It was announced this evening that Her Majesty the Queen has sadly passed away. She was 96 years of age. May she rest in peace.
In the above photograph Her Majesty the Queen is with her late husband HRH Prince Philip and both are waving to the public from the balcony of Hamilton’s Municipal Buildings (Library & Townhouse) at Cadzow Street, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Townhouse Offices were officially opened by the Queen’s grandfather King George V on the 9th July, 1914. The Queen and HRH Prince Philip visited Hamilton on Monday , 29th June, 1953, just weeks after her Coronation. The visit was included within her tour of Lanarkshire. After an inspection of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), the Queen met with all the necessary dignitaries who were present and then attended a luncheon at the County Buildings in Almada Street.
Courtesy of Dominic Creechan, who’s father Jimmy Creechan features in the photograph that was originally displayed in the Hamilton Advertiser newspaper. The exact date it was taken is unknown but was most likely the late 1950’s to Early 1960’s approximately. Many prominent catholic men are gathered on the steps leading into St Mary’s RC Church in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The photograph also features the then priest for the church Fr McNamee. Dan Daly, my great uncle John McManus (who was a popular musician/entertainer for the town), his father and my great grandfather Henry “Scout” McManus (who was a Goalkeeper for Hibernian F.C. and popular musician for the town) and lastly my grandfather Axe Murphy.
November 1905.F. & Pipes marked thus (thick coloured blue line)
Alterations to date in iron pipes ” ” (thin coloured red lines).
By Alexander Cullen. Architect.
The above detailed drawing from November c. 1905 shows the Plan of Drains for Neilsland House. It was kindly gifted to me from Sir Simon Watson 6th Bt of Neilsland and Earnock. Out of all my history documents and photos that I have gathered or acquired over the years this is by far my prize possession. Because the drawing details the entire ground floor plan of Neilsland House and it was created by Alexander Cullen. Architect. who was responsible for the design of many of Hamilton’s grand Victorian buildings.
A Merry Christmas To You All! This Snow Covered Swiss Cottage, Neilsland photograph was taken during the 1940’s and was kindly sent to me by William McIntosh.
Keep the Heid! Here he is, in all of his majestic splendor! The Lord Byron Statue At The Swiss Cottage, Neilsland c. 1940’s, with his head intact. Gathering up his cloak with his left hand and clasping a book in his right, he settles down in a seated position within the tranquil surroundings to take rest and gaze out on the pond, in an afternoon’s repose.
In the foreground of the photograph you can see the entrance and exit point of a small water drainage channel that led away from the rockery and down towards the weir. Behind Lord Byron and some rhododendron shrubs is a more close-up and detailed front view of The Swiss Cottage.
The photograph was kindly sent to me by William McIntosh. He informed me that at the time the photograph was taken there were at least three statues located at the site; 1): Lord Byron, 2): Robert Burns and 3): Mary Of Argyle. The Burns statue was located near the Swiss Cottage and the correct title for the statue is “the figure….resting from the plough” or “Burns….resting from the plough”. The sculpture was recently purchased by the Carluke Parish Historical Society and placed in an undisclosed safe location until a permanent site can be found. The Mary Of Argyle statue was positioned near the small original stone bridge and its current location is unknown.
This is the second only photograph of the Swiss Cottage, Neilsland to have ever been published. It was kindly sent to me by William McIntosh. William’s uncle lived in the cottage during the 1940’s and in fact his cousin was actually born there. It is interesting to note the scale of the cottage as it is much larger than I had previously thought. This is a view looking at one of the sides of the cottage from the now Woodhead Green side of the weir.
PRESENTATION BY MR. WATSON OF JERSEY COWS TO HIS TENANTRY.
(From Hamilton Advertiser, 11th June, 1892.)
Thursday was a memorable day at Earnock—-the occasion being the presentation by Mr. Watson Of Jersey Cows To each of his tenants. The conception of the present, like the presentation itself, is quite unique, and is another evidence of kindly interest which the genial and light-hearted laird takes in all around him. In order to make the event with due ‘eclat, he invited a large and influential party to the mansion-house, and another to Hillhouse, the Home Farm, where the presentation took place. The Guests at the mansion-house were;—-Lord Provost Muir, Glasgow ; Mr. J. C. Forrest of Udston ; Bailie Wylie, Treasurer Keith, Colonel Austine, Mr. W. A. Dykes, Dr. Lennox, Commander Mc Hardy, Dr. Louden, Mr. W. Brown, Mr. J. C. McKay, Mr. Alex Watt, Rev. Dr. Thomson, Rev. Mr. Paterson, Mr. D. Patrick, Colonel Lynch, Mr. W. Naismith, Hamilton; Mr. More, Mr. John Methven, Mr. Simpson, Mr. John Grieve, Mr. D. Mitchell, Mr. David Thomson, Edinburgh ; Mr. Thomson, Clovenfords ; Mr. James Reid, Auchterarader ; Mr. C. M. Williamson, Mr. A. Buchan, Mr. A. Strain, Mr. Robert Young, Mr. A. H. Simpson, Mr. D. Graham, Mr. Hugh Brown, Mr. John Connal, Mr. Robert Anderson, Mr. Robert Cameron, Mr. D. McLellan, Mr. J. Livingston, Mr. W. Stewart, Mr. J. Wallace, Glasgow ; Colonel Harington-Stuart of Torrance; Mr. Colin Dunlop of Quarter ; Mr. Alex. Cullen, Mr. T. Watson, Motherwell ; Mr. McQueen, Rev. Mr. Harper, Wishaw ; Mr. T. Cowan, Greenock, &c. Not the least auspicious factor in the day’s proceedings was the magnificent weather, under the brightness of which everything was seen to the utmost advantage.
