, when the Atmosphere is clear, a most extensive view is obtained of many counties of Scotland. The Isle of Man. Ailsa Craig and a part of England and Ireland. The surface of the Mountain produce good pasturage, but very rocky. On the south side of the hill, are a quantity of loose stones of a bluish colour which are called "Blue Stones" And near the summit are a number of springs, two of them are Known by the name of "Gold Wells" out of which and some small streams in the locality A William Dodd who was celebrated for his chemical skill collected a quantity of Gold, and converting it into some foreign coin but while doing so. he was disturbed by some of the officers of the Crown sent to apprehend him in his lucrative retirement. About 1 chain N.E. [North East] of the Trigl. [Trigonometrical] Station is the remains of a Cairn of Stones said by the Country people to be the pile erected by Col. [Colonel] Colby R.E. [Royal Engineer] in 1814." From Rambles in Galloway by Malcolm M'Lachlan Harper (1876): "In what are called the gold wells of Cairnsmore, it is said that a Dr. Dodds, a sort of alchemist in his day, placed paper-mills, with which he collected the gold dust from the water; and near the roadside, on the lands of Lagwine, he erected his smithy for converting the gold into coins of the West Indian Islands. On the seclusion of his retirement being disturbed by some officers of the Crown sent to apprehend him, it is generally believed in the district that he threw his whole coining apparatus into what is commonly known as the green well of Lagwine. This well is in the middle of a solid rock; is about thirty feet in circumference; is supposed to have no outlet, and though much rubbish has been thrown into it at different times, it is still of great depth. At one time its waters were used as a cure for scorbutic 6 King's Well, Carsphairn 250435, 591268 diseases. The Doctor was tried at Edinburgh, but it is not known what became of him afterwards." King's Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Sits at 587m (1925ft) on the saddle between Meaul Hill (695m/2250ft) and Cairnsgarroch (659m/2153ft). Nearby on some of the maps is King's Stone about 60ft away. Neither appears on Bartholomew maps. Springs are also shown on the Ordnance Survey 6-inch 1853 map close to the summit of Meaul Hill. These and the well are close to the tributaries of Blaree Burn (becomes Polmaddy Burn then Water of Ken) and Garryhorn Burn (becomes Water of Deugh into Kendoon Loch). Air Photographs of 1940s and modern Google Earth maps are not sufficiently clear to identify a well, but Roy's Lowlands 1752-55 map suggests a possible water feature in the area (or perhaps artefact). Why King's Well? It is tempting to assume it refers to Robert the Bruce who was known to be at Glentrool and Clatteringshaws in 1307 (both less than 10 miles away as the crow flies) and at Glenluce/Whithorn in 1329. (Reference: The Bruce Trust). The nearby Polmaddie to Carsphairn Pack Road is part of the old Pilgrims Way. However, from Galloway: the spell of its hills and glens by Andrew McCormick published 1932, in the chapter headed "Cars Fearn", reference is made to "when King James V passed through that neighbourhood"; so could Kings Well be named after him (16th century) rather than Robert the Bruce (14th century)? Both kings visited Whithorn at some point. Bartholomew maps (Survey Atlas 1912 & half inch 1926 - 35) show a foot path linking Loch Doon to Glen Trool, though its nearest point to the well is about a mile (and 1000ft of ascent). Of course the well may have been named in jest by shepherds or men building nearby drystane dykes from 1700s. Estate maps for Craigengillan Estate (house is near Dalmellington) 1919, shows the huge extent of the estate with Kings well & stone at the southern edge of the estate. Niall Mackie 7 Physic Well (Chalybeate), Kells 256225, 587525 8 Black Morrow Well, Kirkcudbright 268436, 549398 Physic Well (Chalybeate) is located to the northeast of Forrest Lodge. It first Michael Ansell appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to be shown until current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/18/15) describes it as "A small chalybeate spring issuing from a rock, on the farm of Knockreoch, and situated about 20 chains N. West of Craig Knuckle." The researcher carried out a site visit in 2021 and identified an alternative location for the well at 256152, 587533, some 20m to the west of where it appears on mapping and within the Forrest Estate. The researcher described it: "The well seems remarkably well preserved but is of no great depth, probably filled in with debris." Relating to placenames in the area, the researcher also noted: "The well is close to a rocky eminence called Craigmaharb. Ostensibly this looks like ScG creag na hearba, ‘rock of the hind’ but the ‘ma’ element often stands for the ScG honorific ‘mo’, meaning ‘my’ and is used to refer to one or other saint. This might mean that the site had some religious significance but this is highly speculative. The problem is that no known Gaelic saint is suggested by the specific element ‘herb’ here. It is hard to see a cult of St Herbert of Derwentwater being established here, although of course Galloway was once under the sway of the Northumbrians." Black Morrow Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of Jennifer Roberts 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The name of the well changes between Black Morrow, Black Murray and Black Moray. It is located along the roadside within a plantation of the same name to the south of Kirkcudbright. There are several versions to the story that is attached to the well. It is said to take its name from a 'gypsy chief' who lived in the area called either Black Morrow or Murray. He took his name from his dark complexion and his great strength. He caused much suffering in the rich farmlands of the area. Young William McLellan, the younger son of the former laird of Bombie, wished to get his father’s lands back but did not want to fight Black Morrow personally. McLellan came up with a 9 Monk's Well, Kirkcudbright 267300, 548892 10 Butter Well, Kirkcudbright 268212, 550148 11 Barbaras Well, Kirkcudbright 268816, 551148 plan. He filled a well near Black Morrow’s camp with spirits, when the gypsy chief had drunk freely he fell asleep. McLellan who had been watching the proceedings from a safe place sprung out from his hiding place and with one blow severed the head of Black Morrow from his body. McLellan stuck the head on the point of his sword and took it to the king, James II, who then returned the Barony of Bombie to him. McLellan took the image of a head on a sword for his crest. Black Morrow is variously the leader of a gang of gypsies from Ireland or a Moor. A site visit during the project found the area to be very overgrown with no visible remains, although some possible stonework may be present in the steep sloping bank adjacent to the roadside. Monk's Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The well was used by the monk’s when the Augustian St. Mary’s Priory was in existence. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/151/49) states: "An excellent spring of water issuing from a leading pipe into a trough or cistern. It is said that during the time of the priory its waters was much used by the monks, hence the name, it is situated close to the gardens on St Mary's Isle." Butter Well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. It does not appear on mapping after this. This well got its name as the good spring water was used by the monks at St Mary’s Priory to wash the butter when they were making it. It was originally about 3 feet in diameter and 6 feet deep. The well was forgotten about and closed over for many years but was recently (1840s) reopened as the Park House well had run dry. Its water is of excellent quality. Information obtained from the Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/151/21). Barbaras Well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. It does not appear on mapping after this. Location sits along Mill Burn to the north of St Cuthbert's Road in Kirkcudbright. Jennifer Roberts Jennifer Roberts Jennifer Roberts 12 Cotland Well, Kirkcudbright 268794, 550002 13 St Margaret's Well, Kirkcudbright 270005, 543784 14 Fairies Well, Tongland 266955, 556911 15 Nick Well, Twynholm 265938, 558620 This well was thought to be called after a women who lived nearby. Its water comes from a spring lock near Shilling Hill. Information obtained from the Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/151/97). Cotland Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). This well is situated near Cannee Farm. In the 1840s, the water from this well was piped to St. Mary’s Isle (House). Information obtained from the Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/151/58). St Margaret's Well is located along the Coastal Slope to the east of the site of Raeberry Castle. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022), although it is now marked as an unnamed spring. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/158/64) describes it as "A spring Well situated at the bottom of a precipice close to high water mark, and on the farm of Howell, not known how it has got this name." In Spout Glen south of Lochhill. Fairies Well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. It does not appear on mapping after this. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/17) describes Fairies Well as located “About 5/8 mile NW by W of Valleyfield House” and as “A small spring well on the farm of Loch Hill and close to the margin of Spout Burn, it is traditionally handed down as being formerly the haunt of fairies, hence the name.” In the Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/57), Fairies Well is “A small spring situated on the farm of Lochhill and in the Spout Glen, the water of which is considered very good - Mr Carlisle of Largs [said] that there is a superstitious tradition in the locality that fairies used to visit here, hence the name.” Fairy Wells were to be found on old estates in Scotland during the “Fairy Era” of the 19th Century. Nick Well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. It does not appear on mapping after this. Jennifer Roberts Alison Fabian Lyn Walby Lyn Walby 16 Goat Well, Borgue 265830, 548002 17 Greenlaw Well, Borgue 264684, 544802 18 Guthrie's Well, Borgue 265114, 546049 19 St Andrew's Well, Borgue 260241, 548037 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/129/28) describes it as a spring well on the farm of Culcaigrie situated in a 'Nick' (hollow) between the hills of Little and Meikle Culcaigrie. Goat Well sits to the rear of Goat Well Bay, to the south of Millhall. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/150/35) describes it as "A small spring in Mill Ha’’ Wood near H, M, Mark this is an object of no interest and how the name was derived cannot be ascertained." Goat Well Bay is described as: "A spot on the west side of Kirkcudbright Bay at H, M, Mark and opposite Mill Ha’’ Wood near Goatwell from which it apparently takes its name. This is an object of no interest nor is it by any means well known by this name." Greenlaw well was located in the area just to the north of Ross farm, at the western end of Ross Bay (once called Balmangan Bay). Greenlaw Well first appears on the Estate map - "A Plan of the Farms of Meikleross, Brighouse and Balmangan belonging to the Right Honble, The Earl of Selkirk", surveyed by John Gillone in c.1780. The well is marked on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 but without a name. It is no longer mapped after this date. Guthrie's Well was located to the west of Castle Rennie farm. It first appears on the Estate map - "A Plan of the Farms of Meikleross, Brighouse and Balmangan belonging to the Right Honble, The Earl of Selkirk", surveyed by John Gillone in c.1780. Aside from the estate map, the well only appears on the Ordnance Survey 25-inch and 6-inch maps of 1895 and 1896, but without a name. It does not appear on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map and does not appear on maps after the 1890s. The researcher notes that "Guthrie is presumably a person." The site of St Andrew's Well sits to the southeast of Kirkandrews Old Church and burial ground. It appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. It does not appear on mapping after this. Nic Coombey Nic Coombey Nic Coombey Nic Coombey 20 Ninewells, Borgue 265274, 552366 21 Lady Well, Carsphairn 251599, 598413 22 Craigrow Well, Rerrick 281392, 552718 23 Collin Dub, Rerrick 280264, 553120 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/147/41) describes it as "A small spring well on the farm of Ingliston, and situated a short distance S. East of Kirkandrews Church (in ruins) from which probably it has took the name." The site of Ninewells was located to the north of Ellisford. What appears to be 'Ninewells' (although the name is not too clear) first appears on the Estate map "A Survey of the Boreland of Borgue" in 1780. The well is marked on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 but without a name. It is no longer mapped after this date. Lady Well sits just to the east of Cullendoch Hill near Loch Doon. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/6/16) describes it as: “A small spring on the farm of Lamford and situated close on the Eastern margin of Carsphairn Lane.” There is no indication of the origin of the name. Craigrow Well is located in Craigrow Wood to the west side of Orchardton Bay. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/136/140) describes it as "A Well in Orchardton Demesne the Water of which is very good, it is Surrounded by a Wall to protect it from Cattle, Mr Johnston says when the Late James Douglas Esqr bought the Land on which it is situated from William Cairns Esqr. the Latter made an agreement with the former that his Tenants, should have free access to it provided their own wells went dry." The site of Collin Dub sits along the eastern edge of Barfraggan Wood. It appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 but does not appear on mapping after this. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/136/50) describes "This name applies to a small [?] on the road side at Barthraggan it is now quite neglected, not being considered of any importance." Nic Coombey Lesley Firth Ann Lambert Ann Lambert 24 Rumbling Well, Buittle 280500, 561547 25 Slot Well, Buittle 281348, 561618 Rumbling Well sits close to the northern edge of the Dalbeattie Reservoir. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/113/70) describes it as "a small and good spring upon the farm of New Buittle and used to be resorted to by the credulous." The name book also quotes from "Symson's Description of Galloway, at the end of Nicholson's History of Galloway, Page 33, Vol 2: "In this parish of Bootle about a mile from the Kirk towards the North is a well, called the rumbling well, frequented by a multitude of sick people, for all sorts of diseases the first Sunday of May, lying there the Saturday night, and then drinking of it early in the morning." More information is available on Canmore (ID: 64996): "The rumbling well is mentioned in 1684 as a resort of sick people, who left money or clothes as a thank-offering." And a site visit in 1963 describes it as "A spring of water issuing from the base of a natural bank. The back of the well has been revetted with stone, and there is a plentiful supply of water." A site visit in 2021 confirmed that the well remains as described in 1963, with water still present during wetter months. Correlates with entry MDG4569 in the Historic Environment Record. Slot Well sits at the edge of forestry on the eastern side of Barskeoch Hill. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/113/71) describes it as "A spring upon the farm of Buittle Place and used to be resorted to by the credulous." The name book also quotes from "Symson's Description of Galloway, at the end of Nicholson's History of Galloway, Page 35, Vol 2: This well is made use of by the country people when their cattle are troubled with a disease called by them the 'Connoch'." More information is available on Canmore (ID: 64993): "The Slot well was frequented in 1684 by people wishing to cure their sick cattle. As a thank-offering Lyn Ferguson Lyn Ferguson 26 Cairn Edward Well (Chalybeate), Kells 263430, 573408 27 Milldown Well (Chalybeate), Kells 262872, 573982 28 Smittons Well, Dalry 263466, 591666 they left behind the bands and shackles used to bind the animals." And a site visit in 1963 recorded that "The Slot Well is now buried beneath stones which have fallen from the field dyke and a mass of tangled under-growth. A steady stream of water, however, issues from the ground 3.0m below the position of the well indicating that the spring is still functioning. It would appear that the Slot well was a natural spring." Correlates with entry MDG4566 in the Historic Environment Record. Cairn Edward Well (Chalybeate) sits on the eastern side of Cairn Edward Hill. It first Keith Hamblin appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/57/18) describes it as "A chalybeate well on the [?] of Clone and situate near to East base of Cairn Edward (Hill) hence the name. This well was much frequented too by diseased persons to which its water had proved beneficial." Milldown Well (Chalybeate) sits on the northern side of Cairn Edward Hill. It first Keith Hamblin appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/57/16) describes it as "A chalybeate well on the farm of Burnfoot. It is situated near to the base of Milldown hence the name. Although possessing the qualities of a spaw, it is never resorted to by patients." The site of Smittons Well sits to the north of the Water of Ken, opposite to Susan Smyth Smittons Farm. First appears as 'Smeaton Well' on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853, changing to 'Smittons Well' during the 20th century. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/20/40) describes it as "A pool in the Water of Ken opposite to Nether Smeaton dwelling house out of which the occupants takes water to supply the house, hence the name.” Smittons Well appears on mapping until at least the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1957, but it is no longer shown on current mapping (2022). 29 Chalybeate Well, Dalry 264887, 592815 30 St Mirrans Well, Kelton 280116, 555027 31 Green Well, Kelton 278571, 555170 The site of a Chalybeate Well is located to the northeast of Kiln Knowe. Well (Chalybeate) first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853. It appears on mapping until at least the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1957, but it is no longer shown on current mapping (2022). The site of St Mirrans Well sits within enclosed fields to the east of Kirkmirran farm, near to the recorded location for the site of Kirkmirran Kirk. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853. The site record for the latter contains mention of the well within its description (see MDG4458; Canmore ID 64885). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/136/15) describes it as "A spring well which discharges a considerable quantity of water it is situated on the farm of Potterland and convenient to Kirkmarion from which it has taken its name." Only appears named on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853. Appears as an unnamed spring on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1895 but does not appear on mapping again after this time. Additional notes from the researcher: "It is very close to Kirkmirren Kirk. They are named after St Mirren who was a Catholic monk and missionary from Ireland (c 565 -c620). A contemporary of St Columba, he was prior of Bangor Abbey before making his missionary voyage to Scotland. It is very close to Potterland, by Potterland Mill and close to Potterland Lane which forms part of the parish boundary. It was on the grounds of Colonel Maxwell of Orchardton. The 1845 Statistical Account states that in ancient times it was probably a parish, with the kirk being a chapel of ease." Site visit in 2021 found no remains of the well visible above ground, although the area of the field remains boggy. Green Well sits quite high up on Screel Hill, over the 1000 ft contour. Screel Burn runs quite nearby, and the area around it is still called Greenhill. First appears under the name 'Well of Screel' on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. Its name changes to 'Green Well' on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1895 and it continues to be shown as such on current mapping (2022). Susan Smyth Ruth Airley Ruth Airley 32 Timothy Well, Kelton 278863, 556328 33 Thirl's Well, Rerrick 279256, 547126 34 St Glassen's Well, Rerrick 275964, 546917 The Ordnance Survey name book (as ‘Well of Screel’ - OS1/20/136/7) describes it as "A small spring on the summit of Screel hill, hence the name.” The site of Timothy Well is located within enclosed fields to the southwest of Croach Hill. It appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 but does not appear on mapping after this. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/136/67) describes it as "A considerable spring situated on the farm of Gelston Lodge, and in a field called Timothy from which it had derived it name, its water is remarkably good and is much used in summer by the neighbouring people." Thirl's Well sits along the 'Coastal Slope' at Barlocco Bay. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/155/30) describes it as "A spring on the farm of Rascarrel which discharges a small stream which spreads at high water mark in Barlocco Bay." The researcher notes: "The meaning of Thirl in The Scottish National Dictionary (1700) is: To pierce or bore through. Susie Dent lists thirl as Anglo-Saxon, meaning 'hole'." St Glassen's Well sits along the roadside opposite the cottages known as Rerrick High Row and to the north of where the remains of Rerrick Church have been located. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/159/17) describes it as "An excellent spring well on the farm of Upper Rerrick and situate on the road side leading from Rerrick Church to Auchencairn. It is not known in the locality how it got the name. But presumably from some saint called Glassen." Canmore (ID: 64387) records that in 1916/26 "This holy well comprises an irregularly-shaped hollow in the ground, filled with clear water, through which the masonry of the well may be seen. It is situated in a little recess by the roadside, screened on three sides by a tall hedge". In 1971 it is described as "This well is now Claire Williamson Bill Craig Kathy Keeling 35 Lady's Well, Rerrick 277219, 546696 encased by a 1.0m diameter glazed pipe, the exposed end of which is covered by a cast-iron lid." From Dundrennan Abbey A Source Book 1142-1612 by D. Richard Torrance (1996): "The site dates from at least 1536 when Adam McLean, Vicar of Rerrick witnessed a Precept of Sasine for the '5 ┬¢ Merkland of Orroland' that describes the location of the 'cemetery and the lone and common passage to the kirk of Rerik'." From History of the Lands and their Owners in Galloway by P.H. M'Kerlie (1878): "North of the parish church is Saint Glassen's Well. We do not find any church dedicated to such a Saint, but in Keith's list of Scottish Saints there is MacGlastian, a bishop in Scotland in 814, whose festival day was the 30th January. In Butler's Saints we find Saint Glastian mentioned as a native of Fifeshire, who died at Kinglace in 830, and was particularly honoured there, as also in Kintyre. Bishop Forbes gives the same history, and of Kinglassie, near Kirkcaldy, but calls him Glascianus, thus Latinizing the name." The Saints in Scottish Place-Names website (https://saintsplaces.gla.ac.uk/) states: "The well is covered (OS Digimap) and lies at the side of the road running north from the site of Rerrick Old Kirk, at a distance of 185 metres. This kirk was originally a chapel, erected as parish kirk only in the early eighteenth century (NMRS). Given the dedication of the well, it may have been St Glassen's Chapel, but not attestation of this has been found. It is not known where the medieval parish kirk was, though on the eve of the Reformation Dundrennan Abbey was serving as the kirk." Correlates with entry MDG3976 in the Historic Environment Record. The site of Lady's Well is shown along the side of a trackway running through woodland to the west of Orroland farm. It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/155/20) describes it as "A well situated near Orroland house Mrs Ferguson being partial to the water, hence the name." The researcher notes: "The entry for Orroland house reveals it to be the property of Robert Cutlar Ferguson, but he is a minor and the ‘old mansion house’ is Kathy Keeling 36 Physic Well, Kells 262706, 577877 37 March Well, Kells 263128, 578798 occupied by a tenant. There is no evidence in these entries whether the lady referred to is the mother or otherwise of Robert Cutlar (minor), it could be a grandmother or aunt. The Robert Cutlar Fergusson (minor) referred to is probably the 18th Laird of Craigdarroch Born: 03 Dec 1836-Died: 06 Oct 1859. The name Cutlar is a family name from Orroland, the Fergusson name is from the 14th Laird of Craigdarroch, who married Anne (from Orroland) in 1709-10, who would have been the 1st Mrs Fergusson connected to Orroland and the 18th Laird’s greatgreat-grandmother. After some search, the identity of the Mrs Fergusson for whom the well was said to be named is still unclear but could be his grandmother, great-grandmother or great-great grandmother (or another female relative), as little evidence that his mother lived at Orroland. In 1799 a Mrs Anne Lawrie-Cutlar lived at Orroland. His uncle on his father’s side was living in the area, so there could be other Mrs Fergussons around." The site of Physic Well sits along the Mill Burn to the west of New Galloway. It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/52/15) describes it as "A Spring well on the farm of Millbank. It was formerly resorted to by diseased persons, who were superstitious enough to think its waters possessed the virtue of healing. It is not a Mineral Well." Researcher also wondered if this was a reference to it in Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment: Scotland, 1670-1740 by Lizanne Henderson (2016, p. 285): "An interesting example indicates that professionals occasionally made use of folk cures. Robert Trotter (c.1736-1815), known as the 'Muir Doctor', was based in the Glenkens. He often sent his patients to the physic well in the New Galloway parks." March Well sits to the south of Marchwell steading. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Samantha Oakley Samantha Oakley 38 Ladys Well, Balmaclellan 264356, 578263 39 Willie's Well, Kelton 277544, 563108 The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/55/4) describes it as "A spring well on the farm of Viewfield & situate close to the boundary line which divides the Estates of Kenmure & Glenlee hence the name." The site of Ladys Well sits to the south of Lady's Well Hill. It appears on the 1st Samantha edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 but does not appear on mapping Oakley again after this, although it appears to have given its name to the adjacent hill. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/55/46) describes it as "The track of a Spring Well. W[?] before it was closed up with [w?] & clay it was much prized for its excellency of its water. [It] is on the farm of Holme." It features on the Places of Worship in Scotland website (scottishchurches.org.uk) which records: "This is the site of a Holy Well, which is alongside an ancient trackway. There is still a fresh water spring on the site. Researched by A. Penman, compiled by J. Dowling 28/7/03." Willie's Well is located within an enclosed field to the south of Ernespie farm. It Claire Martin first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/111/23) describes it as "A spring well on the farm of High Torrs. It is named after an old man (whose christian name was William) that resided near it." Alternate stories appear elsewhere, however. The entry for Willie's Well in Scottish Healing Wells by R & F Morris states that Willie's Well is “in a field in front of Erniespie House, probably named for William Graham, a Covenanter killed by Claverhouse troops who lies buried here [at Crossmichael churchyard], Erniespie is a mile north of Castle Douglas.” Further research states that William Graham was killed in 1682, another source says he was killed in 1684. The first source, Alexander Shield's A short memorial of 1690, states William was shot by the troops belonging to John Graham, Laird of Claverhouse. William Graham's gravestone is in Crossmichael Churchyard and was erected sometime between 1702 and 1714. William Graham was a tailor in 40 Lochenbreck Well, Balmaghie 264790, 565025 Crossmichael and was said to have been visiting his mother on the day that he was killed. Another story appears in More Stewartry Sketches by Iain Durisdeer relating the well to a man called William Auchenleck who was shot and killed: “the soldiers disentangled the twisted body from the stirrup and threw it down an adjacent well in what is now the field in front of Ernespie House. The well which was Auchenleck’s tomb became known locally as ‘Willie’s Well’, the name which it still bears. Not much of it is now visible because it was useless in its original function … Perhaps some day the well will be uncovered and the few mortal remains of William Auchenleck, Soldier-of-Fortune and Covenanter, will be given an honourable burial.” A site visit in 2021 could not find a well site in the location listed on the current OS map. They did however find more than two piles of dressed stone in a nearby wooded area and wondered if perhaps the landowner had blocked up the well and moved surrounding stones to a different location. Lochenbreck Well is a chalybeate well (natural mineral spring containing iron salts) Sue Taylor located in Laurieston Forest on Laurieston Road, a minor road between Laurieston and Gatehouse of Fleet. It first appears on John Ainslie's The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright map of 1797 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). From the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 (the first to show enough detail), Lochenbreck Well can be seen sitting within its own rectangular enclosure. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/106/18) describes it as "A spa' well famed for the medicinal properties of its water. It springs off Iron and is on the property of W M Laurie Esq of Woodhall." The researcher notes that the well "used to be a very popular attraction both for wealthy holidaymakers and for sufferers of TB and other ailments, who sought out the well's medicinal properties. Still today, its waters run bright orange. This well's history has been inextricably bound up with that of the Lochenbreck Spa Hotel, which was either built or converted from a previous lodging or dwelling house 41 Fishers' Well, Girthon 261467, 560656 located on the other side of the current small road in order to meet a demand for spa visitor accommodation, probably in the 18th century according to reports. The hotel clearly made a feature of the spa and its water properties to attract visitors, creating a circular pavilion to enclose the well, installing a pump for its water, and even extending the hotel gardens to include the well in its landscaping. The hotel closed in 1905 and sadly later burnt down. The tremendous fire was the result of an oil lamp spillage. It has been reported that the bard Robert Burns stayed at the inn a few times, and it's claimed he may even have written or made notes for his work Scots Wha Hae whilst there; but these claims are also disputed. Another frequent guest was the writer and artist Malcolm Maclachlan Harper (1839-1914), who apparently wrote articles about the hotel/spa, though I have been unable to trace any of these. However, the 1906 edition of his book Rambles in Galloway contains not only descriptions of the well and hotel, but also a poem he wrote inspired by the spa." The researcher was able to find many references to the well which are contained within their report. A site visit to the well in 2021 recorded that the base of the structure is still present as a circular area of cream floor tiles enclosed by the basal 1-2 rows of a brick wall. At the centre of the floor sits a large circular stone with a central opening containing water and surrounding notches visible in the stone likely marking the site of a small structure, possibly a pump. Fishers' Well is located on a footpath that runs from Laurieston Road (minor road from Laurieston to Gatehouse of Fleet) to Loch Whinyeon, just outside the Glengap Forest. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/105/31) describes it as "A small spring well on the north side of Benfadyeon. Anglers resort to it for the purpose of allaying their thirst when ascending the hill on their way to Loch Whinyeon, hence the name." The researcher noted: "I could not find very much data on this well, but from the findings below, it seems at least in living memory to have been used mainly by Sue Taylor 42 Nick of Knock Well, Girthon 260878, 564012 43 Spa Well, Balmaghie 264009, 564416 44 St Ninian's Well, Parton 270793, 569806 anglers on their way to Loch Whinyeon. However, it appears from the descriptions below that it is also located in an area of the remains of shieling huts (MDG8294; Canmore ID: 68904), so it may once have been used in times past as a source of water by the inhabitants of the shielings." The Nick of Knock Well is located on moorland, in the hollow called Nick of Knock, Sue Taylor running between the hills of Benowr and Ewe Hill. The nearest farmstead looks to be Grobdale of Girthon. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/105/53) describes it as "A well situated in the Nick of Knock and near the boundary of the farm of Culreoch this well is known to Sportsmen who frequent those Moors & is on the estate of H S Murray Esq. of Broughton." The researcher notes: "this spring is surrounded by the remains of shieling huts and cairns, and there's also a burn, so I'm guessing these water sources were main factors for choosing this site for the buildings. Scots nick, a narrow gap or pass in a range of hills, as in atmospheric Windy Door Nick; Scots knock, from Gaelic cnoc, a small hill or hillock." The site of Spa Well is shown at the side of an unnamed burn which issues from Sue Taylor Kenick Burn to the south of Lochenbreck Loch. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. It is marked as Spa Well on maps until at least the 1950s but current mapping (2022) only shows the site of an unnamed spring in the area. St Ninian's Well is located at Chapelbrae in the grounds of the former Parton Sue Taylor estate on the east bank of the Dee, and close to a ruined estate chapel (MDG4176; Canmore ID: 64593), a priest's house (MDG24291; Canmore ID: 213985) and an ice house (MDG22194; Canmore ID: 213986). It first appears as an unnamed spring on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and appears named on mapping from at least the 1950s. It continues to appear named through to current mapping (2022). From the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1895 the site is shown within a small enclosure, which is still marked on current mapping (2022). In relation to the nearby chapel, the Place-Names of the Galloway Glens database (https://kcb-placenames.glasgow.ac.uk) states "Note that in 1531 the king confirmed a charter of Ninian Glendinwin selling Over and Nether Dullarg, and one mark of land called The Markland of the Chepell occupied by Alex Glendinwin, with Braid Medo Bar (RMS iii no. 1021). This place-name may refer to the same chapel as that of Chapelbrae, in which case it places the existence of the chapel at least in the early sixteenth century, before the Reformation." The researcher was also able to speak with someone who stays in the neighbouring property who stated that "The Glendonwyns of Parton were supporters of Robert the Bruce, and he gifted Parton to them in return. At the time of the reformation they remained Catholic, and in 1580 built [the nearby] house as their priest's house and private chapel. I would surmise that the chapel in the field either predates St Inan's Kirk [the late 16th century ruin in Parton churchyard] or was built at the same time as [the] house. The Glendonwyns got into financial trouble and the estate was bought by their cousins, the Murrays. The well alcove bears the inscription ’Fons Sancti Niniani’, which I think means ‘sacred waters of Ninian’. No idea of the well's age, but I guess the well and baptisms will be linked to the Catholic chapel rather than St Inan's, so Reformation times. The inscription is on a granite block and there is the remains of an iron fence and arch around the well, so I would say these are Victorian, when the Murrays tarted the estate up. Apparently they used to baptise people in the well, and we have what is left of the cup used to pour water on children’s heads. I don’t have a date for the cup. It is handmade, and was given to us by a former neighbour who had taken it from the well before we came here. There is also a small figurine of Ninian in Parton House that used to stand in the recess.” A site visit in 2021 located the site of the well within an area of trees. It is fairly overgrown but the well is still visible as a small pond with at least two steps leading into it on one side and a small section of wall also present along another 45 Green Well of Scotland, Carsphairn 255734, 594565 side. Set into the wall, the small alcove with Latin inscription is still present as described. The enclosing wall and metal gate are also still present, although the latter is bent and no longer attached. Correlates with entry MDG13151 in the Historic Environment Record. The Green Well of Scotland is located along the eastern bank of the Water of Deugh near to Bridge-end steading. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/10/53) describes it as "A Spring well on the Farm of Lagwine situated about 5 Chains above the Bridge over the Deugh. It formerly was famed for its Medicinal qualities but owing to the carelessness of the people in the neighbourhood all sorts of filth has been thrown into it, it was into this well that Mr Dodds threw his dies for coining when pursued by the officers of the crown. A great many tales is told by the country people about large quantities of gold being in the bottom." Fragments of the Life History of Alexander McKay (1841-1917) features an account of the well by McKay c.1860: "There is here clear evidence that at some time the river ran at a higher level than it now does, and near flood mark there are several pot holes on the northern bank which were called “churns” on account of their considerable depth compared with their diameter. Most of these had stones in them which, during floods were stirred by the passing waters, and thus the holes were deepened ... At a yet higher level, and no longer reachable by the flood waters of the river there is on the south bank a gigantic churn, 15-20 feet in diameter which must have formed a deep pool in the river when it flowed at this higher level. Water is continually standing in this at from ten to twelve feet below the lowest part of the surrounding rim, and the part not filled with water has increased in diameter by the breaking down of the wall thus exposed to the influence of the weather." McKay further noted: “by the villagers and others long resident in the parish this goes by the name of the Deil’s Well ... The Bank Holm, the Deil’s Well and the neighbouring wood constitute the Sunday afternoon resorts of the villagers when the weather was fine. Of the Deil’s Well all sorts of Sue Foster 46 Dunnie's Well, Carsphairn 257391, 593465 47 Deil's Well, Old Luce 219943, 559053 48 Punch Well, Minnigaff 241149, 575213 stories were told: how that at times past it had at various times received valuables that otherwise were likely to fall into the hands of the enemy, and therefore other than it being unfathomably deep and containing much rubbish, it would yield these treasures again were it pumped dry and cleaned out. Its great depth however was a deterrent as it had swallowed up several chains of a stone dyke, part of which disappeared in my time, and yet apparently could swallow up as much more. Also it was said that slaughter and murder had been committed here, and the bones of the dead might not with impunity be disturbed. So that there were several reasons why no attempt had ever been made to clear out the Deil’s Well, and that was enough.” In 2021, the Green Well appears to be well-known locally. It is easy to find as a large circular pond with a fallen tree lying across it. Dunnie's Well is shown at the edge of woodland in the grounds of Knockgray. It first appears on the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1895 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). Deil's Well is located near to the site marked as Ghaist Hall on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1850, 1 mile northeast of Glenluce. It does not appear on mapping again after this. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/35/42/8) states: "An Old Well of little utility, being chiefly dried up. It is situated in an adjoining field to where formerly stood an Old [house] in which lived Gilbert Campbell, a weaver, the wife of whom it is [said] was threatened by the Devil of Glenluce or [the] Ghost of a beggar man to be thrown into this Well". Punch Well is located to the southwest of Larg Hill, in an area named Punch Well Brae. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1848. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/46/21) describes it as a "A good spring well on that portion of Larg Hill called Punch Well Brae. It’s name originated from the circumstance of shepherds, farmers and friends sometimes ascending this hill for the view of the surrounding country, and who are in the habit of making punch and drinking it here." Sue Foster William Ion Claire Williamson 49 Lady's Well, Anwoth 256083, 556025 50 St John's Well, Anwoth 258004, 556296 51 Rutherford's Well, Anwoth 258388, 556224 Punch Well continues to appear on mapping until at least the 1960s but is no longer shown on current maps. The name Punch Well Brae is still shown, however. Lady's Well appears within enclosed fields just to the east of Skyre Burn, and to the northwest of Kirkbride farm. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/127/23) describes it as "A good spring well on the farm of Kirkbride, and situated close on the eastern side of Skyre Burn." Further information is recorded in its Canmore entry (ID: 63637): "MacLeod and Maxwell agree that it is a holy well, deriving from a dedication to Our Lady. In 1969 it was overgrown with rushes and thorns, its clear water running under covering stones." Site visits in the 1970s described it as "An open natural spring." In the adjacent field to the north the site of a possible medieval church and burial ground have been recorded (MDG3236; Canmore ID: 63630). Correlates with entry MDG3243 in the Historic Environment Record. The site of St John's Well is located along the roadside of the Old Military Road running northwest from Anwoth. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/128/3) describes it as "A small spring well on the east side of the Military road that’s leads from Creetown to Gatehouse and 220 yards from Anwoth, not known in the locality how it derived its name". Appears on mapping until at least the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1957 but is no longer shown on current mapping (2022). Rutherford's Well sits at the edge of forestry to the east of the ruins of Anwoth Old Kirk. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). On some mapping a track is depicted leading up to the well from the south. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/128/18) describes it as "A good spring well situated about 10 chains north of Anwoth manse. It is neatly built round with a stone built wall and covered above for the purpose of shading it from the sun & Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell Simon & Kate Lidwell 52 Five Pound Well, Minnigaff 245184, 576457 53 Spa Well, Dalry 270093, 585098 the lintel of its entrance has been removed from Rutherford house which is said gave [rise?] to the name of the well." The Canmore entry (ID: 63639) records it as "a modern stone structure, built over a probably holy well. It is called after Samuel Rutherford, minister of Anwoth 1627-39" (1969). It also contains a detailed description from a 2012 site visit: "Although known as Rutherford’s Well, this feature is actually a small artificial pool that is fed by a spring that emanates from the foot of the adjacent W-facing slope and drains away via a trough that sits immediately to the W. The pool measures about 1m in diameter and is contained within a circular stone-walled well-house that has a domed roof (about 1.7m high externally) and a doorway on the S with a lintel and jambs formed from moulded window surrounds taken from elsewhere. The E jamb has been fitted with two simple door hinges; the W jamb has been fitted with a hoop to secure a lock. The superstructure of the well-house gives every appearance of being relatively modern, perhaps the result of recent repairs, but it contains a partial lining of hand-made bricks very similar to those used in the construction of the walled garden (NS 58313 56104) about 100m to the SW. This garden is probably contemporary with the early 19th century former Anwoth parish manse (NX55NE 105) immediately SE." Correlates with entry MDG3245 in the Historic Environment Record. Five Pound Well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852. It still appears on current mapping (2022) and can even be seen on current aerial imagery as a small pool at the side of a burn, although it appears to be smaller in area than that depicted on the earlier mapping. The Ordnance Survey Name Book entry (OS1/20/49/4) records: "This name applies to the source of Penkill Burn. It is said to have derived its name from a man who undertook to drink all the water in it for £5 but could not accomplish it." Spa Well is located along the roadside to the southeast of Stroan Hill. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/38/8) describes it as "A Spaw Well on the farm of Stroan, and situated close on the West side of the line of road leading from Minnihive, Dalry." Claire Williamson Claire Williamson 54 Rob McCornock's Well, Carsphairn 264581, 596630 55 Mungo's Well, Carsphairn 264927, 599555 It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1854. Rob McCornock's Well is located within enclosed fields to the south of Dodd Hill. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/12/60) describes it as "A spring on the farm of Glenhead situated on the eastern side of Glenhead Rig. It is so called from a man whose name was Robert McCornock". The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens database (https://kcb-placenames.glasgow.ac.uk) states "I have been unable to identify the eponymous Rob McCornock with any certainty, but his surname is attested in Carsphairn and the surrounding area from as early as the sixteenth century. Robert Makcornyk held sasine of Stroangassel (Strongastell) in 1515 ... and the same man, Robert Makcornak of Stroangassel (Strongassill) appears in 1531 ... with his presumed relation William Makcornak. Could this Robert be the eponym of the well? Gilbert McCornok appears in Barlae and Polmaddy CPH in 1631 ... Margaret McCornock appears in the parish of Carsfern in 1684 ... The name seems to be a variant of McCormack (Black 1946, 477)." The site of Mungo's Well is located beside the route of Holm Burn, to the west of Upper Holm of Dalquhairn farm. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/5/72) describes it as "A good spring well on the farm of Upper Holm o' Dalquhairn. How it got the name is not known in the locality but Mr Fergusson says that it is probable it received its name from the man who dug it probably called Mungo." The Place-Names of the Galloway Glens database (https://kcbplacenames.glasgow.ac.uk) states that "This might have been a holy well with a saintly dedication to St Mungo, but by the mid-nineteenth century this association, if it ever existed, was forgotten." The well is mapped on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey of 1853 and on the 2nd edition of 1895 but does not appear to have been mapped after this. Claire Williamson Claire Williamson & David Bartholomew 56 Brownie's Well, Dalry 264584, 581416 A site visit in 2021 by one researcher recorded: "It’s in the middle of a fairly flat boggy area of moss and reeds about 20 to 30 metres from the river. A clogged up shallow ditch runs down from the well to the river. In many ways it seems more like a spring than a well. The well itself isn’t any wider than the ditch leading out from it, and water was running/trickling into it from the top end of it. I could see no sign of water welling up. However, the ground was thoroughly saturated and it may be that in drier weather water might be seen to well up. I cleaned up the exit from the well for about 20 cm to allow some of the pooled water to escape. This lowered the water level a bit and I think the well was 60 or 70 cm deep after that. It had a pebbly bottom. The ground around the well is composed of iron-rich peaty soil which caused a reddish brown discolouration of the water when disturbed." The site of Brownie's Well is located at the edge of boggy ground to the north of Claire Borgue farm. It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey of 1854. Williamson The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/37/29) describes it as "A spring well on the farm of Bogue and situate near to the south end of Brownie's Green hence the name. This well at present is nearly filled up and defaced." From the entry for Brownie's Green (OS1/20/37/28): "It is said during the period of the Scottish Persecution the Covenantors had sometimes Congregated [?] eminence for Worship, also [?] period they often took shelter [?] Barns or outhouses & during the [?] and employed themselves in [?] grain, from which circumstances [they] were sometimes called Brownies, [hence] the name Brownies Green." A more specific tale is given in Lights and Shadows of Scottish Character and Scenery (1824) by Cincinnatus Caledonius (reproduced on the website www.kirkcudbright.co). This story centres on a farmer called Ramsay who helped to conceal Covenanters on his land. He was summoned before the Council of Scotland and while he was away, his farm was mysteriously taken care of. Overnight the corn would be shorn, threshed and taken to the kiln before anyone was up the next day. The stories started going round that it was Brownies doing 57 Physic Well (Chalybeate), Balmaclellan 274525, 586502 58 Aquavitae Well, Balmaclellan 265235, 579097 59 Longshot Well, Balmaclellan 267520, 576753 60 St Michael's Well, Crossmichael 277838, 565566 61 Cape Well, Crossmichael 275567, 562130 the work – although in the end it turned out that it was the Covenanters who he had helped out over the years. Physic Well (Chalybeate) is located at the edge of Physic Well Wood near to the route of Close Burn. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/41/17) describes it as "A chalybeate well on the farm of Craigmuie, during the summer months it is occasionally resorted to by persons afflicted with stomach complaints." The site of Aquavitae Well was located at the roadside on the southern junction of the main road running through Balmaclellan. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. The site of an unnamed pump is marked at this location on the Ordnance Survey 25-inch map of 1895, but neither the well nor the pump appear to be mapped again after this. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/55/57) describes it as "A spring well in the village of Balmaclellan, the water of which is of excellent quality hence the name." The site of Longshot Well was located along the side of a drain to the south of Corse farm. It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/56/29) describes it as "A small spring on the farm of Corse, and situated on the S. Eastern side of Well Hill to which it gave name." St Michael's Well sits within a small enclosure within enclosed fields to the south of Mollance farm. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/111/6) describes it as "A good spring well near the farm house or mansion of Mollance. The water of this well is considered of superior quality." The site of Cape Well is shown along the southern side of the now-dismantled railway line in fields to the west of Castle Douglas. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. The well continues to be marked Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson 62 White Adder Well, Minnigaff 237076, 572892 63 Peat Rig Well, Minnigaff 242668, 569247 64 The Lairds Well, Minnigaff 244927, 573263 65 St Ringan's Well, Kelton 271901, 557128 until at least the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1968 but no longer appears on current mapping (2022), although a drain is still present in this location. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/112/33) describes it as "A spring well in the farm of Blackpark near an eminence called Cape of Good Hope." The site of White Adder Well sat to the south of Craigens farm which is no longer standing (MDG26926), on the north side of Kiln Knowe. It only appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853. Both it and Craigens farm are no longer shown by the time of the 2nd edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1896. The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/71/7) describes it as "A spring well near to the N East side of Craigens. Its name originated from a White Adder having at one time been seen at it." The site of Peat Rig Well sits to the north of the Loch Of Glenmalloch and Glenmalloch farm. The well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6inch map of 1847. It continues to be shown on mapping until at the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1957 but is no longer depicted on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/72/24) describes it as "A good spring well about [?] chains North of Glenmalloch, the spring is very strong but the shape of the well much d[?]