On arriving at Earnock House, the company was received by Mr. Watson and Mr. J. Watson Junr. They then, under their guidance, walked around the lawns, &c., where the blaze of beauty of the shrubs, trees, and especially the rhododendrons, was highly appreciated, and struck every observer ; the garden was next visited, and the stables. Getting into carriages and wagonettes, the party then drove to Midstone Hall, the mansion where Mr. Watson is just completing as the residence of his son, Mr. T. W. Watson, W.S. The grounds and show of rhododendrons here are one of the sites of the neighbourhood, and the blooms will ultimately rival if they do not excel those at Earnock. The house, which may be said to have been built if merely altered, is most unique in character, and is a standing testimonial to the artistic skill and zeal of Mr. Alexander Cullen, Architect. Mr. T. W. Watson received the party, and conducted them through the principal rooms—the most interesting of these being the billiard room. The walls of this latter are covered with tiles (by Doulton, of London) on which are depicted by a masterly hand scenes from novels of Sir Walter Scott. After partaking of refreshments, the party visited the well-known Swiss chalet, and then drove direct to Earnock House. Here, In the large dining-room, they sat down to a most sumptuous luncheon—the only drawback to the thorough enjoyment of which was the short time which the fulfilment of the subsequent important duties of the day allowed for it’s consumption. After lunch, and before proceeding to Home Farm, Lord Provost Muir of Glasgow, in brief but most choice and appropriate terms, proposed the health of the host. He alluded to the generous character of Mr. Watson, to the almost princely hospitality they had partaken of, and to the great beauty of the place, which could hardly be excelled anywhere. The toast was pledged most heartily.
THE TENANTRY LUNCHEON.
The Hay-Shed at Home Farm was converted into a veritable bower, the wooden walls being hidden form view by a profusion of fir branches relieved with twigs of broom. Along with the brightly set tables, and the magnificent potted plants with which they were set off, the ensemble was artistic and pleasing, and the well-shaded interior was a grateful retreat from the broiling sun outside. The table was loaded with choicest viands and richest wines and other liquors, and nearly eighty ladies and gentlemen were present. Mr. John Watson, Junr., occupied the chair, and Mr. T. W. Watson was the croupier. The dinner was purveyed by Mr. Campbell, of the Commercial Hotel, and, as already stated, was of a most recherch’e character, while the waiting left nothing to be desired. After ample justice had been done to good things,
THE CHAIRMAN gave “The Queen,” which was duly pledged.
Mr. W. McGhie, Kingston Cottage, next proposed “The Laird of Earnock.” He frankly confessed, in looking round that table, he had never spoken to such a company in his life. Beginning with “Adam” (Mr. Nicol)—(Laughter)—they had all ages and sexes represented, and they were met on a very memorable occasion. (Cheers.) As to his toast, the name of John Watson was a household word—not in Hamilton only, but throughout Scotland. (Cheers.) Mr. Watson proposed introducing some Jersey cattle into the district for the benefit of his friends on the Estate, and he was sure it must be very pleasant for each and all of them to have such a good man for a laird. (Cheers.) It was a noble thing to be a good landlord, and it was just a good thing to have a good tenant. He had no doubt friendship begot friendship. Mr. Watson was a man who had come through the vicissitudes of the world with honour. He had risen up the ladder step by step—he had not been born with a silver spoon in his mouth ; and, but for his indominable will, his integrity of purpose and desire to do good to his fellow-men, he could never have attained to his present position. (Cheers.) He asked them to search their minds with regard to noblemen of Lanarkshire, and say frankly and fairly if there was a single one who had done more for his estate and his fellow-men. Perhaps he was speaking a little personal. They would be saying, “McGhie, you have handled many a good dollar.” (Laughter.) He had found the estate almost in ruins, and made it what it was. Every man was said to be a philanthropist who made two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, but Mr. Watson had made three grow where one only existed before. If they had only four other John Watson’s in the Middle Ward, they would all be richer and happier men. (Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN responded in the unavoidable absence of his father, who was entering friends up the way, but who would be there shortly. They had come there on an occasion which would probably last in their memories, viz., that of presenting to the tenantry a herd of Jersey cows. A celebrated statesman had promised to present ” three acres and a cow.” (Laughter.) Well, the cows were there, but the acres were not. He was sure his father would be well pleased to see them all when he came down, and he begged to thank them in his name and his own for the way in which they had received the toast which Mr. McGhie had proposed. (Cheers.)