." The site of The Lairds Well sits to the southwest of Black Benwee Hill. The well first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853. It continues to be shown on mapping until at the Ordnance Survey 1:10,560 map of 1957 but is no longer depicted on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/73/9) describes it as "A small well at the bottom of a rock at the foot of Stranbae Hill, supposed to be a mineral Spa' The spring oozes thro' [through] the rock the face of which has a red appearance the water from this well has been considered efficacious in curing different diseases." St Ringan's Well sits within a field just to the north of Mayfield farm. It first appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1853 and continues to appear on current mapping (2022). Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Claire Williamson Moira Charters 66 Craigie Dalzell Spring, Tongland 267510, 556820 Mapping shows a trackway leading to the well from the farm to the south until at least the 1950s but this is no longer shown on current mapping (2022). The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/130/36) describes it as "A fine spring which supplies the farm house of Mayfield with water." The name book also notes: "A well dedicated to St Ninian, Ringan being the Irish or Gaelic form of Ninian who first taught Christianity to the Southern Picts about the year 400." The Canmore entry for the well (ID: 64517) mentions a description of the well given in 1916/1926: "St Ringan's Well, which is situated not far from Kirkcormack, is described by M'Kerlie as an oblong aperture, full of clear brown water, with a stone slab, which had been used as a cover, lying on one side, among nettles, grass and stones. St Ringan is a local variant of St Ninian." A later visit in 1972 recorded that "St Ringan's Well has been filled in and the water piped into an open tank about 50.0m to the SW. The name is still in local use." Correlates with entry MDG4103 in the Historic Environment Record. The spring sits within enclosed fields on the northeast side of Harris Hill. It first Lyn Walby appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey 6-inch map of 1852 and continues to appear through to current mapping (2022). In the Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/132/19), Craigie Dalzell Spring is described as “An excellent spring on the farm of Fellnaw and but recently covered with a stone and lime building for the purpose of shading the [sun?] off it. Its waters are conveyed through leading pipes to the mansion of Barcaple the residence of David Maitland Esq." In the name book, OS1/20/132/61, it is described as “An excellent spring situated a little S.west of Barcaple House. David Maitland Esq., Proprietor has lately made an erection over it with lime and stone which he intends covering with earth, which will cause it to be out of light. From it water is conveyed through pipes to supply the above mansion house.” Nothing about who Craigie Dalzell was however. On today's mapping, the spring appears as a rectangular open pool with no overlying structure. 67 Snuff Mill Well, Kirkcudbright 268633, 551284 68 Butter Wells, Kirkcudbright 268908, 551093 The site of Snuff Mill Well is shown at the eastern end of Snuff Mill Creek, along Claire the eastern bank of the River Dee. It was shown adjacent to 'Snuff Mill'. Williamson The Ordnance Survey name book (OS1/20/151/89) describes it as "A small well the water of which is conveyed by a pipe, it is situated convenient to Snuff Mill hence the name." The well appears on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map of 1854, but a later reprinting of the map in 1865 showed the site to be built over by Kirkcudbright Railway Station. Kirkcudbright Railway Station closed in 1965 and the site was redeveloped for housing in the 1970s. The site of Butter Wells appears on John Gillone's PLAN of the TOWN of David Devereux Kirkcudbright signed and dated January 1776. [Original and later tracings in The Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright]. Two square structures are shown which are annotated 'Butter Wells. Which Supplies TOWN with Water.' The structures were probably cisterns or tanks and were located immediately adjacent to the south bank of the Mill Burn. The plan shows a dotted line heading west towards the town from the western tank which may possibly indicate the line of the water pipe to the large cistern at the Tolbooth. The name 'Butter Wells' does not appear on Ordnance Survey mapping, but a rectangular water supply cistern is clearly shown at this location as a roofed structure on the Ordnance Survey 1895 and 1908 25-inch maps. There is no caption on the former but the latter identifies the structure as 'Reservoir (Kirkcudbright Corporation Water Works)'. The walls of this now roofless structure can still be seen and the late Peter McAdam informed the researcher that in his boyhood he used to play in it with his friends! The Ordnance Survey Name Book (OS1/20/151/137), compiled between 1848 and 1851, includes the following informative description of the water supply system for the town, originating from this location: "The Apparatus by which the Town of Kirkcudbright is supplied with water and was first put into operation on the 23d March 1763. The following is a description of the construction & operation in detail. The water is collected in the Earl of Selkirk's land of Kirkhouse in small cisterns from whence it is conveyed through leading pipes to a tank or reservoir occupying the whole basement floor of the tower of the old jail [the Tolbooth], from this tank it is conducted to the various Fountains distributed through several parts of the town, there are 4 fountains each supplied with a valve and one at the Market Cross which has two valves, at any of these founts by pulling a string the valve is raised and a copious Supply of excellent water is obtained, which ceases as soon as the string is let go. The supply of water rarely fails, And proves an inestimable boon to the inhabitants and contributing in no Small degree to the proverbial cleanliness and health of the town [continues]."  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Named Wells Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_105 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/16/564/GGLP-CYDI-Lost-Wells-of-Galloway-Map-of-Named-Results.pdf 87368634b33a8949d4dfb33aacb3dea7 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Map of Named Results Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Lost Wells Key Named Wells Named Pools Green Well of Scotland Coastal Sites Carsphairn Dalry Five Pound Well Balmaclellan New Galloway Mossdale Parton St Ninian’s Well Gout Well of Larg Lochenbreck Well Crossmichael Laurieston Castle Rumbling Well Douglas CAN YOU Rutherford’s Well DIG IT Kirkcudbright St Glassen’s Well  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Map of Named Results Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_104 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/16/563/GGLP-CYDI-Lost-Wells-Guidance-Sheet.pdf bd1f5585aec86b3337a8649a478157b0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Guidance Sheet Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Your ‘How To’ Guide for well researcH 1. Pro TiP Start by having a look at the modern mapping to see if there are any named wells, Keep an image of your map square close springs or pools still shown, or if there are any to hand (print it out, have it on your placenames which could suggest that such a feature phone or open in a window on the was once there. Remember to double check any computer) or write a note of the names that appear in blue lettering, as this will often places in each corner to use as a rough denote a water feature. Also look for alternate guide for the area’s extent when looking spellings, such as ‘wiel’, or even the use of the at the mapping. word ‘hole’. You can use Pastmap, www.pastmap.org.uk, for this – entering one of your corner coordinates into its search bar will take you straight to your location and zooming in will bring up more detailed maps. 2. You can also check in case there is an entry for your well in the available layers on Pastmap – although you’ll likely find that most of them don’t have one. Have a quick look though to see if there are any known sites in the vicinity which could relate to your well, such as a church or a particular farmstead. Pro TiP While viewing the maps on the National Library of Scotland, the grid reference for wherever your cursor is sitting appears in the bottom right corner – you can use this to get a more accurate location for your site if needed. 3. Keep a note of anything you find and their coordinates – click on the map and these will pop up under Easting/Northing on the left-hand side. 4. Now it’s time to search through historical maps using the National Library of Scotland’s digital library catalogue. There are several ways to search their catalogue, but we suggest heading to https://maps.nls.uk/ geo/explore/. Under 1. Select a category – choose ‘Scotland’. You change the transparency of the map overlay and also change the base map to help you orientate but, as with Pastmap, you can also search for specific coordinates via the Search by National Grid Reference option. Then work your way through the mapping – we suggest starting with the more recognisable modern mapping and working backwards through time to help you get your eye in a bit better. 5. Keep a note of which maps your wells appear on, and Pro TiP check for any older wells that might not appear on the modern mapping. It’s good to try and establish the earliest Be sure to include the OS Six and latest dates for when your site appears (if it’s not Inch, 1843-1882 map in your search still being mapped today). Also keep a note of any – it is the earliest mapping to have alternative spellings that you come across – this might a level of detail similar to what we prove helpful in later research. see today and it is often the earliest appearance for many features. The OS By the time you reach as far back as Roy’s Military surveyed different areas at different Survey from the mid-18th century, it’s unlikely that the times – you can find the year of mapping will be detailed enough to show the sites of publication for your area in the wells, but if you’ve been chasing any placenames then it’s bottom right corner as worth a look to see if the name goes back that far. you zoom in. 6. 7. Before you finish with the mapping, check through the other options under 1. Select a category to see what others are available. Specifically, we suggest checking Scotland, Estate Maps as the DAMP project has ensured a great coverage of these in our area. 8. If you’ve managed to add any new wells to your list from the old mapping, then it might be worth checking Pastmap again to see if it has an entry or if there are any known sites in the vicinity that it could relate to. 9. If you find any other good resources while on your hunt, then we’d love to hear about them! We can then share them with your fellow researchers. Armed with your list of names, it’s time to head over to Scotland’s Places – https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk – to check out the Ordnance Survey namebook. This contains a wealth of information on the placenames which appear on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey and can often give background information on their origins. You just need to enter the name of your site into the search bar in the top right. A few records from all over Scotland might appear but your best bet is likely to be the Kirkcudbrightshire OS Name Books. If you don’t get any hits, then this is where you can try out some of the alternate spellings that you noted down or perhaps make your search more general by only trying a part of the name. If you find anything, then write it down and keep a note of the reference number that appears at the far right of the entry’s name on the website e.g. OS1/20/46/21. 10. Next up – the Place-Names of the Galloway Glens Database at https://kcb-placenames. glasgow.ac.uk/place-names/. This database also references the Ordnance Survey Namebook but might contain additional information relating to the name’s meaning. You can either search for your site in the search bar or select Browse place-names. You can then select your Parish and a map will appear showing all of the available entries marked as points. This might be a good option so that you can check your area for any other sites that you might not be aware of. Note that the database doesn’t cover all of the Kirkcudbright area. 11. Lastly, it is always worth doing a general internet search for your sites – there is a wealth of websites and We’ve picked out the resources that we think resources out there created by local people will be most helpful in your search, but there or others who are interested in specific areas are many others out there which you of heritage. If you have identified your well or might find helpful. For a full guide to what’s spring as being of a certain type e.g. holy or available, have a look at healing, then it’s also worth having a search https://gallowayglens.org/wp-content/uploads/ for any information about the background 2020/04/Workshop-Notes-Web-based-Research.pdf to that type of well which add further depth to your research. Pro TiP Remember: Many of these wells are centuries old and the origins of their name may be long lost. For some you might not get more than a name and a point on a map – don’t be disheartened. If your search is coming up empty, then move on to the next well. The name and location is enough to mark it as a site and there are plenty more to look at. Sometimes the information just isn’t there. Remember as well that we’re limited to what’s available online for the time being - there might be more to find elsewhere when archives start opening up again! How To submiT Your findinGs and wHaT To include: Once you’ve completed your research into a well, spring or pool, let us know everything you’ve found out by emailing it to helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk. Whatever you find will be more than we had, although here’s a wee checklist of information that you might include if you can – although remembering that some wells will have more records than others. The name of your well, spring or pool, and any alternate spellings that you came across. The coordinates that you were able to get from the mapping websites. A list of maps that the site appears on, showing it’s progression over time – see if you can establish the first map that it appears on and the last (or if it’s still present on modern maps) Does it have an entry in the Ordnance Survey Namebook? Take a note of what’s written in its entry and also the reference number from the top of the webpage e.g. OS1/20/46/21 Any other information that you have been able to find about your well or possibly that type of well in general – include the website or book where you found it, and also maybe a link if possible. VisiTinG Your well: This project is aimed at online research with a hope to visiting some of the wells once the restrictions ease. But if one of your wells lives near you and you’d like to see if it’s still there, then feel free - but please keep safe! These are old wells and they are not always well-defined features surrounded by a stone wall. Some are simply small ponds in the ground and many are likely to be so overgrown that you could easily step on them without realising. We can’t guarantee that Lassie will always come to the rescue, so here are some tips to consider: Take your time and watch your step – aim for good weather and clear visibility. Take a walking stick or similar to prod the ground with to check it’s solid before you step on it. If you’re heading somewhere away from public view, then maybe take someone with you or at least let them know where you’re going. Avoid walking into waterlogged areas and watch out for areas of rushes or reeds. Be particularly careful if there has been a lot of rain which will only add to water levels. If you get to the well’s location and the area is overgrown, waterlogged or covered by rushes/ reeds, then don’t wade in. Have a look from a safe distance and take a photo from there – even noting that the location of the well as waterlogged is a good indicator that you’re in the right place. Watch out for animals that might be lurking. Depending on the time of year, avoid bare ankles or legs in long grass – ticks are common, opportunistic & spread Lyme Disease. Tuck your trousers into your shoes! Be wary of entering private land – please ask permission. You might find the owners are receptive to finding out more about what’s on their land. And despite historical accounts that a well has amazing curative powers, they’re not quite up to the health and safety standards of the 21st century – however tempting it might be for that hangover, please don’t try a sip!  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Guidance Sheet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_103 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/16/562/GGLP-CYDI-Lost-Wells-Intro-Sheet.pdf db41c5f1fd733ed0a5dfcaa3e9ccf615 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Introduction Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document We’re looking for your help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. All you need is internet access and we’ll introduce you to the many free resources available right at your fingertips. We’ll give you an area to focus your research on – you can then hunt through old maps to identify any named wells that appear in your area and then see what you can find out about their history and the origins of the names. There are over 600 healing wells across Scotland for curing anything from gout and hangovers through to blindness and ‘lunacy’. Separate healing wells can also be found for curing the ailments of animals! Green Well of Scot lan d, Carsphairn Wells come in all shapes and sizes, from simple ponds or springs in the ground through to more substantial stone-lined features. So it’s not just named wells that we’re interested in, but any named water sources including springs, pools and watering holes. Even placenames that hint at the site of a water source which has since been lost are worth including. What’s so special about Wells? In the days before indoor plumbing, wells were obviously essential Visitors to clootie to the everyday needs of the people, but many held importance wells would leave small which surpassed merely keeping hydrated (although that is scraps of cloth - clooties – pretty important). behind and as the cloth degraded, then the sick would Scattered across our landscape from the centre of towns and heal. At many of these sites, cities to, quite literally, the middle of nowhere, wells have cloths still remain, since anyone long been associated with both healing and cursing. Some removing the offering are simply linked with the people who drank from them, while is believed to fall victim to others are named after saints, the devil, fairies, the dead, the same misfortunes hermits – the list goes on! They are shrouded in folklore, myths which befell and legends and play an important role in our cultural heritage. its owner. Despite this importance, many of these wells, springs and pools have long been forgotten and are often overlooked in our records. Why ‘named’ Wells? What’s in a name? Well, where there’s a name there’s a story. The locations of numerous wells can be seen across maps both old and new, but it is the ones that have been given a name that indicate a site which has been important enough to mark in some way. Whether a well became known for its healing properties or was named to commemorate an event or a notable figure – their names can reveal a lot about how people related to these features which were once so renowned. Hartfell Spa St Ninians Well, Upp er Barr For some, we may never know the story and for many, we are likely hearing the result of a tale that has been retold across several generations. It’s possible that there was a practical reason for the stories – to protect vital water sources or to discourage children from venturing too close. Or perhaps they represent the only record of an event or person from local history. Some will reflect the medical reasoning of the time, while others featured prominently in spiritual and religious rites. It is through these names that we can gain insights into the significance they held in both the beliefs and the imaginations of those who visited them – so why not help us see what we can find! Chalybeate waters are mineral spring waters that are rich in iron salts. They have been promoted since the 16th century by doctors for their curative powers, with some even developed as commercial spas in the 18th century. so Where do i start? Holy wells can be associated with the site of a church or can sit along a pilgrimage route. Many saints are remembered at wells and springs, with several said to have supernaturally created the wells which bear their name. Some wells are named after the offerings that people would leave. These include pin wells and even a cheese well at Minch Moor in the Borders, where travellers would make offerings of cheese to allow them to pass unmolested thanks to the protection of the fairies. It’s simple, just email Helen at helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk and we’ll assign you a ‘map square’ that will be exclusive to you. We will email you an image of the map square, marked with its corner coordinates, and we’ll tell you what parish it’s in. This map square will represent the area for your research to focus on – look through the mapping to see what named wells, springs and pools you can spot within your map square and then go on to see what you can find out about them. We’ve attached a detailed guide to help you get started. Let us know if there is a specific area or even a specific well that you would like to research and we’ll send you the relevant map square. Or if you’re happy to have a random one picked out for you, just say. Once you have finished finding out as much as you can about your area, then you can have another of course! What Will happen With the information? We’ll compile all of the information that you send us to create a database of named wells, springs and pools within the Galloway Glens area, which will then be sent to both the Dumfries and Galloway Museums Service and the Dumfries and Galloway Council Archaeology Service. This will preserve the knowledge and make it publicly available, but it will also highlight the sites as a consideration for any future developments proposed in their area. Moffat Well There’s also a private Facebook group for you to join if you’d like: Search for ‘Lost Wells of the Galloway Glens’ on Facebook and ask to join or email Helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk for the link. You can ask questions, let others know about any good resources you find and also share any discoveries that you make along the way! You can also feel free to share with us on social media what you’ve managed to find – we’re always interested and love a good photograph! Simply tag us by including @GGLPArchaeology in your post or tweet. lost Wells podcast We’ve commissioned a local Creative Producer, Katch Holmes, to see what inspiration our Lost Wells can provide for a series of podcasts about this topic. She’ll be closely involved with the project, seeing what stories you unearth and how she can present them differently. We’re really excited about this creative response to the Lost Wells – let’s see where it can take us! any more questions? If you have any questions about this project, just email helen.keron@dumgal.gov.uk or get in touch with us through the Can You Dig It Facebook or Twitter accounts (@GGLPArchaeology). can you dig it supporters Thanks as ever to the funders of CYDI: Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is thanks to them that we can put on all these events and projects for free. Thanks as well to the Can You Dig It steering group, who give up their time to keep us on the straight and narrow, and to Dr Peter Hewitt of the D&G Museums Service for his support for this project. Also to Rathmell Archaeology who are delivering the Can You Dig It project for the Galloway Glens. Thank you all!  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Lost Wells of Galloway – Introduction Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_102 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2020 Description An account of the resource An online project to help to rediscover our lost wells and bring their stories back to life. GGLP heritage https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/15/561/GGLP-CYDI-Grave-Encounters-at-Kells_Results.pdf 77617ee6e6602588a1eb6dcd7849ab6f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters at Kells – Results Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Grave Encounters: A 2022 volunteer research project into the people memorialised at Kells, New Galloway With contributions from: Laura Anderson, Jackie Carson, Sharon Course, Tamara Fulcher, A. B. Hall, Keith Hamblin, Murray Johnston, Michelle MacIver, Thais Poyo-Gonzalez, Jennifer Roberts, Pat Swiatek, Sue Taylor, Claire Williamson and Sandra Williamson Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3 Inscription 12 – Douglas & McMillan ..................................................................................... 5 Inscription 16 – Bateson ........................................................................................................ 6 Inscription 23 – Philip .......................................................................................................... 16 Inscription 43 – Maxwell ...................................................................................................... 21 Inscription 45 – Kennedy, Hope & Hyslop ............................................................................ 24 Inscription 46 – Barbour & Hope.......................................................................................... 26 Inscription 58 – McCubbing, McQueen & McNairn .............................................................. 27 Inscription 95 – Williamson.................................................................................................. 29 Inscription 104 – McCheyne & Mulholland .......................................................................... 30 Inscription 115 – Brown & Murray ....................................................................................... 32 Inscription 136 – Hewitson .................................................................................................. 34 Inscription 144 – Muir.......................................................................................................... 36 Inscription 149 – Lee ............................................................................................................ 37 Inscription 154 – Hobbs & Maitland..................................................................................... 40 Inscription 162 – McLachlan & Greggan............................................................................... 43 Inscription 176 – Murray...................................................................................................... 45 Inscription 184 – Reilly ......................................................................................................... 50 Inscription 201 – Herese & Corson ....................................................................................... 51 Inscriptions 209 & 210 – Kennedy........................................................................................ 52 Inscription 257 – Jardine ...................................................................................................... 54 Inscription 264 – Ewart ........................................................................................................ 55 Inscription 271 – McKay....................................................................................................... 57 Inscription 288 – McCandlish ............................................................................................... 59 Inscription 292 – Kennedy ................................................................................................... 61 Inscription 293 – Gordon ..................................................................................................... 62 Inscription 308 – Millman .................................................................................................... 65 Inscription 308 – The Sinking of the Steamer Victoria .......................................................... 67 Inscription 314 – Murray...................................................................................................... 70 Inscription 354 – Maitland Gordon ...................................................................................... 74 Inscription 355 – Maitland ................................................................................................... 75 1 Inscription 361 – Nodwell .................................................................................................... 76 Inscription 410 – Robertson ................................................................................................. 78 Inscription 436 – Kennedy ................................................................................................... 81 Inscription 437 – Kennedy ................................................................................................... 82 Inscription 438 – St Clair ...................................................................................................... 82 Inscription 464 – Stokes ....................................................................................................... 84 Inscription 482 – McLeod..................................................................................................... 86 Inscription 484 – Maitland ................................................................................................... 89 Inscriptions x 18 – Johnston / Johnstone ............................................................................. 92 Index .................................................................................................................................... 99 2 Introduction “In Scotland there is a little-acknowledged and largely unrecorded historical treasure, accessible to, and belonging to, each Scottish community.” Betty Willsher in Understanding Scottish Graveyards (1985) The Grave Encounters project recruited volunteers to undertake research into the memorial inscriptions at Kells graveyard in New Galloway1. These inscriptions are often all that publicly remains of the individuals named within, but they contain glimpses, not just into their lives, but also into past events, locations and connections which make up an area’s heritage. The decision to focus on Kells stemmed from its carvings. Nic Coombey, from the Solway Firth Partnership, introduced us to the presence of its ‘Adam and Eve’ carvings, but a wander through the stones soon revealed several intricate designs dating back some 300 years. Choosing Kells allowed the project to be combined with creating a record of some of these carvings. But, in truth, every graveyard across Galloway, and indeed Scotland, will contain similar insights into their local area’s collective history. With a total of 485 inscriptions to choose from, each volunteer was given their own specific set of gravestones to research. To achieve this, the project used ‘Kells Memorial Inscriptions’: a complete transcription of the gravestones published by the Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society in 2015. The numbering of the inscriptions within this report matches those given in the 2015 publication, with their locations shown in the figure on page 4. Each volunteer was initially assigned three gravestone inscriptions. There was no pressure to research all three (and equally volunteers could ask for more) but having a choice allowed volunteers to move between options if they started to struggle in their research on any given one. Each group of inscriptions tried to encompass a chronological spread and included one each from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries where possible. Beyond this, preference was given to inscriptions that contained additional information, such as the person’s trade or reference to a military record, which might help with research. As well as their assigned inscriptions, each researcher was also given a guidance note outlining the main resources available online. People could visit their local library or archive centre but the choice of online resources kept the project open to anyone who might face constraints in attending such places in person. Volunteers were encouraged to email with any questions and a weekly virtual ‘tea break’ was also held using a video conferencing application, optional for anyone who might prefer it as a means of communication. By the end of the project, 14 volunteers submitted their findings as summary reports, which covered 57 of the inscriptions found at Kells. The volunteers included people from Galloway, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Bristol, Canada and New Zealand. Their results revealed stories of local ministers; teachers; religious conflict; war casualties; emigrations to Canada, America and New Zealand; and several local individuals who lived and worked in the surrounding area over the last 300 years to make it what it is today. All this history was found in just a small fraction of the inscriptions at Kells, itself only one of over 100 graveyards within Galloway alone. These inscriptions may exist as a record of death but there is still life to be found in them. Their study helps us to rediscover the people in our history, the individuals and their stories that are so often overlooked but remain integral to our understanding of heritage. Claire Williamson The Grave Encounters project was undertaken in March and April 2022 as part of ‘Can You Dig It’, the community archaeology project of the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. Galloway Glens was a five-year initiative funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and ‘Can You Dig It’ was match funded by Historic Environment Scotland and delivered by Rathmell Archaeology. 1 3 Plan of memorial locations reproduced from ‘Kells Graveyard Memorial Inscriptions’ published in 2015 by the Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society 4 Inscription 12 – Douglas & McMillan by Pat Swiatek John Douglas was born in Rerrick, Kirkcudbrightshire in 1783 to Andrew Douglas and Sara Thomson. He had brothers James 8.4.1800 and William 11.4.1793, sisters Jane 5.6.1795, Janet 23.11.1797 and Elizabeth 1.5.1781. They are all recorded as births in Rerrick. He married Janet McMillan who was born in Carsphairn 23.6.1773. There is no record of John Douglas’s birth in the OPRs only his siblings. He was recorded in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 census as a joiner employing one apprentice and lived in Kells. Both John Douglas and Janet McMillan are noted as having died in New Galloway. She was 88 years old on 18.3.1861 and he was 87 years old in 8.2.1871. They are both recorded as having died of old age. Janet McMillan’s parents were Andrew McMillan and Jean Hairstones or Hastings and they came from Carsphairn. Andrew McMillan was a shepherd. She had a sister called Barbara 14.7.1771 John and Janet’s children were John 1814-1814, Mary 1812-1888, Andrew 1807-1863 and William 18171885. I also found a record of a Mathew but nothing further than a name and a date of 23.3.1817. His son Andrew emigrated to the USA in 2.7.1836 and moved to Louisiana and was an overseer on a plantation there, married a Bridget Foley (Irish) and had at least three children. His son William emigrated to the USA in 1841 and married Permelia Amelia Strawn in Missouri and then moved to Pike, Illinois and went onto have 11 children! He was a joiner to trade. 5 Inscription 16 – Bateson by Sue Taylor 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Inscription 23 – Philip by Murray Johnston 16 17 18 19 20 Inscription 43 – Maxwell by Sandra Williamson Archibald Basil Henry MAXWELL Only child of Col. Archibald BOYD MAXWELL, late of the Manchester Reg’t and Helen Francis his wife, Born 4th May 1888, died 24th Dec’r 1910. Thy will be done. Taken from the Gloucestershire Echo, 27th December 1910: “Archibald was educated at Rugby and then became a student at the Institute of Civil Engineers London. There he played Rugby Football for the London Irish. Last Easter while spending his holidays in Cheltenham with his grandmother and Aunt he was induced by one of their male servants connected with the Cheltenham Club to help the Cheltonians in their matches against Bristol and Lennox and he was largely instrumental in the town’s victory over the Londoners. He was only 22 years of age when he tragically died.” Hawes Junction, 24th December 1910 - In the early hours of that morning the London to Glasgow sleeping car express ran into the back of two light-engines. The resulting collision was not so severe. However, two of the coaches caught fire due to the escape of compressed oil gas, used for lighting. The death toll was 12. Gravestone of Archibald Basil Henry Maxwell Scotch Express Disaster (The Northern Echo): “He left London on Friday night to spend four days Christmas holiday with his father Col. Archibald Boyd Maxwell of Ken Bridge, New Galloway and whose remains were so charred that identification was impossible save by a trousers button bearing the name of the deceased tailor. He was the only son of Col. Maxwell who led the 2nd Manchester Regiment in the Boer War and was mentioned in despatches for his excellent services.” The Northern Echo on the centenary, 9th December 2010 - The Wrecking Of The Christmas Eve Express: “Twas midnight at St. Pancras As the Scotchman was due away, With a happy load of passengers Bound north for Christmas Day” Shortly before 5am on Christmas Eve, 1910, the London to Glasgow train sped double-headed past Hawes Junction, where the Wensleydale branch of the North Eastern Railway met the Settle and Carlisle line, and the Midland. The Helm wind whipped across the high fell, the rain lashed against the windows of the box where signalman Albert Sutton was nearing the end of a ten-hour night shift made busier yet by the extra trains ferrying folk felicitously towards their families. “Go tell Bunce that I am afraid I have wrecked the Scotch Express.” Simpson, the relief man, was already in the box when Sutton realised that he had made a terrible mistake. Two light engines, coupled together and heading north towards Carlisle, had been allowed onto the main line just ahead of the fast train and on the same section of track. 21 Twelve people, including a little girl died in the collision and inferno that followed. Sutton’s instruction to Simpson is still chillingly recalled: “Go tell Bunce (the station master) that I am afraid I have wrecked the Scotch Express.” Driffield Times Sat. 14th January 1911 “The inquest in the Scotch Express Disaster concluded on Thursday. The jury found a verdict of “accidental death” and called attention to the violation of the rule requiring drivers to inform signalmen when engines are standing on the line,and suggested that the Board of Trade should make strict investigation into the peculiar working at Haws Junction and that light engines should start from the signal box. The evidence on Thursday was thought a fireman had gone to the signal box and an excursion train was mistaken for the Scotch Express but one driver said he did not trouble to look at his book although he was not certain when the Express was due.” The Westmorland Gazette, 4th December 2013: “The legacy of one of the worst train disasters in Britain has been recognised as part of a drive to safeguard the nation’s railway heritage...the government-backed Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that the station’s signal box, which was renamed Garsdale in 1932, has been awarded Grade II listed status...“Hawes Junction played a major role in one of the biggest railway disasters in the Edwardian period and had major ramifications across the country,” said John Minnis, senior architectural investigator for English Heritage. As a result of the disaster, the rail operator changed signalling practices across its 900 services to prevent similar accidents occurring.” Description of the event can also be found in detail on Wikipedia: Hawes Junction rail crash. Dave Goulder’s song about the famous Christmas Eve train crash can also be found on YouTube: 1910 Christmas Eve at Hawes Junction. Photographs of the Hawes Junction accident (taken from Railways Archive): Image source: https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/mastereventimages/event78.jpg 22 Image source: https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/mastereventimages/event78_1.jpg 23 Inscription 45 – Kennedy, Hope & Hyslop by Jennifer Roberts Alexander Kennedy, who was born around 1768, was the second son of Robert Kennedy of Knockknalling. His memorial mentions that he was formally of Jamaica. An Alexander Kennedy worked as an overseer at the Golden Valley Plantation in Jamaica in the years around 1799-1807. Sugar cane was grown on the Plantation, some of which was made into rum. Alexander was overseer to many scores of enslaved people working on the Plantation. At some point on returning to Scotland Alexander took out the tenancy of Kenbank at St. John’s Clauchan [sic], Dalry, where he died on the 20th January 1839 at the age of seventy-one. Isabella Hope, his wife, was probably born on the 14th February 1778 at Wamphray, Dumfriesshire. Her parents were James Hope and Jean Proudfoot. By 1841 Isabella, a widow of three years, was still living at Kenbank. In the census she is described as a farmer, and as women at that time are usually described as farmer’s wife or daughter it may mean she was actually involved in running the farm. At the time of the census, her niece Isabella Hyslop and Robert Hyslop, a minister, were staying with her. Jennet Landsburgh Inscription 45 was also living in the house, as were two female servants. Isabella Kennedy died before the next census on the 19th March 1851. She died intestate with a Scottish estate valued at £170.1s.10d. She had stock in the Manchester and Salford Banking Company valued at £405. The Rev. Charles Hope as her nearest relative was her executor. She must have been a generous woman helping out her male relatives with handouts, as at the time of her death the Rev. Robert Hyslop of Kirkholm owed her £18, James Hyslop of Glenlees £27.10s, and James Hyslop Jnr. £16.18s. Isabella Hyslop, her niece, was born on the 9th October 1817 at Leaths, Buittle. Her parents were Margaret Hope and James Hyslop. Isabella was baptised ten days later. As has been seen in the 1841 census, Isabella, aged twenty, was staying with her aunt at Kenbank. At the time of the next census Isabella was at Glenlee Mains with her family. Her father, a widower of seventy-nine was a farmer of 1242 acres, employing five labourers. His son James was employed to run the farm. Living on the farm with James was his son James and his grand-son James, his grand-daughter Margaret, Isabella and her sisters Mary and Clementine, as well as three agricultural labourers, a house servant, nurse and dairymaid. At the time of the 1861 census, Isabella was living in the High Street of New Galloway with her ten-year-old nephew James. She is described as an annuitant. By the time of the next census in 1871 her address is more specific. She is recorded as living at 27 High Street, and now at fifty-three she is described as being a farmer’s daughter. Staying with her were her widowed sister Agnes Sinclair and her two daughters Margaret and Agnes. In 1881, although still living in the High Street of New Galloway, Isabella is recorded as living with her widowed sister Agnes Sinclair. Margaret Sinclair is living at home and working as a private teacher. The women have Christina Barclay a salaried companion, living with them. Although in this census Agnes and Isabella are recorded as annuitants, another unmarried young woman, Grace Brown, living with them, is described as a farmer’s daughter. Isabella Hyslop died at six thirty in the morning of 17th November 1889 of fatty degeneration of her kidney and of dropsy. She had been ill for two months before this. She died at Ashburn Cottage, New Galloway. 24 When Isabella died the value of her estate was £1599.10s.10d. Her money was left to her widowed sisters: Mary McMillan of Gordon Terrace, New Galloway and Agnes Sinclair of Ashburn Cottage, New Galloway. References Census: 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881 Details of Estate | Legacies of British Slavery (ucl.ac.uk) [accessed April 2022] 1889 HYSLOP, ISABELLA (Statutory registers Deaths 868/ 15) 1851 Kennedy, Isabella, Mrs (Wills and testaments Reference SC16/41/18, Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court) Image 237 Last image 239 Scotland National probate Index 1890, p378 Scotland Parish Births and Baptisims 1564-1929 OPR 859/1 Scotland Parish Deaths and Burials, Dalry OPR 865/3 Statutory Register of Deaths OPR 868/15 25 Inscription 46 – Barbour & Hope by Jennifer Roberts James Barbour was born in the Parish of Kells around 1788. His father John was a shoemaker and his mother was Margaret Murray. He married Isabella Hope but was a widower by the time of the 1841 census. In 1841 he is recorded as a fifty-year-old widower farming at Ringour. He had his children living with him: Charles, Susanna, Jane, Margaret, Isabella and James. Charles the eldest was twenty-two, James the youngest was seven. The 1851 census is more detailed in its records. James is now recorded as being sixty-three. Ringour Farm is described as having fifty acres of arable land and one hundred acres of heath. James employed two labourers. Most of James’s children were still living at home: Charles, Susannah, Margaret, Isabella and James Jnr. By the time of the next census, James at seventy-three had retired and moved to the Boat of Rhone. Three of his daughters still lived at home: Susanna, Jane and Margaret. His youngest son James is described as a ploughman. James Barbour died on the 27th April 1861 at one thirty in the afternoon at the age of seventy-three, whilst living at the Boat of Rhone. He died of asthenic pneumonia which he had suffered from for five weeks previously. His death was certified by Dr McKinley Millman. There is a family tradition that her father, possibly called John Hope, had gone to India to seek his fortune and whilst there had married an Indian princess. Isabella Hope was born around 1800. There is a family tradition that her father, possibly called John Hope, had gone to India to seek his fortune and whilst there had married an Indian princess. Isabella’s parents had both been killed around 1800, leaving her as a young baby in charge of a person who brought her back to Scotland to be brought up by the Hopes and then absconded with her fortune. Isabella, whatever her origins, married James Barbour and lived with him at Ringour. During her short life she gave him at least six children. Isabella died on the 4 th of April 1834 at the age of thirty-four, possibly during or soon after the birth of her son James. Margaret Barbour, the third daughter of James and Isabella, was born in the Parish of Kells in 1826. In 1863 at the age of thirty-seven, or thirty-four as mentioned on her marriage certificate, she married Birket Nicholson from Hawkshead at Boat of Rhone on the 1st June. Birket, twenty-four at the time of his marriage, was at least ten years younger than Margaret. Margaret died probably in giving birth to her daughter Isabella less than two years later. She died on the 16th April 1865, according to her memorial at the age of thirty-six. She was buried on the 19th April at Crosthwaite in Cumberland. References Census: 1841, 1851, 1861 England Select Deaths and Burials FHL Film NO. 1472290, item 9 page 123 [accessed May 2022] 1861 BARBOUR, JAMES (Statutory registers Deaths 868/ 7) [accessed May 2022] 1863 BARBOUR, MARGARET (Statutory registers Marriages 868/ 1) [accessed May 2022] Not another Indian Princess by Edgar F Morris 26 Inscription 58 – McCubbing, McQueen & McNairn by Jennifer Roberts Margaret McQueen, Alexander’s first wife was born in 1865 in Balmaclellan, the daughter of Jane Connan and James McQueen, a blacksmith. On the 1871 census Margaret, aged six was going to school with her siblings, John aged eleven and Jess aged nine. On the 1881 census Margaret, now aged fifteen, was working as a general servant for William and Jessie Hunter. They lived at Dundeugh, Carsphairn. William Hunter was a shepherd. By 1891 Margaret was living at home with her widowed father and younger brother Thomas. She was a general (domestic) servant. They lived in the High Street of New Galloway. Alexander McCubbing was born on the 23rd February 1866 in New Galloway. Alexander was illegitimate, his birth is registered under his mother’s name McNairn. His mother Sarah was working as a domestic servant at the time of his birth. Sarah was compeared2 at the Kirk Session for the sin of uncleanness with Alex McCubbin and absolved. On Alexander’s marriage certificate his father is described as a farmer. It may be that Sarah called her son after his father. On Alexander's death certificate his father is mentioned as also being called Alexander McCubbing. Sarah was compeared at the Kirk Session for the sin of uncleanness with Alex McCubbin and absolved. Inscription 58 By the 1871 census Alexander had the surname McCubbin (later changing it to McCubbing). He lived in Durness Close with his with his grandmother Mary McNairn and mother Sarah. His grandmother was described as an annuitant in the 1871 census, but after being left a widow by the death of her much older husband, is described on the 1851 census as a pauper. At the time of the 1871 census, Alexander’s grandmother was seventy and his mother was thirty. By the time of the 1881 census, Alexander was working as a servant for John McTurk at Barsheoch Mains. Ten years later, on the 1891 census, Alexander is described as a mason. He was boarding in the High Street with Marion Kidd, a sick nurse, and Isabella, her unmarried daughter who worked as a letter carrier. When Alexander McCubbing was twenty-seven he married Margaret McQueen, aged twenty-eight, on the 1st December 1893 at the Manse of Kells. Both resided in New Galloway. On his marriage certificate Alexander is described as a journeyman mason. This was Alexander’s first marriage. Alexander and Margaret’s first child Jane, or Jeanie as she was known, was born on the 25 th April 1894 at 11:30 a.m. On the 1901 census Alexander, aged thirty-five, was working as a stone mason. He and Margaret had two children: Jane aged seven attended school, while their son John, aged five, was still too young. They lived in the High Street of New Galloway. Isabella their second daughter was born on 21 st May 1901. Three years later Jeanie, their eldest daughter, died aged ten. Margaret McQueen died on the 26th May 1909 at the age of forty-three of pulmonary tuberculosis. 2 Appear before a congregation, minister or Kirk session, especially for rebuke. 27 By the time of the 1911 census Alexander, now a widower aged forty-five, was described as a mason contractor and an employer. His son John at fourteen was a message boy, Isabella at nine was at school and his son Alexander was four. He employed a housekeeper Jane Laurie to look after them all. In 1925 Alexander, aged fifty-nine, remarried after having been a widower for sixteen years. He married Annie Stewart his housekeeper. Annie was at thirty-one a lot younger than Alexander. They lived at Wylies Brae in New Galloway. Alexander outlived three of his four children, only the youngest, his son Alexander, survived him. Alexander McCubbing died on the 5th November 1928 of pneumonia at Wylies Brae. He was aged sixty-two. On his death certificate he was described as a master builder. Alexander died intestate. On the 22nd May his estate of £548.9s.4d went to his relict Annie McCubbing. John McCubbing was born in 1896. After working first as a messager boy and then as an apprentice in his father’s firm, he joined ‘A’ Company of the 7th Battalion Cameron Highlanders. On Saturday 16th September there was a report concerning John, aged just twenty, in the Dumfries and Galloway Standard: A New Galloway Man Missing Mr M’Cubbing of the firm of Messers Murry and M’Cubbing, builders, New Galloway, has received official information that his son, Lance-Corporal John M’Cubbing, has been missing since the 17th August. Lance-Corporal M’Cubbing, who is 18 [sic] years of age joined the Cameron Highlanders in January, 1915, and has been over a year at the front. Before the war he was engaged as an apprentice with his father’s firm. John was reported missing in action during an attack by the Cameron Highlanders on a Switch Line and the taking of the Elbow during the Battle of the Somme. John has no known grave, but he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France (Pier and Face 15B). Alexander built the War Memorials, designed by Dodds of Dumfries, for New Galloway and Kells. His own son is commemorated upon the one at Kells. Sarah McNairn was born in 1837 or 1834. Sarah never married but continued living with her widowed mother Mary McNairn until Mary’s death. Sarah continued working as a domestic servant, as reported on each census, or as an agricultural labourer, as reported on her death certificate. During her adult life she lived in the High Street. Sarah died on 16th March 1890 at eleven o’clock in the morning of bronchitis, from which she had suffered for the previous fourteen days. At the time of her death Sarah was described as a pauper. References: Census: 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911. Commonwealth War Graves Lance Corporal John McCubbing | War Casualty Details | CWGC [accessed 17 April 2022] Concise Scots Dictionary, 2nd Edition 2017, E.U.P. DGNHAS, 9/11/2012 A meeting Report on War Memorials in Dumfries and Galloway by Paul Goodwin (online) [accessed 17 April 2022] Dumfries and Galloway Standard, Saturday 16th September Kells Kirk Session, Minutes and accounts 1855-1872, CH2/202/5 image 121 National Probate Index 868/1/5 page 5 of 13 Scotlands Monumental Inscription, Kells Statutory Register of Births 868/6, 868/11 Statutory Register of Marriages 868/7, 821/120 Statutory Register of Deaths 868/8, 868/5, 868/4 28 Inscription 95 – Williamson by Laura Anderson In Memory of Dora Wordsworth Williamson wife of J.C. Maitland Gordon of Kenmure who died at Kenmure Castle 25th February 1903 Dora Wordsworth Williamson was born in 1850 to Dugald T Williamson and Julia Curwen Williamson. Her father was the Minister of the Established Church in the 1851 census and her mother was noted as a ‘Ministers Wife’. Dora had four older siblings: Henry, John, Julia and Isabella. There were four servants present in the household in 1851. In the 1861 census, a different story is told. The family members are noted only by their initials. Dora’s mother is a widow at age 50, she notes that she is an ‘EC minister’s wife’ and that she was born in Wales. Her mother Elizabeth Stanley, also widowed and aged 77, lives with the family and is noted as a ‘Naval Officer’s wife’, she was born in England. Henry is noted as a ‘Scholar of St Mary’s Hall in Oxford’, with his sisters Julia and Dora surviving and Dora noted as completing ‘Home Tuition’. Sometimes on records, Dora’s father is called Dugal Williamson. He was born in 1903 in Twynholm and his father was also a Reverend, John Williamson. Dora’s mother was born in Gwaenysgor in 1810 to Henry and Elizabeth Stanley. Dora Wordsworth Maitland Gordon died on the 25th of February 1903 at 9.50pm. Her father and mother were deceased at the time of her death. Her cause of death was noted as Intestinal Obstruction due to [??] construction in [spleen?] of Colon. Possibly related to an operation colectomy. There was no record of Dora and James having children. Record of Dora's death 29 Inscription 104 – McCheyne & Mulholland By Tamara Fulcher James McClaymont McCHEYNE is recorded living at Back Street, Kells, with his wife Mary, in the 1901 census; the year of birth for both is given as 1855. James’ occupation was given as ‘General Carter’. He was born at Glasserton in the Machars, 38 miles from Kells. Ten years earlier when James he resided at Kilquhanity Cottage, Kirkpatrick Durham, and was working as an agricultural labourer. His and Mary’s years of birth were different – 1854 and 1856 respectively. Mary MULHOLLAND was born on 18th April 1855 to Isabella Campbell and Thomas Mulholland at Crossmichael, and was baptised as a Roman Catholic at Dalbeattie (St Peter’s). In the 1861 census she was 5 yrs old, living in ‘Hotel’ at Crossmichael. Her father is recorded as an Irish quarryman. In the 1901 census Mary was aged 46, with no occupation given. It appears she had eleven children, the first being born when Mary was around 23 years old and the last when she was 44. James and Mary’s first child was a daughter, Isabella McCheyne, born in 1879 at Crossmichael. At the time of the 1881 census she was 2 yrs old, and when the census-taker visited she was staying at grandparents’ house in Crossmichael with her mother Mary, who was 25 y-o and recorded as a ‘farm labourer’s wife’. Also present were Isabella’s younger sister Mary McCheyne (an infant – age 0), and her grandmother Isabella Mulholland (a 67 y-o, widow, occupation given as ‘general labourer’). Isabella is recorded again in the 1891 census at 12 yrs old. Thomas MULHOLLAND McCheyne was born on 17th January 1884 and baptised as a Roman Catholic at the church of St John the Evangelist, Castle Douglas. He was given his mother’s maiden name as his middle name. Thomas died aged 20, died five months after his mother. Private Alex J McCHEYNE was born 10th April 1897 and also baptised at St John’s in Castle Douglas, on 16th April. He was killed at Vermelles on 28th April 1916 aged 19, while serving with the 7th Cameron Highlanders. His full name, Alexander Joseph McCheyne, is recorded on cwgc.org. Alexander is commemorated on the Loos Memorial at Pas de Calais, which names 20,592 casualties. Also noted on CWGC is that Alexander had three brothers also killed in the war. Mary McCHEYNE was born at Crossmichael on 25th April 1880 (the year was given elsewhere as 1881). There is no record of her having married. She died in November 1916 aged 36 at St. Quentin; if this is in France, it could be that she was abroad in association with the war effort, as St Quentin was a key region in fighting from 1914 onwards. However, Mary is not recorded on cwgc.org so if she was there, she did not die on active service or for any associated illness or injury. 30 it could be that [Mary] was abroad in association with the war effort, as St Quentin was a key region in fighting from 1914 onwards Corporal David McCHEYNE, who was born in Kells parish, died of wounds on 13th March 1917 aged 22. Like his brother Alexander, he had enlisted in the 7th Battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. David is interred at the Aubigny Communal Cemetery Extension, also at Pas de Calais. Interestingly cwgc.org names David’s three brothers who fell in the war but states that he is the son of “James and Mary McCheyne of Richmond Hill, Miniota, Manitoba, Canada.” There is a McCheyne family recorded in Manitoba at this time but perhaps the records are confused. Quartermaster Sergeant James McCHEYNE was born in 1890 and was a career soldier, having joined up in 1906 aged 16 (at attestation he gave his age as 18 yrs 2 mo, which wasn’t true; the very reliable Roman Catholic baptismal records show James was born on 18 th January 1890 and baptised at Kirkcudbright in February). James was killed in action in Belgium on 3rd October 1917 while serving with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, and he is interred in Bleuet Farm Cemetery, Belgium. His age at death is given as 26 on cwgc.org (the headstone says he was 27). James was married and is recorded on cwgc.org as the husband of Janet Mc Cheyne, of 24, Rolland St., Maryhill, Glasgow. The personal inscription that Janet chose for James’ headstone in Belgium reads: ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE LOVED AND LOST CAN UNDERSTAND WAR'S BITTER COST. Frances W McCHEYNE died in World War I, on 12/01/1918 when he was aged 19 – lost at sea when serving aboard HMS Narborough. This was an M-Class Destroyer built for the Royal Navy. On 12th January 1918, she and her sister ship, HMS Opal, were wrecked on the cliffs at Hesta Rock, just to the north of Windwick Bay, South Ronaldsay. Only one sailor survived; 188 were killed. Most of the casualties were never found and are commemorated on the Portsmouth Memorial. On cwgc.org the record states that Ordinary Seaman Francis Wallace McCheyne is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial. James and Mary had other children who are not named on this headstone: Agnes Nan McCheyne, born in 1888 at Tongland was a 13 y-o scholar in the 1901 census. Frederick W McCheyne (also known as William Frederick McCheyne) was born 1892 at Kirkpatrick, and was 9 y-o and also a scholar in 1901. Both died in 1962. John McCheyne was born in 1882 and Margaret McCheyne in 1885. 31 Inscription 115 – Brown & Murray by Laura Anderson In Loving Memory of Alexander BROWN late Serg’t Major, Galloway, R.V., who died at Carlisle 3rd Jan’y 1905 aged 71 years. And Anne MURRAY his wife who died at New Galloway 23rd July 1872 aged 36 years. Also Mary their daughter, born 8th Dec’r 1870, died 22nd April 1871. Also their granddaughter Elizabeth RUSSELL BROWN who died at Knockallan 25th Feb’y 1929 aged 25 years. Within the village of Minnigaff in 1834, Alexander Brown was born to William and Mary Brown. His father is noted to be from Wigtownshire whereas his mother’s birthplace is narrowed down to Kirkcowan in Wigtownshire. Alexander is noted as the only child living with his parents in the 1841, 1851 and 1861 census, however his parents were aged 42 and 38 respectively when he was born, so it is possible that Alexander had siblings that had left the home before the 1841 census. Interestingly, in the 1861 census, 12-year-old Mary McGarvah is noted as a granddaughter within the household. No previous record of a Mary McGarvah is noted within the surrounding area; however this is possibly hindered by the spelling of the surname which may be a mistake by the census taker. Alexander lived with his parents in Dalnotry, Minnigaff in the 1841 census. The family moved to Craigdews when Alexander was 17 and they resided within Graymarestail when Alexander was 27. Alexander’s military record listed him in 1852 as a Driver with the Royal Horse Artillery, his record shows him attesting to 17 years and 4 months of service within the regiment. William Brown is noted as a ‘Labourer road repairer’, a role that his son initially joined him in with the 1851 census noting him as a ‘Road labourer’. However, a change of career occurred during the 10 years between 1851 and 1861 with the 1861 census registering Alexander as a ‘Solider Serijt Instructor of Volunteers’. Alexander’s military record listed him in 1852 as a Driver with the Royal Horse Artillery, his record shows him attesting to 17 years and 4 months of service within the regiment. We know from the credentials listed on his grave that Alexander Brown died as a Sergeant Major within the Galloway Royal Volunteers regiment. In June 1862, Alexander Brown married Anne Murray within the Parish of Kells. Alexanders parents were present with his father named as a ‘Roadman labourer’ as was Anne’s parents, David Murray, a ‘shepherd’ and Agnes Murray (Nee Logie). Alexander was 28 whereas his new bride was 26; the two resided within New Galloway and Alexander had been promoted to Government Drill Sergeant of the Royal Volunteers. Marriage record of Alexander Brown and Anne Murray 32 The following year of 1863, their first-born child William was born in February. William was born in the parish of Kells. William was followed by six siblings, five of which were noted in the 1871 census. William was noted as 8, David Brown was noted as 6, John Brown was noted as 5, Anne Brown was noted as a 4, Alexander Brown was noted as 2 alongside newborn Mary Brown. The older children were noted as ‘Scholars’, presumably attending a nearby school. Their father was 37 and held the role of Sergeant Master Rifle whereas their mother was 34. All children were registered as having been born in New Galloway. Record of William Brown's birth The 1881 census paints a far different picture, one filled with loss and hardship. Anne Brown, nee Murray, passed in 1872, a year after the previous census was noted. Three children were lost: David, John and Mary. Mary Brown was noted on the gravestone alongside her parents as she was lost in infancy. A new child is noted in the 1881 census: Helen Brown aged 8. Alexander is 47 during this census and holds the same role, his eldest son William is 18 and works as a ‘Shoemaker Apprentice’. Alexander Junior is 12 and is still a scholar, his sister Annie is 14 and is a ‘Dressmaker Apprentice’. Sourcing information after the 1881 census was incredibly difficult! I could not source whether any of Alexander’s children survived to adulthood, other than Alexander Junior who was the father of Elizabeth Russel Brown who is also listed on the gravestone. Anne Murray was born in the parish of Kells in 1836, she was baptised on the 13th of November 1836. She died at age 36 after having seven children with her husband Alexander Brown. In the 1861 census, it is revealed that her father David Murray aged 83 was also born in the parish of Kells, whereas her mother Agnes aged 67 was born in Glasgow. Anne is 24 and was noted as a ‘Dress Maker’. She had two older siblings living at home with her, an older brother James and a sister Jane. The family lived in High Street, Kells in Kirkcudbrightshire. Anne’s daughter Helen was born in May of 1862, just two months before she passed away. When Anne passed in July of 1862, both her parents were deceased. Anne passed from Phthtisis Pulmonalis, more commonly known as Tuberculosis. The duration of the disease was acknowledged as 9 months and Anne passed in New Galloway. Mary Brown was born to Alexander and Anne Brown, she was born on 8th December 1870 and died at age 1 on the 22nd of April 1871. Her death record notes that she died from diarrhoea and vomiting that lasted for 12? Hours. Elizabeth Russel Brown was difficult to source. The only piece of information I could find was her death certificate. Elizabeth died in Knockallan on the 24th of February 1929. Her profession was noted as ‘Domestic Servant’ and she was single at the time. Her father was Alexander Brown (Junior) who was a ‘Draper’ and deceased at the time of Elizabeth’s death. Her mother was Ellen Jemina Brown, nee Byers, who was still living. Elizabeth possibly died from a condition called Chronic ‘parenchymatous nephritis’. From what I’ve seen the disease is a type of chronic kidney disease and could have been improved with a better diet. 33 Inscription 136 – Hewitson by Sharon Course In Loving Memory of Samuel HEWITSON who died at Cottage Hospital, Castle Douglas on 25th May 1908 aged 54 years. Also James, his eldest son, M.M., 9th Loyal North Lancs. Regt. Missing Flanders 25th April 1918 aged 30 years. Also Elizabeth THOMPSON, his wife, who died at Carnearie, Parton 9th Dec'r 1943 aged 79 years. Also Thomas, their son, who died in New Zealand 5th Aug 1954 aged 64 years. Also Jessie CAMPBELL HEWITSON, their daughter, who died 14th Nov 1972 aged 80 years. Also Agnes HEWITSON, their daughter, who died 7th May 1976 aged 89 years. Erected by his widow and family. SAMUEL and ELIZABETH HEWITSON This surname is often spelled Hoatson on the census, possibly due to how it was pronounced locally. Samuel was born in 1857 near Dalry, to James (a shepherd) and Agnes nee McMillan. He married Elizabeth Thompson, born 1863, of Carsphairn, in 1885, when he was 28 and she was 22. They lived at Culmark farm, near Dalry. By 1901, the family had moved to Drumbain farm. They had the following children: 1887 Agnes 1888 James 1890 Thomas Hastings 1892 Jessie Campbell 1894 Albert (died in 1980 in Castle Douglas) JAMES (1888 – 1918) James was reported missing, presumed killed, on April 25th at the Battle of the Lys, known as the 4th battle of Ypres. This was part of the German final push to break through to Ypres. The battle advanced the German line 15km but ultimately this couldn’t be sustained and they withdrew. Both sides suffered 120,000 deaths/missing for those 15km. Between April 10th and April 14th, Allied troops were in a precarious position and Field Marshall Douglas Haig issued his famous order, which James would have been told about. “With our backs to the wall, and believing in the justice of our cause, each of us must fight on to the end.” James, who had been in France/Flanders for a year, fought bravely during the battle and was posthumously awarded the Military Medal. His body was never found and he is commemorated on Tynecot Memorial in Flanders, as well as in Kells. “With our backs to the wall, and believing in the justice of our cause, each of us must fight on to the end.” James left a widow, Euphemia Hewitson (nee Middleton), who was born in Kirkcudbright and worked as a domestic servant. Before the war, he worked as a steam train driver. He signed up for service in 1915. His army record reports he was 5ft 6ins, 11 stone, in good health. He and Euphemia married on 21 st April 1917 in Kilmarnock, and four days later he was sent to France. She never saw her husband again. He was 27 and she was 35. They had no children. He left her 256 pounds in effects, which included 30 pounds backpay from the army. Euphemia received his Military Medal in 1922. She never remarried. In 1928, she moved to Barre, Vermont, USA, to live with her sister Janet (two years younger) and her husband Gordon Watson, and their two little girls. 34 She died in 1961 in Barre, Vermont, and is buried there. THOMAS (1890 – 1954) Like his brother James, Thomas served in WW1, as a rifleman in Kings Royal Rifle Corps and tank corp. Before and after the war, he worked as a shepherd, like his father. In 1926, Thomas emigrated to New Zealand and settled in Wellington, where he worked as a storeman and a labourer. Thomas got into trouble in Wellington for ‘obscene language’. He was arrested and fined two pounds. Thomas got into trouble in 1932 in Wellington for ‘obscene language’. He was arrested and fined two pounds. On his arrest record, he is described as 5ft 5 and ¾ inches, fresh face, auburn hair going bald, blue eyes, tattoo of a woman on his right arm and an anchor on his left, plus scars on arms. In 1935, Thomas found love. He married Iva Esther Merson, aged 48, who had been married in 1905 to a Thomas Merson and had three grown-up children with him. Thomas Merson divorced Iva in 1928 on the grounds of adultery and drunkenness. The couple had been separated for some time but Thomas Merson heard that Iva had been seeing a man called Frederick Smith. He went to her house and caught in her bed with Smith, telling the judge at the divorce hearing that she had been drinking. As was usual for those days, the case was fully reported in the newspapers. She did not continue to see Smith. She then met and married Thomas Hewitson. It seems to have been a stable marriage, with the couple living a quiet life in suburban Wellington. On 6th August 1954, the Press newspaper reported that Thomas, then 62, was riding his bicycle home from work and was in collision with a half-ton truck on the corner of Willis and Te Aro Streets at about 6.30pm. It was raining heavily with a strong southerly wind and visibility was poor. He died immediately of his injuries. Iva died in 1960 and is buried in Karori Cemetery, Wellington. No record of Thomas being buried with her. His record simply says Wellington. AGNES (1887 – 1976) and JESSIE CAMPBELL (1892 – 1972) In the 1901 census, at the age of 14, Agnes was working as a servant at Barskeoch Main farm near Dalry. In 1911, Jessie Campbell was also a servant, at Manse of Kells, where she worked for Kells minister Pirie Philip. He had lost his wife Mary two years earlier. Two of his children, Mary (25) and Percy (24) were also living at the manse. Agnes and Jessie seem to have led quiet lives. They never married or had children. ‘Maiden aunts’ were not unusual after WW1 and the loss of so many young men. Agnes appears in the 1939 census at a seafront hotel in Brighton, probably on a holiday. Both sisters lived long lives and are buried with their parents in Kells. 35 Inscription 144 – Muir by Jackie Carson From the grave inscription: Died in New Galloway 15th February 1864 aged 68 (born 1796) Son William (teacher) died 8th November 1852 aged 21 (born 1831?) Daughter Jane died 7th August 1861 aged 25 (born 1836) Son John (accountant) died at Denny 14th September 1864 aged 26 (born 1838) Son Archibald (writer) died in Edinburgh 17th January 1865 aged 30 (born 1835?) Son Peter (M.D.) died Wombwell Yorkshire 22nd October 1870 aged 31 (born 1840) Wife Jessie Douglas died 13th July 1874 aged 68 (born 1805) National Library of Scotland: 1841 Census living in schoolhouse, Kells. Birth year listed as 1801! With: Wife Jessie born 1806 Daughter Elizabeth born 1833 Son Archibald born 1835 Son John born 1838 Daughter Jane born 1837 Son Peter born 1840 Anne Robson 1851 Census living in High Street New Galloway - Bailie parochial schoolmaster and post-master, farming 7 acres with: Wife Jesse born 1805 Daughter Jane born 1836 Son John born 1838 Son Peter born 1840 Daughter Jesse born 1842 Mary Hope - servant In 1851 Archibald aged 16 is a boarder with Margaret Paterson in Twynholm. Trade is apprentice writer. No mention of Elizabeth but she pops up in 1871 and 1881 as Elizabeth Cowan - 7 High St, Kells with her husband and 3 kids. Trade is dressmaker. Dies in 1885 and is buried in Kells churchyard 1861 Census living in the school house in New Galloway - teacher with: Wife Jesse Muir born 1805 Elizabeth Campbell - servant William Craig - boarder Baptism record 24th Feb 1796 Mother - Elizabeth McCulloch Father - William Muir Marriage Record Jessy Douglas 26th April 1830 Jessie Muir turns up in 1871 as a widow (aged 65) at 1 High St Kells living with daughter Jessie Isabella who is a schoolmistress. 36 Inscription 149 – Lee by Sharon Course In memory of Louisa EGREMONT LEE wife of Tottenham LEE died at Overton 19th November 1860 aged 61. Lieut. John Egremont Lee killed at Tirowlee in Oude 22nd March 1858 aged 27. Lister HARTER LEE died at Overton 14th April 1856 aged 20. Also of Tottenham Lee, formerly of St. John's, Wakefield, husband of the above Louisa LEE who died at Cairn Edward in this Parish on the 28th August 1888 in his 95th year. Tottenham Lee was born on 2 February 1794 in Wakefield, Yorkshire. His father John Lee was a wealthy philanthropist, industrialist, lawyer and entrepreneur. John built the prestigious St John’s area of Wakefield, beautiful Georgian redbrick terraces in the centre of the town, which expanded hugely with mills and factories during the Industrial Revolution. Ahead of his time, John built St John’s with fancy, expensive facades but basic open interiors made of cheaper materials. Buyers could add walls and rooms to suit themselves. John Lee also created Britain’s first public railway, the Lake Lock Company, which anyone could pay to use. Until then, railways were created by companies to move their own goods. LLC was 3 miles long, horse drawn, and used by coal companies mainly. John Lee raised the money to build it by selling 126 public shares. The investors included John’s sons, Tottenham and John Junior. It closed in 1836 when bigger public railways were created. John Lee has a blue plaque on his former offices in St Johns. Tottenham’s unusual name does not come from the London borough. It appears to be in honour of an Irish aristocrat and industrialist called John Tottenham, an associate of John Lee in Wakefield. While his father and namesake both had the ‘golden touch’ with investments and ideas, Tottenham did not inherit his business sense unfortunately. Initially, like two of his brothers, he became a lawyer and signed an Article of Clerkship in 1820 to train under his famous father. While his brothers became well-known lawyers (one was the coroner for West Yorkshire), Tottenham invested in a worsted yarn factory and other ventures. On 6th October 1829, Tottenham married Louisa Egremont in York. Louisa (also on Gravestone 149, Kells) was from a wealthy family in Goole, Yorkshire, and was heiress to a considerable fortune. In 1841, the couple lived in a fine town house called Newton Lodge in Wakefield 3 with their six children – Louisa (11), John (9), Tottenham Junior (7), Jane (6), Lister (5) and Edward (3). Also living at the property was their nanny called Sophia Bateman and her niece Sarah (see Inscription 16), who worked as cook, plus three other servants. To fund this lifestyle and his investments in the 1830s, Tottenham borrowed from his father-in-law, John Egremont. When John Egremont died in 1840, Tottenham owed him 4500 pounds – a huge amount. In 1841, without ongoing loans from his father-in-law, Tottenham’s worsted yarn venture failed and he was bankrupted. There was still hope for Tottenham though – Louisa had an annual allowance of 400 pounds, and she and her two brothers were about to inherit her father’s fortune, split three ways. This does not appear to have any direct correlation to the current ‘Newton Lodge’ psychiatric hospital in Wakefield, which sits at some distance from where the town house was located (pers. comm. Sue Taylor, 9 th May 2022). 3 37 John Egremont, Louisa’s father was a wealthy farmer from Goole. He built a stately town house in Wakefield in 1811, Egremont House, which until recently was Wakefield’s registry office. His wife Hannah brought with her a huge fortune. But the money also brought a dark guilt for Hannah Egremont, which would haunt the family for two more generations. Hannah’s father, Thomas Crowther (1730 - 1810), was a wool stapler (buying fleeces, grading them, then selling to manufacturers), and at the time of his death owned a warehouse, the Woolpacks Inn on Wakefield, and other land and tenanted properties. Handsome but not rich, Crowther was described by his wife’s family as ‘not a finished gentleman’. Hannah (Hall) Heatherington, a young widow, brought to the marriage in 1768 a large inheritance from her first husband, plus a young daughter, Mary (b.1765). The couple had only one child together, a daughter Hannah (b.1770). Crowther ignored Mary and openly favoured his own daughter. Mary ended up running away to marry John Barker, also a wool stapler. When Crowther died, he left his whole estate to Hannah, including all the money his wife had inherited from Mary’s father. Hannah felt bad about this injustice but could do nothing as her money belonged to her husband, John Egremont. After Hannah’s death in 1827, her daughter Louisa found a letter, urging her to “do any kindness possible to any of the Barker family” as reparation for the wrong Crowther had done to them. On the night Crowther died in 1810, there was a violent thunderstorm. When his will became known, people said the storm was the devil waiting for Crowther's soul. On the night Crowther died in 1810, there was a violent thunderstorm...people said the storm was the devil waiting for Crowther's soul. Crowther and John Egremont’s fortunes were supposed to be split three ways between Louisa and her two brothers. The brothers contested the will, saying that Tottenham’s huge debt to John Egremont should be taken out of the amount Louisa inherited. The court case went on for six long years, ending up in the Chancery. It was ruled that Tottenham’s bankruptcy a year before his father-in-law’s death meant that it could not be taken out of the inheritance. After the court case, Tottenham and Louisa, plus the children, Sophia the nanny and Sarah the cook, moved to a large country house at Overton, New Galloway4. The reason for the move and choosing New Galloway is not known. Possibly, they wanted a fresh start away from Wakefield. Also, Lister was chronically unwell with chronic abcesses and ulcers, and country air might have been recommended over the industrial smog of Wakefield. With Louisa’s inheritance secured, there was no need to stay in Wakefield for financial reasons. Louisa died at Overton in 1860 from a stroke after losing two of her sons. Lister Harter Lee (also on Gravestone 149, Kells) died at Overton in 1856 aged 20, having suffered from his terrible skin condition for five years. Eldest son John Egremont Lee (also on Gravestone 149 Kells) was killed at Fort Tirowlee in Oudh (spelled Oude on the gravestone), North India, aged 27. 4 It is possible that the family owned multiple properties in New Galloway at one time, which included Glenlee Park and Glenlochar Lodge (pers. comm. Sue Taylor, 9th May 2022). 38 John was a Lieutenant in the 32nd Bengal Native Infantry during the Indian Mutiny (First War of Independence). The gravestone records 22nd March 1858 as his date of death but military dispatches report 21st March. By March 1858, most of the fighting had ceased and there is little information about the attack on this small fort. John was the only officer killed during the attack. His grave in India cannot be traced. Many cemeteries from the time of the mutiny have been demolished due to rapid expansion in the area and records were often destroyed after independence. John’s sister Jane married John Maitland of Kenmure, who was with the 46th Madras Regiment at the same time John served in India. The Madras regiments did not take part in the fighting. John had a distinguished career, notably as Colonel of the Galloway Rifles. Jane erected a memorial plaque to John Lee and John Maitland inside Kells Church with the Maitland arms on it (photo). Three of the Lees’ other children are commemorated on Gravestone 18 in Kells. Youngest son Edward Llewellen Lee (Gravestone 18) died at Havanna Harbour, New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) in 1871. From the 1860s, plantation owners in the Pacific needed labourers and began contracting ship owners in a slave trade called “blackbirding”. At its height, around the time Edward was there, more than half of the adult male population was kidnapped to be sold into work overseas. It is unknown if Edward was there as part of this lucrative trade. Tottenham Lee Junior (Gravestone 18) never married and died of a stroke, aged 50, in 1884 in New Galloway. He is described as ‘an Australian sheep farmer’ on the death record. Eldest daughter Louisa Egremont Lee (Gravetone 18) also did not marry. She died at Cairn Edward, where the family moved to after Overton, in 1887 aged 56. She had a brain haemorrhage and was paralysed for 8 months before her death. Having outlived five of his six children, and his wife, Tottenham Lee died in 1888, aged 95, at Cairn Edward. His cause of death was simply given as ‘old age’. The family’s two servants, Sophia Bateson (d. 1869) and her niece Sarah (d.1895), who moved from Wakefield to New Galloway with the Lees, outlived them too, and have a memorial stone in Kells (see Inscription 16). Second daughter, Jane Maitland, known as ‘Nin’, was the only surviving member of Lee/Egremonts. She and John Maitland (both Gravestone 17) had no children. Exactly 101 years after her grandmother Hannah Crawford’s heartfelt letter was found, pleading for her half-sister’s wronged family be recompensed, Jane did exactly that. When she died in 1928, she bequeathed her estate, worth 15,251 pounds, to Hannah’s eldest surviving great-grandson, Freddie Barker but with one condition that he was happy to accept – that he changed his name to Egremont-Lee and continue Tottenham and Louisa’s legacy. References: Ancestry, Scotlandspeople, British Newspaper Archive, Reports of Cases Decided In The High Courts of Chancery (1853), National Army Museum, Wikitree. 39 Inscription 154 – Hobbs & Maitland by Murray Johnston 40 41 42 Inscription 162 – McLachlan & Greggan by Tamara Fulcher Erected in memory of Michael McLACHLAN who died at Glenlee May 31st 1871 aged 65 years. Also Thomas his son who died in the Crimea June 10th 1855 aged 22 years. Also Samuel his son who died at Glenlee March 15th 1866 aged 24 years. Also Margaret GREGGAN his wife who died at New Galloway 13th Feb'y 1880 aged 84 years. Michael McLACHLAN’s DOB is given variously as 1806 or 1807 in Ireland. He married Margaret GRIGGAN (or Greggan) on 23rd November 1826, i.e. when he was 19 or 20 years old. In the 1851 census Michael is a 44 y-o agricultural labourer living at Old Glenlee. His wife and two sons, David (aged 11) and Samuel (aged 9), both scholars, were present when the census-taker came round. Ten years later Michael and his family have moved to Porters Lodge – still on the Glenlee Estate – and Michael’s occupation is given as ‘wood forester’. By this time Samuel is nineteen and working as an agricultural labourer. The family have taken in boarders, two plasterers from Ireland and Midlothian. By the next census in 1871 Michael is 64 years old and still working as a ‘woodforrester’. Interestingly the only other person at home for this census apart from Michael and Margaret was John McLACHLAN, their 11 y-o grandson, born 1860 in England. Margaret GREGGAN (or GRIGGAN’s) DOB varies across a ten-year span across the records. The headstone inscription indicates she was born before 1800 but the only census that agrees with this was the one taken in 1871, when she is described as 74 y-o, having been born in 1797 in Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire. This date makes Margaret approximately ten years older than her husband, Michael McLachlan. In previous census records Margaret’s DOB/POB was recorded as 1805 in Dalry. To speculate: either the ten-year age gap had been reduced (for appearances’ sake?) on the first two occasions, or Margaret was affected by confusion in 1871 and gave the wrong date. Michael and Margaret’s son Thomas McLACHLAN was baptised 26 April 1833 at Kells. In the 1851 census he was living at High St, Kells as an apprentice shoemaker in the household of widower John CROSBIE (b.1795), a master shoemaker employing 4 men. John had one son (also a shoemaker) and five daughters – quite a crowded house. Thomas McLachlan is listed as an unmarried male aged 17 (his birth year given as 1834). Thomas signed up for 10 years’ service and in response to the question “For what bounty did you enlist?” he answered “Four pounds.” Thomas’s military service record states that he was born in New Galloway. He joined the Scots Guards, his attestation taking place at Castle Douglas, at 10am on 2 October 1854 when he was aged 21 yrs 6 months. He was unmarried and gave his trade as ‘Shoemaker’. Thomas signed up for 10 years’ service and in response to the question “For what bounty did you enlist?” he answered “Four pounds.” At his attestation Thomas was 5’ 8” and a quarter, and described as having a “fresh complexion”, grey eyes and dark brown hair. The record continues by saying that Thomas was “In the East from 13 April 1855” and “Present at the siege of Sebastopol.” He died in the Crimea of cholera on 10th June 1855, having served 251 days. 43 Thomas’s younger brother Samuel McLACHAN was baptised on 27th December 1841 at Kells. He died at Glenlee on 15th March 1866 aged 24 yrs. He followed Thomas into the army. There is good information on Samuel from his military record which confirms his year of birth as 1841. His attestation date was 28th January 1862, when he was aged 20. Samuel is described on that date as 5’11” (and 5/8”!) with a fresh complexion, blue eyes, and light hair. His trade is given as ‘gamekeeper’. Samuel was discharged as a Corporal in 1st Battalion Scots Fusilier Guards on 22nd December 1865 after 3 yrs, 329 days with no service abroad. This was in consequence of “his being unfit for further service.” His discharge was confirmed 9th January 1866, with the further explanation of “being unfit for further service from consumption, constitutional, excited by the service.” On his discharge forms Samuel is described as a “good and efficient non-commissioned officer zealous in performance of his duties, trustworthy and sober…he is in possession of one good conduct medal since 28th January 1865…has never been tried by court martial.” His military rank was Private from 28 th January 1862, and Corporal from 28th April 1864 The reason for his discharge was further explained as ‘Phthisis Pulmonalis’ aka pulmonary consumption (Phthisis pulmonalis frequently takes place in consequence of neglected pneumonia, influenza, and measles. It was described in 18th and 19th centuries as a wasting disease with destruction of the lungs). The copperplate handwriting in Samuel’s military notes is not easy to read but says approximately: “In April 1865 was attacked with H…. Since which period he has drawn no regular duty. He is now in an advanced stage of the …. (disease?), although there are no active symptoms. He has an excellent character and has a good …. He is quite …. to contribute towards his limitations. The disability is …., excited by the service”. 44 Inscription 176 – Murray by A. B. Hall This imposing family plot consists of four gravestones surrounded by a sandstone kerb once fitted with iron railings. This forms a memorial to 26 members of the Murray family – 17 men and 9 women. Many of these will have been buried elsewhere. They were descended from John Murray and his wife Isabella Aitchison who are commemorated on the stone sadly lying broken in the enclosure. He died 11 August 1812 aged 90 and she died 17 July 1807 aged 74 years. Their eldest son John was Provost of New Galloway and laird of Troquain in Balmaclellan parish. The house is described by John Gifford as “very plain and rather altered house of the earlier C. 19. In the garden, a sundial, its baluster shaft provided in 1855. The head, dated 1616 is cubical but with chamfered corners. Dials on the faces, carved human heads on the corners”. “It is said he was one of the best judges of horses, sheep and cattle in the province, and his decisions on such subjects were rarely appealed against. He was held in such estimation by his fellow-townsmen that when the handsome granite bridge of five arches over the Ken at New Galloway was opened [1822] he was chosen to cross it first of all, followed by Viscount Kenmure in his carriage.” He died 13 March 1830 aged 64. “It is said he was one of the best judges of horses, sheep and cattle in the province…He was held in such estimation by his fellow-townsmen that when the handsome granite bridge of five arches over the Ken at New Galloway was opened [1822] he was chosen to cross it first of all” John Murray’s first wife was Isabella Douglas who died aged 33 on 24 May 1799. Their eldest son Peter inherited Troquain. He died in Armagh 1 December 1849 aged 55. Their second son was John who died in Jamaica in 1817 aged 22. Adam their third son was born in 1799, the year his mother died. He died in October 1838 in the State of New York. John Murray’s second wife was Agnes Manson. She had six children and died 24 December 1821 aged 37. Isabella 1805 – 1892 Anne 1808 – 1893 George 1812 – 1881 Margaret 1815 – 1905 William died in infancy James 1820 – 1850. He died a Captain in the East India Company on the Indus, near Mooltan aged 29. -----------------------------George Murray son of John Murray and his second wife, Agnes Manson, was born in New Galloway on 4 June 1812. “George Murray’s birthplace is not now in existence, having been pulled down several years ago, after serving for a lengthened period as the post-office of the burgh. It stood near the southern termination of the main street of New Galloway, and was a respectable-looking self-contained house, consisting of a storey and a half, with dormer windows inserted in a long sloping roof, and had a garden flower plot and paling between it and the public road. When inhabited by the Murrays, it was the most imposing house in the place . . . when they left it for the large, two-storied residence called Meadowbank which they also owned.” He 45 was educated at Kells School and the University of Edinburgh. He was the Minister of Girthon parish in 1843 and acted clerk to the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright 1843-68. In 1851 he moved to Balmaclellan. Two years earlier he inherited Troquain from Peter Murray, the eldest son of John Murray and his first wife, Isabella Douglas. In 1843 George married Elizabeth Murray Hyslop, daughter of James Hyslop of Glenlee. She died at the Manse of Balmaclellan 25 March 1879 aged 57 years. They have a memorial inside the Church at Balmaclellan. Rev. George Murray Their children were: Margaret Hope born 17 Jan. 1845 married J. R. Hope MD. Dr. John born 12 Sept 1846. A surgeon on the ‘Vicksburg’, a Dominion Line steamer, which foundered on 1st June 1875 after hitting an iceberg while travelling from Quebec to Liverpool. Five men were picked up from a boat on 3rd. Two other boats containing about 40 people were successfully launched but were lost. The captain and between 40 and 50 others went down with the ship, including one man from Annan and another from Dumfries. Agnes Isabella born 25 April 1848. Married James Ewer Gillespie, Minister of Kirkgunzeon, She died at Halkyn, Dumfries on 15 July 1923. James of Troquain born 30 Nov. 1850. He worked for the Manchester and Salford Bank in Manchester and died 26 Dec. 1914 at Meadow Bank, New Galloway. Rev. George 1 Oct 1852. Minister of Balmaclellan 1915-20. Adam born 27 April 1854. A calico printer died at Southfield, Lennoxtown, 26 July 1925 aged 71. His wife was Edith Eleanor who died 28 Oct. 1947 aged 87. Both are commemorated on a Celtic cross in Balmaclellan churchyard. Eliza Jane born 24 June 1856 died 17 Jan 1940. Dr. Robert Alexander born 24 June 1858 died at Apsley, Stockport 4 Oct. 1931 aged 73. William Charles born 2 Dec. 1860 died at Shanghai, China 3 April 1911 aged 50. Ann Clementina born 25 Aug 1862 died 11 June 1932. Thomas Patrick born 1 Sept. 1865 died 22 Nov 1873 at Balmaclellan Manse aged 8 years. George Murray “was the model of a country clergyman; devotedly attached to his flock, and shared in all their joys and sorrows; passionately fond of rural sports . . . he was a zealous antiquary, an accomplished botanist, and an adept in agriculture.” He wrote the Balmaclellan entry for the New Statistical Account, 1845. He was buried in Kells in April 1881. ----------------------------George Murray 1852-1920 was the third son of the Rev. George Murray and Elizabeth Hyslop. He was born on 1 Oct. 1852 and was educated at Balmaclellan, Ewart High School, Newton-Stewart and Edinburgh University M.A. and B.D. He also went to Leipzig. From 1888 – 1915 he was Minister in the parish of Sauchie, near Stirling and “acted as clerk to the Presbytery of Stirling . . . He was also Senior Chaplain to the Argyll and 46 Sutherland Highlanders, and received the Territorial Decoration.” He was Minister for Balmaclellan from 1915 until his death on 20 April 1920. He married Elizabeth daughter of Edward Lumsden, minister of Midmar on 21 August 1895. Their children were: Enid Elizabeth born 18 June 1896 2nd Lieut. John born 16 Nov 1897 killed in action 16 Aug 1917. He was educated at Dollar Academy and Fettes College, where he was in the Cadet Corps. He was commissioned into the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and went to France in December 1916 and joined the 1st Battalion. On the night of 15th/16th August 1917 he was out marking ground prior to an attack when he was killed by a sniper. This was the battle of Langmarck “the most successful we ever had”. “2nd Lieut J. Murray (of the 5th Battalion) was the only officer killed, but 25 O.R. fell”. C.S.M. J. Skinner and C.Q.M.S. W. Grimaldeston were both awarded the V.C. Gravestone of George and Elizabeth Murray and their children in Balmaclellan He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial in Belgium, a stained-glass window in Balmaclellan Church and on a stone cross on the west side of Loch Ken. Evelyn Hope born 18 March 1899. Married 26 Aug. 1924, Thomas Kennedy Johnston, Minister of Balmaclellan. George Murray inherited the Troquain estate from his brother James in 1914. The pall bearers at the funeral of James Murray were: Rev. George Murray (brother) Adam Murray (brother) Dr. Robert Murray (brother) Rev. J. E. Gillespie (brother-in-law) Dr. Hope M. Gillespie (nephew) Mr. Murray (nephew) Mr. G. R. Murray of Parton Hector Stewart (valet) Gravestone of John and Kate Murray at Balmaclellan He was buried in Balmaclellan churchyard alongside his wife Kate Hollins who died 16 March 1913. Both George Murrays would probably liked to have been described as men of letters as they wrote poetry, articles on curling and biblical stories. The verse below is taken from a song that refers to his fishing exploits at Lochinvar: Let Criffel boast of Kindar’s lake Hard by the Solway sea, Lone Lochinvar, ‘mid lofty hills, Is dearer far to me. When purple heath and brackens green Adorn thy mountain side, Then let me drift past Helen’s Isle And rock upon thy tide. 47 In Balmaclellan churchyard there is a gravestone for Rev. George Murray B.D. of Troquain. Born 1 Oct. 1852 Died 20 April 1920. Elizabeth Lumsden died Meadowbank 22 April 1945 aged 76. Their daughters Enid Elizabeth 1896-1995 and Evelyn Hope 1899-1987 and only son John 1897-1917 killed in action. In New Galloway Meadowbank is described “At the s. end of the High Street, the white-harled Meadowbank of c.1800 on the E, its stone portico a Victorian addition. It is set well back, the approach guarded by a pair of early C19 bowended cottages”. ------------------------------Adam Murray 1767-1818 was the second son of Provost John Murray and Isabella Aitchison. He was apprenticed to Cannon and Smith aged 13 at Chowbent, Leigh, Lancashire, making cotton spinning machinery until 1787. After three years as a machinery maker in Chowbent he moved to Manchester where he erected an eight-storey mill. In 1798 he was joined by his brother George 1772-1855 and between 1801 and 1804 the partners built another eight-storey building followed by two four-storey blocks. The machinery was driven by steam. The area at Murray Street was the largest in the world, which in 1815 employed 1,215 hands. Adam never married and lived in Newton Street until he built Rosehill, Manchester. He also owned Clugston in Wigtonshire. He died on 26 June 1818 and was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, Manchester. The sarcophagus gravestone is no more but the recycled inscription survives including a coat of arms. Adam left a legacy but not a dynasty. His name is not on the family memorial in New Galloway churchyard. James Murray was the third son of John and Isabella Murray. He was a cotton spinner and was married to Miss E. Stewart. He operated independently from A. and G. Murray in a mill on their premises. He died on 29 July 1821 aged 51. The area at Murray Street was the largest in the world, which in 1815 employed 1,215 hands. Their only sister Margaret, c.1766-c.1830, married 1796 Archibald Carruthers, 1766-1840, who had a substantial business in Manchester by 1815. They bought Craig estate, Balmaclellan c.1820. -------------------------------------George Murray 1772-1855 was the fourth son of John Murray and Isabella Aitchison. He went south and served an apprenticeship with Messrs Cannan and Smith as a textile machine maker. In 1798 he joined his older brother Adam in the partnership A. and G. Murray. Adam already had three working premises. They now embarked on another eight-storey mill with machinery driven by steam. This was followed by more buildings in a rectangle in the centre of which was a canal basin linked by a tunnel to the Rochdale canal. Ancoats Hall, Image © Manchester Archives Plus 48 George married Jane Cannan of Leigh 11 Sept. 1802 and they were to have 14 children. By 1813 they had bought Ancoats Hall which they demolished and built a new house on the site. As Adam died in 1818 George continued to run a successful enterprise until 1850 when he sought help from Sir W.H.H. Houldsworth. The business prospered again and was taken over by two of George’s sons: James who died in London 1889 and Benjamin Rigby who bought the Parton estate and died in July 1921. Three of their brothers represented the Company abroad. John who died in 1851 in Colombo, Ceylon; William Cannon died in 1856 in Charleston, South Carolina and Adam on returning from India died in London in 1844. George Murray died in 1855 aged 83 and his wife died in 1878. MURRAY Three suggestions about the origin of the Murray family in New Galloway have been published. 1. John Murray the game-keeper who died in 1777 is supposed to have come with his family from the Moffat area because of his Jacobite sympathies and sought shelter with Gordon of Kenmure (W. Kennedy p 95). He was appointed game-keeper and made a name for himself by luring the 72lbs pike to his rod and delivering to the castle. Buried in Kells no. 313. His son John 1725 – 1812 worked on the farm becoming foreman. He then became a shopkeeper in New Galloway and became a Baillie of the Burgh. He married Isobell Aitchison and their son John 1766 – 1830 was also a shopkeeper and became Provost. (Lands and their Owners pp 69-74). He was also able to buy Troquain estate in Balmaclellan parish in 1819 from James McConnel. 2. The Murrays in Annandale were a cadet branch of the Murrays of Philiphaugh near Selkirk. They were a family of well-respected lawyers. When Adam Murray died in 1818 and was buried at St. Mary’s Manchester it was perhaps the Philiphaugh Murray coat of arms which was utilized on his tomb. 3. The Murrays had a farm in Annandale belonging to the Murrays who as earls of Annandale had (East Galloway Sketches pp 327 -332) property in Drifesdale. All these suggestions could be correct. References The Buildings of Scotland Dumfries and Galloway, John Gifford, 1996 William McCandlish, Kells Graveyard p 467 Meadowbank, New Galloway p 469 Balmaclellan, Troquain p 115 ‘To Grasp an Opportunity’ W. Kennedy, 2016 Ancoats Hall Manchester Wikipedia East Galloway Sketches Alexander Trotter M.D., 1901 Rev. George Murray F.S.A. pp 327 – 332 Balmaclellan Parish M.I. D. and G.F.H.S. Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Synod of Dumfries and Galloway, 1917 Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, 1950 Glenkens Gazette Issue 96 Oct/Nov The Glenkens Cotton Kings by Ted Cowan, 2016 Lands and their Owners P.H. McKerlie, 1877, Vol.3 pp 69-74 The K.O.S.B. in the Great War Captain Stair Gillow, 1930 49 Inscription 184 – Reilly by Michelle MacIver Charles Henry Reilly, Captain Royal Artillery, Eldest son of Colonel…Reilly, Engineers, who Died at New Galloway August 1876 aged 35 years Charles Henry Reilly, possibly born 30th January 1841, Father Lt Colonel B G Reilly. Enlisted in 1855 (14 years old) and commissioned in Bengal. The admissions record contains errors. The discharge date is incorrect, and his father’s initials are different. There is no information about Charles Reilly in the census records and initial searches suggest that he may have been born in Delhi, probably due to his father already serving as an officer. 50 Inscription 201 – Herese & Corson By Tamara Fulcher RC MB 1707 – Here lyes the corps of Agnes HERESE spous to Robert CORSON, also Mary, Agnes & Marion, Margrat, at one birth. Rob’t, Andrew, James, at one birth. John, Allxr CORSONs, children to Rot. CORSON, BBURCES in, New Toun of Galloway & Agnes McBURNY his spous. This is a unique headstone in Kells Churchyard with Adam, Eve and the Tree of Life sculpted in deep relief on the reverse. However because it is such an early date, information about the family buried here is hard to track down. There are no birth, marriage or death records for Agnes HERESE. The spelling of that surname within the inscription may not be correct, although it is known elsewhere in Scotland during the 17 th and 18th centuries: Jonet HERESE married James BAXTER 13 Feb 1631 at Monifieth, Angus; Jannet HERESE married George RUNCIMAN 25 Feb 1709 at Cargil, Perthshire; and Christian HERESE married David THOMSON 14 June 1730 at Dron, Perthshire. This surname is also recorded within the same timeframe in Yorkshire and Middlesex. The phrasing of the inscription implies Agnes Herese had two sets of multiple births with deaths in infancy: four daughters ‘at one birth’ then three sons, also ‘at one birth’. The phrasing of the inscription implies Agnes Herese had two sets of multiple births with deaths in infancy: four daughters ‘at one birth’ then three sons, also ‘at one birth’. Agnes predeceased her husband, Robert CORSON. Robert Corson, Burgess in New (Town of) Galloway, married twice, and his second wife was also called Agnes. Robert and Agnes McBurny lost two sons, John and Alexander. McBURNY is fairly well recorded as a surname in Dumfries & Galloway with several named Agnes, although none of their dates clearly correspond to this headstone. Two Agnes McBurnys were baptised in Girthon, Kirkcudbrightshire in 1706 and 1731; at only 21 miles from New Galloway it is not inconceivable that Agnes McBurny who resided in New Galloway was born into the same family. CORSON is even more well known as a surname in southwest Scotland. There are several branches of the Corson family recorded at Crawford and Leadhills in Lanarkshire through baptisms, marriages and burials. Within D&G Corsons are recorded at Dalry, Balmaghie, Dumfries, Glencairn, Colvend, Caerlaverock, New Abbey and Thornhill during the 17th and 18th centuries. 51 Inscriptions 209 & 210 – Kennedy by Jennifer Roberts John Kennedy was born around 1668, possibly in New Galloway, and died on the 7th December 1732 at the age of sixty-four, possibly in Ayrshire. Very little is known about him. It is possible that his parents were Hugh, and Jean, a daughter of Major Thomas Kennedy of Baltersan, and that he married Marion Campbell a daughter of the Provost of Ayr. The National Archives has a record of a case mounted by Sir John Kennedy of Culzeane against a Hugh Arbuthnot to verify the title of the land of Balterson conveyed by Hugh Kennedy of Ardmillan and Balterson to his son John Kennedy in February 1701. In 1709, a John Kennedy, son of Major Thomas Kennedy of Baltersan, had sasine of the lands of Baltersan (Roberts 2022). As the Ardmillane Arms are on John’s tombstone it is possible that this is the same John Kennedy as David Kennedy’s father. David Kennedy was born around 1695 in Ayrshire. David married Elizabeth Chapman. They had several children Inscription 209 who died at a young age and are mentioned on the tombstone. Marrion died on the 25th of June 1732 aged five, Agnes on the 4th March 1735 aged three and Elisabeth on the 15th September 1735 aged six. David Kennedy bought Knocknaling from his cousin William Kennedy in 1740. He died on the 15th April 1768 at the age of seventy-three. David Kennedy is described as a Merchant in New Galloway. It is probable that David and Elizabeth were the parents of the famous Manchester manufacturer John Kennedy, who according to Pigot’s Directory was going to open a woollen factory in New Galloway. This extract from Samuel Smilies Industrial Biography certainly suggests this, although he downplays their origins: John Kennedy's parents were respectable peasants, possessed of a little bit of ground at Knocknalling (in the parish of Kells), in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, on which they contrived to live, and that was all. John was one of a family of five sons and two daughters, and the father dying early, the responsibility and the toil of bringing up these children devolved upon the mother. She was a strict disciplinarian, and early impressed upon the minds of her boys that they had their own way to make in the world. One of the first things she made them think "if you have gotten mechanical about was, the learning of some useful trade for the skill and intelligence, and are purpose of securing an independent living; "for," said she, "if you have gotten mechanical skill and honest and trustworthy, you will intelligence, and are honest and trustworthy, you will always find employment and be always find employment and be ready to avail ready to avail yourselves of yourselves of opportunities for advancing yourselves in life." opportunities for advancing yourselves in life." Elizabeth Chapman died on the 16th December 1782 at the age of ninety-one. 52 References Livingstone, Alistair, The Glenkens, Cattle, Cotton and Capitalism Transactions of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society Vol. 90 pp67-78 Pigot and Co. New Commerical Directory 1825-6, London, 1825, page 485 Roberts, J. 2022 John Kennedy [online] available at John Kennedy (bef.1681-1732) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree Smiles, Samuel Industrial Biography: Iron workers and Tool-makers John Murray 1864 53 Inscription 257 – Jardine by Jackie Carson From the grave inscription: Margaret Jardine spouse to Samuel McChesnie (late bailie of New Galloway) Died July 15 1702 Samuel McChesnie died 1st March 1723 Margaret McChesnie - child William McChesnie - child Mention of 2nd Spouse Susanna Roe National Library of Scotland: Margaret Jardine Only mention is grave inscription as above Two entries with one having date of death as July 15 and the other July 16th Spelling differences Margaret/ Margaret and lies/lys Margaret McChesnie Only mention is grave inscription as above Samuel McChesnie Only mention is grave inscription as above William McChesnie Only mention is grave inscription as above Scotland’s People: Nothing 54 Inscription 264 – Ewart by Murray Johnston 55 56 Inscription 271 – McKay by Jennifer Roberts James McKay was born in either 1774 or 1775 in the Parish of Kells and died on the 2nd October at Naugahway in 1845 at the age of seventy one. He was the school master at Balmaclellan for fifty years. He married Mary Barber of Dumfries on the 28th March 1820 at Kells. They had two boys, William who died aged ten months on 30th October 1821 and Robert who was born in 1823 and died aged seventy seven in 1900. In the First Statistical Account of 1792, the Rev Thompson wrote: ‘In addition to the legal school salary of this parish amounting to about 11l Sterling or thereby, there was a few years ago a donation made of 500l by a native of this place, a Mr Murdoch late merchant of Glasgow. This fund is secured on land, which, at present, is said to yield more than 5 per cent; so that the school salary of this parish now amounts to nearly 36l. This, however, is the whole income of the master, the terms of the donation not permitting him to receive wages.’ In the Second Statistical Account of 1845 the Rev George Murray wrote of the education in Balmaclellan: ‘The parish is remarkably well supplied with schools. Three are Inscription 271 parochial, and a fourth is undertaken at the teacher’s own adventure. In the principal school, no fees are exacted. This arrangement was made in consequence of a bequest to that effect of L.500. This sum was laid out in the purchase of a small landed property, which now yields about L.70 per annum. The teacher has also the yearly allowance of one chalder,5 or L.17, 2s 2d., as well as a house and garden. The whole number of scholars in the parish at the last Presbyterial examination amounted to 218.’ James McKay is the only school master mentioned in Pigot and Co.’s Directory of 1825-6. In the 1841 census the family were recorded at living in the High Street of New Galloway. At the time of the census James at sixty-six and was still working as a school master. His son Robert is not recorded as having an occupation, despite being 18 at the time. James McKay died intestate. The inventory of his Personal Estate records him as being the school master at Balmaclellan and residing in New Galloway. He appears to have been quite a wealthy man. He had several bank accounts, one at the British Linen Company at their Castle Douglas Branch was worth £945; he also had £320 in another account at the bank and his wife Mary had an account with £400 in it. Mary’s money was regarded as part of her husband’s estate. Another account in the new Galloway branch of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Bank had £170 in it. He was owed salary from Whit-Sunday to Martinmass 1845 by the heritors of Balmaclellan Parish, that included the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Kenmure £6.3s.3d, James Murdoch of Drumwhirn 17/6 and James Barbour of Barlae £1.5s.9d. A chalder was: 1) a measure of grain equalling sixteen bolls, frequently as part of a ministers stipend; the stipend itself; 2) a variable quantity of salt, lime or coal. A boll was a dry measure of weight or capacity according to the commodity and locality, but frequently equivalent to six imperial bushels. 5 57 James McKay’s effects were valued at £2188.12s. [equivalent of £283,469.41 in 2022 values] James and Mary were also renting out the school house in Balmaclellan to several men. James Caver who owed 1/-, James [.]ouimer owed 3/-, Robert Fingland 12/- and the Kirk Session of Balmaclellan 1/-. At his death James was also owed six months rent from Kirkstyle Farm in Kirkpatrick Durham amounting to £37. James had stock, crop and implements of husbandry worth £107.13s.8d, whilst his furniture, body clothes and other effects were valued at £64.13s.6d. He also had £40 cash in the house. Several people owed him money, which the Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court thought unlikely to be paid. David McMillan in Viewfield owed £132, George Anderson formally of Little Craig owed £250, rent arrears by James Wilson for Kirkstyle Farm amounted to £386. An unsecured debt for expenditure on the Balmaclellan school house was £50. In all, including interest, James McKay’s effects were valued at £2188.12s. [equivalent of £283,469.41 in 2022 values] (Roberts 2022). His nearest kin, his son Robert (not his wife Mary), signed the document detailing his estate on 12th April 1846. Mary lived another six years, dying on 31st January 1851, at the age of sixty-four according to her memorial or sixty-six in the Parish Records. Robert remained single throughout his life. He continued living in the High Street of New Galloway, sometimes with an assistant to help in the shop. He is recorded in the 1851 Census as being a draper, grocer and distributor of stamps as well as being a farmer of sixty acres. In the 1861 and 1871 Census, he is recorded as being a grocer employing an assistant, and a farmer employing two men. By 1881 he is recorded as a general merchant. For many years he employed Elizabeth McGill as his housekeeper. Robert McKay died of a cerebral haemorrhage on the 4th December 1900 at twenty past two in the afternoon at the age of seventy seven. References: Census: 1841 Census 868/ 7/ 3 Page 3 of 21 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 (ref not given on Find My Past) Concise Scots Dictionary, 2nd Edition E.U.P 2017 Pigot and Co. New Commercial Directory 1825-6, London, 1825, page 465 Roberts, J. 2022 ‘Value of 1845 British pounds today/UK Inflation Calculator [online] available at https://www.in2013dollars.com/uk/inflation/1845 [accessed 4 April 2022] Scotland’s Parish Marriages and Banns 1561-1893 Statistical Account of Scotland OSA Vol. IV 1792 page 231 NSA Vol. IV 1845 page 107 Statutory Register of Death – 868/20 page 7; 868/2 page 4 Wills and Testaments Record SC16/41/14 Kirkcudbright Sheriff Court, Image 421 page 420 58 Inscription 288 – McCandlish by Thais Poyo-Gonzalez McCANDLISH, WILLIAM, of Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire, designed GLENCAIRN CHURCH, DUMFRIESSHIRE, 1836, in an elementary Gothic style enlivened by a dramatically arched north transept [S.R.O., HR 116/1]. Basic Biographical Details Name: William McCandlish Designation: Architect Born: 1779 Died: 12 December 1855 Bio Notes: William McCandlish was a native of Kirkcudbrightshire. He had a large business as a builder and joiner in New Galloway, Kells Parish as by 1851 he was employing 28 men. Colvin notes that his rather elementary Gothic church at Dalry and Glencairn is enlivened by a dramatic arch at the end wall of the transept. His wife was Janet Thomson who died in New Galloway in 1846 after a long illness. They had a number of children including James McCandlish who became an architect-builder in Kirkcudbright. His death on 12 December 1855 aged 76 is recorded on a tombstone in Kells Churchyard. Private and Business Addresses The following private or business addresses are associated with this architect: Address Type New Galloway, Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland Private/business Greenhead, High Street, Kells, Kirkcudbrightshire, Private Scotland Date from Date to Before 1841 Notes After 1851 Buildings and Designs This architect was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): Date started Building name Town, district Island City or county or village 1822 Kells Parish Church New Galloway Country Notes Kirkcudbrightshire Scotland Inscription attributes this to McCandlish. 59 1830 Dalry Parish Church St John's Town of Dalry Kirkcudbrightshire Scotland 1833 Balmaclellan Church Balmaclellan Kirkcudbrightshire Scotland Alterations 1836 Glencairn Parish Church Kirkland Dumfriesshire 1841 Kenmure Castle New Galloway Kirkcudbrightshire Scotland Alterations 1846 Ballochmyle Railway Viaduct Mauchline Ayrshire Scotland Scotland References: Bibliographic References The following books contain references to this architect: Author(s) Date Title Part Publisher Colvin, H M 1995 A Biographical Dictionary of British 3rd Architects 1600-1840 edition New Haven and London: Yale University Press Colvin, Howard London: YUP. 4th edition 2008 A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 Periodical References The following periodicals contain references to this architect: Periodical Name Date Edition Publisher Notes Dumfries and Galloway Standard 18 November 1846 Archive References The following archives hold material relating to this architect: Source Archive Name Source Catalogue No. Notes Census records online Censuses 60 Notes Inscription 292 – Kennedy by Sharon Course In memory of Anna KENNEDY daughter to William KENNEDY late of Knocknalling, 1771. Here youthful bloom fair as the Morning Rose. Sleeps in the silent dust in soft repose. Great was her soul, Integrity of Life. Adorn’d the Maid and Dignified the Wife. ********* And now beyond where Stars and planets shine, She dwells in light and Love and joys divine. Suns may decay stars may lose their Light, ******** And falling Worlds sink in Eternal Night. Whilst thro Eternity She wafts her way, And basks in Beams of Everlasting Day. From the limited records available, Anna appears to be the granddaughter of William Kennedy (Snr) (DOB c1700) and his wife Margaret Blair. William inherited the farm of Knocknalling, which had been in the Kennedy family for many generations. But he also inherited large debts from his late father, which had to be paid, and he had to give his only sister Elizabeth 2000 merks as a dowry. In 1740, he sold Knocknalling to his cousin, David Kennedy, plus another family property, Knockreoch. He retained ownership of a third inherited property, Mardrochwood near Carsphairn, and was living there in 1747. William had two sons also called William. The first was born in 1730 but died in 1731. The second son was born in 1732 and was also called William, to ensure his father’s forename lived on. It is this William who was the father of Anna and had this poetic memorial created. It is difficult to know how old Anna was, as there is no record of her birth, only the date of her death. The poem, in the Romantic style, talks of her youth and how ‘Great was her soul, Integrity of Life. Adorn’d the Maid and Dignified the Wife’. This suggests she was married when she died and may have records under her married name. However, I cannot find any Anna Kennedy/similar within the timeframe. The poem seems to be an original for the headstone as it does not appear on any searches. There is a record that suggests William was also buried in Kells in 1771 but confirmation can’t be found. It is possible that 1771 refers to his death and the stone to Anna was put up later. 61 Inscription 293 – Gordon by Keith Hamblin Inscription 293 * John, along with his brother-in-law, William Gordon of Roberton, were both at Rullion Green, near Pentland, on 28th November 1666. 50 Covenanters were killed by Royalist troops (among them William). 150 Covenanters were taken prisoner. John made his escape, severely wounded. His loss of blood and his lying in the fields for some nights after the battle, so brought him down that after he got home to Largmore, he died soon afterwards, on 6th January 1667. John Gordon of Largmore was apparently buried beside his grandfather who had died 5 years earlier. ** Roger fought at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge on 22nd June 1679 and had many narrow escapes from dragoons subsequently. Roger became Laird of Largmore of the death of John (his father or uncle). *** John Gordon in Nov 1690 had sasine of Largmore. He was succeeded by John Gordon on 16th August 1695. 62 Inscription 293 - The stone shows the Gordon motto "Dread God" along with three boar heads “Pont, on his map, spells the name of thus farm Largmoir, thereby confirming it being from the Gaelic lairic or lairig, a moor, a hill and mor, big or large.” Largmore, in the Garroch Glen - Home of John Gordon (and son Roger Gordon) who only just survived the Pentland Uprising Image - DAC, “Largmore, in the Garroch Glen,” Carsphairn Archive, accessed August 19, 2022, https://www.carsphairn.org/CarsphairnArchive/items/show/3224 63 64 Inscription 308 – Millman by Jennifer Roberts Alfred McKinley Millman, born in 1849 in New Galloway, was the young son of Alfred McKinley Millman MRCSB, M.D. and Provost of New Galloway. Alfred died on the 14 th December 1855 at twelve thirty in the afternoon at Kenview in New Galloway. He had been ill for nine days with acute otitis, an infection of the middle ear which now-a-days can be treated with antibiotics. He was tended by his father, who also signed the death certificate. Mary Anne or Marianne Millman was just seven months old in the 1851 census. She lived at Rose View Cottage in New Galloway with her parents Alfred and Jane Metcalfe, her Grandmother Jane Metcalfe and elder brothers William (see below) and Alfred (see above) and sisters Mary and Emma. Their mother Jane must have been busy with five young children as the eldest Mary was only seven years old. By the time of the next census in 1861 the family had moved to Ken View, in New Galloway High Street. Jane had had another four children by then, Charlotte, Frederic Richard, Sophia and the youngest Georgina who was one. William is not mentioned as living at home. Marianne Kenmure Millman married Robert Seaton Muir a teacher at Ken View on the 27th December 1871. Marianne was twenty-one, Robert ten years her senior. She died less than a year later on the evening of the 15th November 1872 at Sinclair Terrace, Pulteneytown, Wick. Marianne died of peritonitis, a serious infection which can be treated today with antibiotics. It is possible that Marianne had a child before she died, as on the 1881 census a Fanny M. Muir aged eight was staying at Kenview with her grandparents, however the census does record that she was born in 1873. William Hockin McKinley was born on the 25th October 1842 at Arthurstown, Co. Wexford, Ireland. At some stage he emigrated to Canada West landing first at Halifax, Nova Scotia. He married Sarah Elizabeth and they had four sons, Hartley, Turville, Ontario and William. The inscription on William’s memorial at the Woodland Cemetery, London, Middlesex County, Ontario says ‘William was a travelling agent. William's head was struck by falling timbers after he had secured Ontario (8) and Turville (6) in his arms. They were brought ashore still in their father's arms.’ William was thirty-eight years old. For an account of the steamboat incident in which they died see below. Alfred McKinley Millman, the father of Alfred Junior, Mary Anne (or Marianne) and William was born on the 2nd April 1819 at Stone House, Plymouth, Devon, where his father was a clerk in the Royal Naval Hospital. His mother was called Mary. He became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England in 1841. He worked in Coombe Hospital in Dublin the same year and later worked at City of Dublin and Mercers Hospitals, where he became a member of the Irish Royal College of Surgeons. Whilst working in Ireland he married Jane Elizabeth Metcalfe in 1842, by marriage licence. he became the Provost of New Galloway, the Parochial Medical Officer of Balmaclellan, Dalry and Kells...worked on public vaccinations, was an Honorary Assistant Surgeon for the 3rd Kirkcudbrightshire Rifle Volunteers, and...worked for the Hope Assurance Society in a medical capacity He became an M.D. in 1860 at Aberdeen University. Later he became the Provost of New Galloway, the Parochial Medical Officer of Balmaclellan, Dalry and Kells. He worked on public vaccinations, was an Honorary Assistant Surgeon for the 3rd Kirkcudbrightshire Rifle Volunteers, and as well as all these duties he worked for the Hope Assurance Society in a medical capacity. Alfred died on the morning of the 19th July 1881 at Kenview of apoplexy and paralysis, the old term for a stroke. He had suffered for some hours before his death. The obituary column in the local paper mentioned 65 his death and the date and time of his funeral at Kells Churchyard. After his death Alfred left his estate to his widow Jane. The value of his estate was £817.8s.9d. After her husband's death, Jane Metcalfe went to live with her widowed daughter Emma Hawthornthwaite and grand-daughter Ada, at Seaforth in Lancashire. Emma let apartments. Jane died in early summer 1905 at the age of eighty-six. References: Census: 1841, 1851,1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901 Ancestry: www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections [accessed April 2022] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/146912758/william-hockin_mckinley-millman [accessed April 2022] Births, marriages and Deaths, Parish Records, Plymouth and West Devon Record Office 167/8 Civil Registration Death Index 1905, April May and June, West Derby Lancashire. Dublin Ireland Probate Record and Marriage Licence Index pages 367 & 738 Galloway News and Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser Friday 22nd July 1881 www.medicinenet.com/apoplexy/definition.htm [accessed April 2022] NHS Inform Scotland national Probate Index 1881 page 383 Statutory Registers Births Statutory Registers Marriages 868/6 Statutory Registers Deaths 868/1, 043/222, 868/15, 868/15 The Medical Directory for Scotland 1875 page 683 66 Inscription 308 – The Sinking of the Steamer Victoria on the River Thames, London, Canada West 1881 by Jennifer Roberts This account is taken from reports in the British Press at the time of the incident. On Monday three boats of the River Thames Navigation Company took excursionists down the River Thames to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday. The four-mile voyage took the holiday makers from London to the Woodland Cemetery, then to Park Wards Dock and then on to Springbank. The company even lowered their fares to help with the celebrations. On Tuesday the steamer took an even larger number of passengers down to the groves at Springbank. The woods were crowded with people enjoying the holiday. A photograph of an artist’s impression of the steamship Victoria. It is possibly two photos superimposed upon each other. © Ivey Family London Room, London Public Library, London, Ontario, Canada At six o’clock on Tuesday May 24th, the three steamers began to take the excursionists home. The steamer Victoria was the oldest of the three boats, but that spring had undergone a refurbishment and the machinery had been repaired. It had passed its trial trip on the Monday. When the Victoria left Springbank she had around four hundred people on board. At Wards Dock, the next stop, the steamer became overcrowded and according to reports somewhat shaky. On the open deck some of the band of the 7 th Fusiliers were playing music to entertain the passengers, at an attempt to clear a space for dancing the crowd were pushed forward to the bow part of the steamer. At the next stop, at the landing place of the woodland park, another two hundred people pushed on. An eyewitness Mr Duffield said, ‘I saw that the upper deck was too full, but had the idea that the lower was in the same condition. No one could move’ As the Victoria left the landing place she had to swing out to avoid the railway bridge, about one mile from London, she heeled over, and according to Mr Duffield, as the lower deck sunk below water level, people on that side got their feet wet, so there was a rush to the other side of the steamer, Captain Rankin described how there was also a rush to climb onto the upper deck. The steamer lurched and sunk in twelve feet of water. Mr Duffield then went on to describe how the movement of people caused the boiler to shift and go through the side, cutting through the timber supports of the upper deck. This action caused the upper deck to collapse crushing the passengers underneath it wedging them in the water. Mr Duffield said, ‘I heard a great screech, a hissing sound then silence.’ 67 The steamer broke up so quickly that passengers were unable to use the life jackets and life boats. There were several small boats and skiffs in the area and they rushed to the Victoria to help rescue people. The current was swift and many people were swept away before they could be rescued. Many people drowned in family groups. Some lucky passengers were able to grab some of the wreckage. The foggy weather did not help the rescue attempts, which were somewhat chaotic. The city emptied as people rushed to the river banks and bridges in an attempt to help. Fires and petroleum barrels were lit to light the scene as darkness fell. That evening one hundred and seventy people bodies were brought ashore, another hundred were missing presumed drowned. An eye witness described the heart breaking scenes and the wails of anguish as bodies were brought ashore. Over one thousand local families were represented in the casualty list and many ‘prominent citizens’ had perished. Captain Rankin, an old Mississippi River Navigator, blamed the accident onto the behaviour of the passengers. He said at the that the passengers had rushed on, jumping in and climbing over the sides. He ordered them off, but the crowd did not leave. He said that he would not go until the extra passengers left, but still they did not leave. Later on during the trip he said that the passengers were making a lot of noise, singing and moving around, this caused him to notice a different action on the wheel, so he sent a boy to check with the engineer. The engineer said that unless the boat could be straightened she was in danger. Captain Rankin said that a couple of racing row boats came alongside and the crowds rushed to the other side to see them. The engineer sent up a message to the captain to ask the people to move as water was coming in, at that moment the water was half an arms depth. The vessel then lurched and the port bow went down, the boiler shifted and went through the side. The Captain went on to say that there were four hundred and fifty people on board, which rather contradicts his earlier statement. He said all the pumps were working. Mr George Parish the manager of the company said the accident was caused by overcrowding. By Wednesday evening two hundred and thirty eight bodies had been recovered, but it was believed that there were many others beneath the wreck of the Victoria. The Stroud Journal reported that the ‘whole town was in morning’, Image courtesy of Toronto Public Library while the Northampton Chronicle and Echo (NC&E) reported that the steamboat disaster had cast ‘a gloom over all persons in the Dominion resident in England [sic].’ The day after the accident the Common Council for London voted $2000 for a relief fund. The English Lakes Visitor reported that the whole city of London was in mourning, ‘nothing was done except funerals… clergymen and undertakers are worn out…coffins are being imported…some are unburied...burials continued until midnight.’ On the following Saturday the inquest on the bodies of the people who drowned was opened. Mr Bell engineer of the Princess Louise (one of the other company boats) gave evidence that was condemnatory of the Victoria. Samuel Beters an architect had examined the wreck and found the accident was caused by leakage and insufficient stanchions. George Parrish said that he had spent a lot of money fiting the Victoria out and although it emerged she had been sailing without a certificate, he maintained that ‘he could not charge himself with neglect or carelessness in any way.’ The jury found a number of reasons for the cause of the accident: 68 • • • • • • • the capsizing was caused by water in the hold, possibly from a snag in the river the boiler was not securely fastened, the stanchions were too slender and not properly braced the engineer was guilty of negligence in letting the boat sail with water in the hold the captain was guilty in accepting the dual role of position of captain and wheelman, so could not give sufficient attention to the management of the boat there was no proper examination of the boat she did not carry sufficient hands (a captain, engineer, fireman, two deck hands and a purser) she had no certificate At the close of the inquest Rankin and Parrish were arrested in the lobby of City Hall on a charge of manslaughter. They were committed for trial. Rankin and Parish were later released, each paying $3,000 bail. The case came before the Middlesex Grand Jury during the autumn assizes in September 1881. When the grand jury handed down its verdict on the twenty-second of September it had refused to indict either man. Rankin and Parish were freed. Amongst the dead were William Hocken McKinley Millman aged thirty-six and his two eldest sons Ontario and Turville. William was the son of Alfred McKinley MRCSB of New Galloway and his wife Jane Metcalfe. N.B. The name Parrish is spelt variously in the articles. References: National Newspaper Archive [online] [accessed April 2022] Aberdeen Evening express Tuesday 28th June 1881 Diss Express Friday 3rd June 1881 Dundee Courier friday 22nd July 1881 English Lakes Visitor Saturday 4th June 1881 Northampton Chronicle and Echo Monday 30th May 1881 Stroud Journal Saturday 28th May 1881 Victoria (Steamboat), capsized, 24 May 1881: Maritime History of the Great Lakes [accessed 10th August 2022] Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer Saturday 28th May 1881 Images [online] [accessed 16th April 2022]: 1st image An artistic depiction of the "Last Trip of the Victoria", Springbank Park, London, Ontario: Ivey Family London Room Digital Collections (ourontario.ca) 2nd image Wreck of the Steamer ''Victoria'' – All Items – Digital Archive : Toronto Public Library (tpl.ca) 69 Inscription 314 – Murray by Sue Taylor 70 71 72 73 Inscription 354 – Maitland Gordon by Laura Anderson James Charles Maitland Gordon of Kenmure, born Jan 24 1850, died Nov 12 1915 James Charles Maitland Gordon was baptised on the 14th of February in 1850, his mother was noted as Louisa Bellamy and his father as James Maitland. Their residence was noted as Carpshairn. In the 1861 census, James C Maitland was 11 years old and resided away from his parents with a Mary J Compton and Helen L Compton who were teachers residing at Talbot Place in St Cuthberts, Newington. His parents were married on the 7th of September 1837 in the parish of Kells. The 1881 census shows James C Maitland aged 31 living with his grandmother, Louise Gordon Bellamy Munro. His mother is noted as a landed proprietress and as a widow. Also in the house is Harriet F Copland, the daughter of Louisa who was 61, also a widow and who was born at sea. James was joined by two of his siblings: his elder brother John G Maitland who was married, aged 42 and was a Colonel of Volunteers, and his elder sister Louisa Maitland who was 33. Also noted in the household as a visitor was Dora Williamson, James C Maitland’s future wife. James C Maitland and Dora Wordsworth Williamson were married in 1892 within Wandsworth, London. James identified himself as a landed proprietor who was living at Kenmure Castle. After his wife passed in 1903, James may have married again to either a Florence Broomfield or Dorothy Trenna Curwen in Marylebone London in 1905. James identified himself as a landed proprietor who was living at Kenmure Castle. James Charles Maitland Gordon passed aged 65 in Richmond, Surrey. Also at Kells graveyard is the Gravestone of James’s elder brother, erected by his wife Jane G. Maitland. The gravestone notes that John and therefore James was the “son of Louisa Maitland Gordon of Kenmure by her marriage with the Rev. James Maitland. Minister of Kells”. 74 Inscription 355 – Maitland by Sandra Williamson NORVEL FALCONER MAITLAND Born 8th September 1851 Baptised 2nd October 1851 at Kells Died 13th December 1916 aged 65. Norvel’s father was Rev. James Mailtand of Kells Parish Church. His mother was Louisa Bellamy Maitland born in the East Indies (British subject) Norvel was a brother to 7 siblings: John, Louisa, Frances, Eleanor, Jane, James and Louis. Norvel married Manuela Louisa Gadino (daughter of the Captain of the Peruvian Navy) in the town of Iquique in Northern Chile in 1886. Norvel married Manuela Louisa Gadino (daughter of the Captain of the Peruvian Navy) in the town of Iquique in Northern Chile in 1886. Gravestone of Norvel Falconer Maitland Their first child Mary Louise was born in 1892 in Kenmure Castle, Kells. Thereafter the rest of their children were born in Chile. Their son William Kenmure Maitland was born in 1896 was a second Lieutenant 5th Battalion Middlesex Reg attached to the 63rd Trench Mortary Battery at the age of 20. He was commissioned in the 5th Middlesex in February 1915 and went to France in July 1915. 75 Inscription 361 – Nodwell by Jackie Carson From the grave inscription: Died Yorkhill 19th Nov 1918 aged 24 (born 1894?) Father Samuel Nodwell died New Galloway 5th March 1921 aged 57 (born 1864?) Mother Janet Lockerbie died Dalbeattie 21st May 1931 aged 67 (born 1864?) Mary Lockerbie died Hardgate 17th Dec 1955 aged 63 (born 1892?) National Library of Scotland: Jane Lauder – nothing Jane Nodwell – 1901 census record, born in Hawick, listed as scholar living in Black Bull hotel in Moffat with: Father Samuel born 1864 (hotel keeper and post master) Mother Janet born 1864 Mary born 1892 James born 1897 Janet born 1898 3 others Samuel Nodwell – Grave 361 inscription Janet Lockerbie – Mother Mary Lowther and father John Lockerbie. Death record with grave 361 inscription Found a Janet Lockerbie in 1871 census in Southwick Road, Urr, Dalbeattie aged 2 (Mother Margaret). Birth date listed as 1869. Mary Lockerbie Scotland’s People: Jane Lauder Nodwell 1911 census living in Kells – age 17 Birth record Hawick 1894 Samuel Nodwell 1911 census living in Kells – age 47 1901 census in Moffat – age 37 1891 census in Roxburgh – age 27 Valuation rolls: 1905 Black bull hotel Moffat 1895 Washing Houses/ Spirit Shop Hawick Wills and Testaments: Spirit Merchant, Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway6 Janet Lockerbie (as Nodwell) 1911 census living in Kells - age 47 Other (Google): Jane Lauder Nodwell New Galloway war memorial Dumfries Academy war memorial 6 Dumfries Academy Memorial, Column 1 https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/273925/ https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/recordresults?search_type=People&surname=Nodwell&forename=Samuel&forename_so=starts&from_year=1864&to_yea r=1922&surname_so=exact&record_type=wills_testaments 76 Find a grave: Died of influenza at Yorkhill war hospital. Father listed as Samuel Nodwell of Cross Keys Hotel, New Galloway. Copy of death notification from Dumfries and Galloway Standard The Scottish Military Research Group: lots of discussion regarding her position as a VAD and commemoration Listed in Lives of the first world war and Memorials to Women in Scotland Voluntary Aid Detachment New Galloway Memorial, Image 4 http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/viewtopic.php?t=725 Death Notification in D and G Standard https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71197610/jane-lauder-nodwell 77 Inscription 410 – Robertson by Claire Williamson In Loving Memory of Jessie Agnes Robertson died 15th Feb 1936. Cecil David Robertson, Sergt. RAF VR missing 5th May 1941. Agnes Robertson died 30th March 1946. Agnes Robertson 1868 – 1946 Jessie Agnes Robertson 1897 – 1936 Cecil David Robertson 1921 – 1941 Agnes Robertson Agnes was born in 1868 in Kelton, Kirkcudbrightshire to her parents, farm-worker William and his wife Agnes. By the time of the 1891 census, our Agnes had moved out and was now living by herself at No. 1 Auchengassel Cots in Twynholm. She was 23, unmarried, and her own boss working as a Dressmaker. In 1897 Agnes gave birth to her daughter, Jessie Agnes Robertson. Jessie’s father was never named and Agnes never married. Agnes was 23, unmarried, and her own boss working as a Dressmaker. By the 1901 census Agnes, now aged 33, and her daughter, now 4, had moved in with her brother James and his family at at Balquhairn, Dalry, Kirkcudbrightshire. Her brother James is a widower and Farm manager, aged 36, living with his four children – James (scholar aged 8), William D. (scholar aged 7), May A. (aged 2) and Maggie J. (aged 1) – and was probably glad of the help. Also in the household was Agnes’s and James’s mother, Mrs William Robertson, by this time a widow aged 72. There were also two servants: Elizabeth and Oswald Ferguson. Elizabeth is 19 and recorded as a ‘General serv (domestic)’ and Oswald is 17 and a ‘Worker’. By 1911, Agnes had moved again. This time living in Clydoch, Balmaclellan: a house with at least four rooms. She is living there with her 14-year-old daughter Jessie and also her niece, Maggie J. Robertson, aged 11, who must have moved out of her father’s house to live with her. Agnes is also back to working for herself as a Dressmaker based in her own home. By 1921, Agnes and her daughter had moved to live on the High Street in New Galloway which is where they chose to live out the rest of their days. Agnes died at home in New Galloway on the 30th March 1946 (the recorded transcription has it as 1948, which appears to be an error). She died of Hemiplegia, which is the paralysis of half of the body often caused by a stroke. She was recorded as being 75 years old on her death certificate, but this does not quite match with her birth year as being 1868 (as it is recorded on the census), which would make her a few years older. Her death was registered by her niece Maggie. Jessie Agnes Robertson Jessie was born in 1897 in Twynholm, Kirkcudbrightshire and lived with her mother Agnes in Dalry and Balmaclellan before they settled in New Galloway. 78 Jessie gave birth to her son Cecil in 1921 at their home on the High Street. She never married and Cecil’s father is not named on the records. Jessie worked as a PostOffice Assistant and raised Cecil alongside her mum (Cecil’s gran) Agnes. Jessie's signature on Cecil's birth certificate Jessie continued to work as a Post-Office Assistant until she died on 15th February 1936, aged 39. She died of pneumonia while at home in New Galloway. Cecil David Robertson Cecil was born on 10th June 1921 at 5:15am to Jessie Agnes Robertson at home on the High Street in New Galloway. His father is not named on his birth certificate. Cecil first attended New Galloway School and then went on to Kirkcudbright Academy. While at Kirkcudbright, Cecil seems to have come 3rd in the William Lidderdale Hornel prize, as reported by the Dumfries and Galloway Standard on Wednesday 5th July 1939. According to The Galloway News on Saturday 1st July 1939, he also won sports’ prizes including the “Trophy Caps for Rugby Football”, the “Inter-house championship” for Stewart House and “The M’Kerrow Cup for All-round Excellence” (scholarship, leadership, athletics). Photograph of Cecil Robertson, bottom row, second from the right – many thanks to Helen of the Kirkcudbright History Society and David and Hazel from Broughton House for finding this image In 1940, Cecil joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve where he was noted as “very popular with all the ranks” and quickly earned promotion to the rank of Sergeant Observer (Service Number: 970095). 79 By May 1941, Cecil was in the 235 Squadron, which by that time had been transferred to Coastal Command for fighter-reconnaissance duties. At 8:30am on the 5th of May 1941, Cecil joined two other crew members, Sgt B.L.T. Crawforth (742675) and Sgt W.K. Blackford (944341), as they took off from Bircham Newton for a ‘Danish Sweep’. They were flying a Blenheim IV Z5742 and were one of a section of three aircraft on patrol near the Danish coast. The three aircraft became engaged with enemy fighters off Borkum before the other two aircraft lost sight of Robertson’s plane. Robertson was reported as missing to his grandmother, Agnes, who lived on the High Street in New Galloway at the time. At 8:30am on the 5th of May 1941, Cecil joined two other crew members...as they took off from Bircham Newton for a ‘Danish Sweep’. The aircraft had been shot down by Me 110s and crashed in the sea off the coast of Denmark. In June 1941, Mrs Robertson received a letter from Cecil’s commanding officer that, according to the International Red Cross Society quoting official information from Berlin, Cecil had been picked up seriously wounded in the North Sea. He did not recover from his wounds and died on the 5th of May 1941 at the age of 19. He was buried in the cemetery at Wilhelmshaven, and he was recorded as the son of Jessie Agnes Robertson and the nephew of Maggie Jane Livingston of Barrhead, Renfrewshire: his mother’s cousin who lived with them in 1911 at Balmaclellan and who must have remained close. Today, Cecil rests in the Sage War Cemetery (Location: 8. A. 3) in the north of Germany. The cemetery is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Sage War Cemetery 80 Inscription 436 – Kennedy by Michelle MacIver In Memory of John Murray Kennedy of Knocknalling born 5th April 1876 fell asleep 24th March 1928. John Murray Kennedy was the grandson of John Kennedy of Knocknalling (1769-1855) (see picture below), who made his fortune in cotton mills in Manchester and introduced steam power into the mills.7 John Kennedy of Knocknalling 7 For further information on John Kennedy of Knocknalling see Inscriptions 209 & 210 and links: https://www.artwarefineart.com/gallery/portrait-john-kennedy-laird-knocknalling-new-galloway-1769-1855-textilemanufacturer and http://www.kirkcudbright.co/historyarticle.asp?ID=154&p=7&g=4 81 Inscription 437 – Kennedy by Michelle MacIver In Memory of Violet Frances, Daughter of John Murray Kennedy of Knocknalling, beloved wife of Archibald James Murray St Clair, 16th Baron Sinclair, born 21st September 1881 died 7th November 1953 Violet Frances Kennedy was born to John Murray Kennedy and Frances Eleanor Catherine Brandling Kennedy on 21st September 1881. Her address was listed as 35 Grosvenor Place in London. She was 24 years old. Violet married Archibald James Murray St Clair at St Peter’s, Pimlico in London on 31st January 1906. Archibald was a baron and Violet became Lady Violet St Clair. She appears in the 1918 Electoral register for Queens Gate, Kensington, London. Her name appears, alongside that of her husband, on the incoming passenger list for the Majestic, a White Star line boat that left New York and arrived in Southampton on 10 th August 1928. Her address is listed as Milton Park, Dalry Kirk. According to the Kirkcudbrightshire OS name book, the Milton Park property belonged to her father. Violet died in 7th November 1953 in Kirkcudbrightshire. Inscription 438 – St Clair by Michelle MacIver In Memory of Archibald James Murray St Clair, 16th Baron Sinclair born 18th February 1875 died 25th November 1957 Archibald James Murray St Clair was born to Lord Charles W St Clair and Lady Margaret J St Clair on the 18th February 1875. Listed on the 1881 census, aged 6, as “The Master of Sinclair”, living in Onslow Square, St Mary Abbots, Chelsea, London. He commissioned in the Royal Scots Greys as a 2nd lieutenant in 1896. He became lieutenant in 1899 and Captain in 1901. He served in both the Boer war and WW1. From 1914 to 1938, he served as Extra Equerry (a position of honour) to Prince Arthur of Connaught, the Colonel in chief of the Scots Greys. From 1923 to 1957 he was a member of the Royal Company of Archers (performing duties at the request of the Monarch and in ceremonial occasions). The photo below shows him in 1898 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Scots Greys. In 1918 he was accepted as a member of the Royal Victorian Order and around 1919 he was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun. In the 1911 census, he was recorded as residing with his wife in Yorkshire, East Riding. No children after 5 years of marriage. Archibald James Murray St Clair He became the 16th Baron Lord Sinclair on 22nd April 1922. He was Justice of the Peace in Kirkcudbrightshire. 82 Listed as an outward passenger, (Sinclair) with his wife in 1938 heading for Port Said. Address is listed as 26 Curzon Street. His daughter Patricia Mary St Clair and a servant (who travelled 2nd class) are also listed. In 1918 he was accepted as a member of the Royal Victorian Order and around 1919 he was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun. He died on 25th November 1957 and was succeeded by his son Charles (born 21st June 1914: died 1st April 2004) and daughter Patricia (Born 17th March 1912: Died 13th December 1996). Medal roll Card for Capt. A J M St Clair Marriage Certificate of A J M St Clair and Violet Frances Kennedy 83 Inscription 464 – Stokes by Thais Poyo-Gonzalez 1860-1931 Alfred Stokes Alfred was born on 14 October 1860, the son of John Stokes and Henrietta de Villiers Maynard, in Galatz, Roumania. He became a British Subject, and was a career Army Officer, rising to the rank of Brigadier General. 1868-1957 Margaret Dunbar Laing Margaret was born on 9 January 1868, the daughter of James Laing and Theresa Talbot Peacock, at Sunderland, County Durham. When Margaret Dunbar Laing was born on 9 January 1868, in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom, her father, James Laing, was 45 and her mother, Theresa Talbot Peacock, was 36. She married Alfred Stokes on 11 August 1891, in Ford, Northumberland, England, United Kingdom. Marriage 1891 Alfred Stokes Margaret Dunbar Laing 1901 Census Ford, Northumberland RG13-564 1891 3Q Glendale 10b 619 1 April 1901 Woolwich, London 59 Woolwich Common Alfred Stokes Margaret D. (Wife) Letitia E. Cameron (Visitor) Plus 2 Servants Age 30 Major in Army Age 23 Age 36 Galatz Sunderland Durham Roumania Durham East Indies 14 Oct 1860 9 Jan 1868 abt 1864 She lived in Ford, Northumberland, England, United Kingdom in 1891. She died on 12 September 1957, in Eastbourne, Sussex, England, United Kingdom, at the age of 89. Not identified any children. STOKES, ALFRED, Major, was born 14 October 1860, son of Lieutenant General Sir John Stokes, KCB, of Ewell, Surrey, and Henrietta Georgina de Villiers (who died in 1893), second daughter of Charles Maynard, of Grahamstown, Cape of Good Hope. He was educated at Cheltenham, and joined the Royal Artillery, as a Lieutenant, 18 February 1880, serving in South Africa in 1881; in the Bechuanaland Expedition 23 December 1884 to 12 March 1885, and was honourably mentioned in Despatches. He became Captain 25 April 1888, and Major 25 December 1897. Major Stokes served in the South African War from 1899 to 1900; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action of Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 27 February 1900, and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in the Transvaal, May and June 1900; operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River, including action at Ruidam. 84 He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "Alfred Stokes, Major, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 3 June 1901. He became Lieutenant Colonel 14 November 1905; was given the Brevet of Colonel 14 November 1908, and was promoted to Colonel 14 November 1910. Colonel Stokes was Temporary Brigadier General, commanding Royal Artillery in India, from 22 December 1911, and served in the European War from 1914; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a CB in 1915, and a CMG in 1916. He retired from the Staff 2 September 1918, with the rank of Brigadier General. Brigadier General Stokes married, in 1891, Margaret Dunbar, daughter of Sir James Laing, of Etal Manor, Northumberland. Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) 85 Inscription 482 – McLeod by Pat Swiatek 86 Inscription 482 located within Kells Church Examples of Travel Documentation: 87 88 Inscription 484 – Maitland by Keith Hamblin Inscription 484 - erected inside Kells church at first floor height, in perfect condition External memorial (No. 17) to John and Jane Gordon Maitland Showing position of Inscription 484 above first floor pews 89 From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Maitland_(minister): H.M. 38th Foot: It is likely that John Gordon Maitland served with them during the expedition against the Black Mountain tribes in 1868 prior to taking up command of the Galloway Rifles in 1871. 90 Information on the background of the Galloway Rifles including the uniform format at the time of John Gordon Maitland. He was Colonel commanding between 1871 and 1887: 91 Inscriptions x 18 – Johnston / Johnstone by Murray Johnston 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 Index Corson, 51 Aitchison, 45, 48, 49 Covenanters, 55, 62-64 Alexander, 96, 97 Battle of Bothwell Bridge, 62-64 Battle of Rullion Green, 62-64 Anderson, 96 Australia, 42 Cowan, 36, 49 Barber, 57 Craig, 36, 48 Barbour, 26 Crawford, 39 Barclay, 24 Crimean War Scots Guards, 43 Sebastopol, 43 Barker, 38, 39 Bateson, 6–15, 39 Crosbie, 43 Best, 8, 12 Crowther, 38 Bengal, 38, 50 Davies, 90 Bellamy, 90 Dickie, 87 Biggar, 93 Douglas, 5, 34, 36, 43, 45, 46 Blair, 61 Duae, 62 Boer War Dunn, 94 Manchester Regiment, 21 Royal Artillery, 85 Royal Scots Greys, 82 Egremont, 6, 37, 38, 39 Ewart, 46, 55-56 Broadfoot, 87 Ferguson, 78 Brown, 24, 32-33, 55, 86, 96 Foley, 5 Byers, 33 France, 17 Campbell, 30, 34, 35, 36, 52 Galloway Rifles, 39, 89, 90, 91 Canada Galloway Royal Volunteers, 32 Manitoba, 31 Nova Scotia, 65 Ontario, 65, 67 Ottawa, 19 Quebec, 19 Gillespie, 46, 47, 70-71, 72 Gordon, 7, 25, 29, 34, 49, 62-64, 70-71, 74, 89, 90, 91 Graveyards (in Dumfries & Galloway) Cannan, 55 Balmaclellan, 46, 47, 48 Carruthers, 48 Greenwell, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 Ceylon (Sri Lanka), 49 Greggan, 43-44 Chapman, 52 Grierson, 55 Chile, 75, 86 Griggan, 43 China, 46 Hairstones, 5 Connan, 27 Hall, 29, 38, 49, 69 Copland, 74 Hamilton, 90 Corps of Royal Engineers, 40 Harding, 8 99 Hastings, 5 Logie, 32 Hawthornthwaite, 66 Lorimer, 87 Heatherington, 38 Lowther, 76 Herese, 51 Lumsden, 47, 48 Hewitson, 34-35 Lyall, 16 th H.M. 30 Foot, 89 MacGowan/McGowan, 70, 72, 73, 87 Hoatson, 34 Madras Native Infantry, 89 Hobbs, 40-42, 45 Maitland, 7, 29, 39, 40-42, 74, 75, 89-91 Hollins, 47 Manson, 45 Hope, 24, 26, 36, 46, 47 Martin, 92, 93, 95 Huckans/Higgins, 8, 9 Maxwell, 21-23 Hunter, 27 Maynard, 84 Hyslop, 24-25, 46 McBurny, 51 India, 26, 38, 39, 41, 42, 45, 49, 85 McCandlish, 49, 59-60 Indian Rebellion of 1857 McChesnie, 54 Bengal Native Infantry, 38 Fort Tirowlee, 38 Madras Regiment, 39 McCheyne, 30-31 McCubbin, 27 Ireland, 65, 66 McCubbing, 27-28 Jamaica, 24, 45, 96 McCulloch, 36 Jardine, 54 McGarvah, 32 Johnston, 16, 40, 47, 92-98 McGill, 58, 94 Johnstone, 92-98 McIver, 86 Keir, 7 McKay, 57-58 Kennedy, 24-25, 47, 49, 52-53, 61, 81, 82 McKinley, 26, 65, 69 Kerr, 86, 87 McLachlan, 43-44 McLeod, 86-88 Kidd, 27 McMillan, 5, 25, 34 Laidler, 8 McMinnies, 94 Laing, 84, 85 McNairn, 27-28 Landsburgh, 24 McNaughton/McNaught, 86, 93 Laws, 9 McTurk, 94 Laurie, 28 McQueen, 27-28 Lee, 6, 7, 14, 37-39 Medals/Honours Livingston, 80 Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, 85 Lockerbie, 76 100 Craigdews, 32 Cross Keys Hotel, 76, 77 Culmark, 34 Dalnotry, 32 Drumbain, 34 Dundeugh, 27 Garverie, 62 Glenlee, 24, 43, 46 Glenlee Park 7, 38 Glenlee Mains, 24 Glenlochar House, 6 Glenlochar Lodge, 7, 38 Graymarestail, 32 Greenhead, 59 Halfmark, 96 Hawkshead, 26 Kells Manse, 16 Kenbank, 24 Kenmure, 7, 29, 39, 49, 60, 70-73, 74, 75, 89, 90 Kenview, 65, 66 Kilquhanity Cottage, 30 Knockknalling, 24 Knocknaling, 52 Knocknalling, 52, 61, 81, 82 Largmore, 62, 63 Little Marwhirn, 94 Manse of Balmaclellan, 46 Manse of Kells, 27, 35 Mardrochwood, 61 Meadowbank, 40, 41, 45, 48, 49 Mill House, New Galloway, 92, 93 Milton Park, 82 Mulloch, 55 Naugahway, 57 Nether Fenton, 95 Old Glenlee, 43 Overton, 7, 37, 38, 39 Porters Lodge, 43 Ringour, 26 Rose View Cottage, 65 Spalding Arms Inn, 41 Stranfasket, 95, 96, 97 Summerhill House, 94 Troquain, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 Wylies Brae, 28 Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, 83 Legion d'Honneur, 19, 87 Military Medal, 34 Order of the British Empire, 19 Queen's Medal, 85 Royal Victorian Order, 83 Territorial Decoration, 47 Metcalfe, 65, 66, 69 Middleton, 34 Milligan, 95, 98 Millman, 26, 65-66, 69 Mitchell, 93 Morocco, 86 Muir, 36, 65 Mulholland, 30 Murdoch, 57 Murray, 16, 26, 32-33, 40, 45-49, 53, 57, 7073 New Zealand Wellington, 35 Nicholson, 26 Nodwell, 76-77 Norval, 90 Palmer, 8 Paterson, 36 Peacock, 84 Philip, 16-20, 35 Place-Names (in Dumfries & Galloway) Ashburn Cottage, 25 Auchengassel, 78 Balmaclellan Manse, 46 Balmclellan school house, 58 Balquhairn, 78 Barsheoch Mains, 27 Barskeoch, 35 Black Bull Hotel, 76 Boat of Rhone, 26 Burnfoot, 7 Bush, 96, 98 Cairn Edward, 6, 7, 37, 39 Proudfoot, 24, 95 Reilly, 50 Republic of Vanuatu Clydoch, 78 Havanna Harbour, 39 101 Rerrick Poltergeist, 55 United States of America Ritchie, 42, 87 Illinois, 5 Louisiana, 5 Missouri, 5 New York, 41, 45 South Carolina, 49 Vermont, 34, 35 Robertson, 78-80 Roe, 54 Royal Artillery, 50, 84 Royal Horse Artillery, 32 Vicksburg (ship), 46 Sayer, 17 Watson, 34 Scotch Express Disaster, 21 Williamson, 21, 29, 74 Scots Fusilier Guards, 44 Willis, 8 Scott, 86, 87 World War I Shenan, 93 Battle of Langmarck, 47 Battle of the Lys, 34 Battle of the Somme, 28 Cameron Highlanders, 28, 30, 31 Flanders, 34 HMS Narborough, 31 Indian Regiments, 16 Kings Royal Rifle Corps, 35 Middlesex Regiment, 75 Royal Artillery, 85 Royal Scots Greys, 82 Scottish Borderers, 31, 47 Vermelles, 30 War Correspondent, 17-18 Yorkhill war hospital, 77 Ypres, 34 Simpson, 95 Sinclair, 24, 25, 65, 82, 83 Steamer Victoria, 67-69 St Clair, 82-83 Stanley, 29 Stewart, 28, 46, 47, 48, 79 Stokes, 84-85 Strawn, 5 Thompson, 34, 57 Thomson, 5, 59 Tunisia, 86 World War II Danish coast, 80 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 79 War Correspondent, 18-19 End of document 102  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters at Kells – Results Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_101 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2022 Description An account of the resource The Grave Encounters project recruited volunteers to undertake research into the memorial inscriptions at Kells graveyard in New Galloway. GGLP graveyards https://glenkensarchive.scot/glenkens_archive/files/original/15/560/GGLP-CYDI-GraveEncountersAtKells_ActivitySheet.pdf d5eabd4a74029d8d08ddb66ccda64971 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters at Kells – Activity Sheet Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document ACTIVITY SHEET Grave Encounters at Kells I NST R UC T IO N S 1 Can you find the carvings on the gravestones (in no particular order), based on the simple illustrations? Please write the person’s name beside it. 2 Kells Kirkyard is classed as a Category B Listed Building - this means that it has been recognised as having ‘special’ architectural or historic interest. These carvings are 3 4 hundreds of years old and many still have the year visible. Can you spot which one is the oldest? Some of the carvings represent what the people did for a living, can you guess what the person at Carving 6 did? Carving 7 is called a ‘winged soul’. These are fairly common, see if you can keep count of how many there are as you go round the gravestones. 5 6 7 8 9 10 B O N U S Q U ES TI O N Next to one of the gravestones sits a rare example of a wooden WWII battlefield cross that’s been brought over from France. Can you find it and write down the name that appears on it?  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Grave Encounters at Kells – Activity Sheet Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GGLP_100 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource GGLP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource GCAT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2022 Description An account of the resource The Grave Encounters project recruited volunteers to undertake research into the memorial inscriptions at Kells graveyard in New Galloway. GGLP graveyards