Mr. T. Watson gave “The Tenantry on his Father’s Estate.” Mr. McGhie had been good enough to say that his father was a very good landlord, but he thought he was equally fortunate in having so many good tenants. He hoped that they would before long rear a good herd of cattle from Jerseys which his father was going to present them, so that before long this side of the country might be famed for them. He believed there was no better class of milch cow for richness of their milk, and they were very beautiful little animals. He was sure they would drink to the health of the wives of the tenantry as well as that of themselves. (Cheers.)
Mr. Smith, Little Earnock, replied, and hoped that Mr. Watson, their landlord, might have a long life and continued prosperity.
Mr. Adam Nicol, Neilsland Cottages, gave the health of Mr. Watson, Junr., of Earnock, who, in reply, said he would always do the best he could for the tenantry.
Mr. Simpson, Hillhouse Cottages, proposed “The Croupier,” and as a latter was responding, the party from the mansion-house entered, and the proceedings, which had been enlivened by the singing of Messrs. Livingston, Simpson (Glasgow), and Simpson (Hillhouse Cottages), were closed with the singing of ” Auld Lang Syne. ” Three pipers from the Barracks played appropriate music Outside.
THE PRESENTATION OF THE COWS.
Mr. Watson of Earnock shortly addressed the company, stating that it casually happened a few years ago that he got two or three Jersey cows to give away to some tenants, while four months ago it struck him that he would make a present of each one to each of his agricultural tenants. (Cheers.) He hoped everyone that got a cow would be pleased, and that they would have good luck with it. There were four widows on the estate, and he wished them each to get a three-year-old. The pamphlet with which they had been supplied taught them not to be harsh with the cows, and that once they were acclimatised they would be as hardy as an Ayrshire in the neighbourhood.
The cows were then distributed by lot, the widows referred to by Mr. Watson having a special “lucky bag” for themselves, from which they each drew a number corresponding with that of the animal they were to get. The same rule was followed with others. Mr. Watson, assisted by Mr. Reith, superintended the draw, and the proceedings were watched with interest by onlookers. After the draw, the cows were led round the ring by their new owners, and with this, and three cheers for Mr. Watson and “one more” for Mrs. Watson, the gala day ended.
The following were the recipients of the Cows :—
Mrs. Henderson, Townhill, “Rosette.”
Mrs. Smith, Muirhall, “Belle Gusette.”
Mrs. Law, Meikle Earnock, “Les Bessieres.”
Mrs. Forrest, Earnock Muir, “Lucy 2nd.”
Mrs. Bryson, Annsfield, “Rosalie Pet.”
Mrs. Paul, Hamilton, “Richmond Baroness.”
Mrs. Maxwell, Torheads, “Bettie 2nd.”
Mrs. Chalmers, Eddlewood Farm, “Star of the West.”
Mrs. McDonald, Meikle Earnock, “Lux.”
Mrs. Hamilton, Peacock Cross, “Potiron’s Beauty.”
Mrs. Baird, Highstonehall, “Buttercup.”
James Craig, Meikle Earnock, “Boulette.”
Mrs. Berry, Whitecraigs, “Miss Julia.”
Mrs. D. Strachan, Brackenhill, “Lily 3rd.”
Miss Young, Sheriff-faulds, “Queen’s Glory.”
Mrs. Smith, Little Earnock, “Alfriston Glory.”
Mrs. Hamilton, Muirmains, “Granville Rows 3rd.”
Mrs. Forrest, Laichstanehall.
Transcribed And Republished By
Hamilton Historian.
Terence (Terry) Murphy.
Ref: This Newspaper Article was also published in “Further Incidents in the Life of John Watson of Earnock. 1894.”
At the Court at Buckingham Palace, the 4th day of May 1911.
PRESENT,
The King’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
WHEREAS by “The Burial Grounds (Scotland) Act, 1855,” as amended by “The Secretary for Scotland Act, 1885,” it is provided that it shall be lawful for His Majesty from time to time , by Order in Council, upon the Representation for the Secretary for Scotland that a copy of an Interlocutor of a Sheriff of a County of Scotland as in the said first-named Act provided has been received by him, in pursuance thereof to order that no new burial ground shall be opened within certain limits specified in such Order, save with the previous approval of the Secretary for Scotland or (as the case may require) that after a time mentioned in the Order burials within certain limits, or in certain burial grounds or places of burial shall be discontinued wholly, or subject to any exceptions or qualifications mentioned in such Order, and that such Order in Council shall thereupon have like force and effect as if the same were embodied in the said first-named Act: provided always, that notice of such Representation and of a time it shall please His Majesty to order the same to be taken into consideration by the Privy Council, shall be transmitted to the Crown Agent in Edinburgh, and to the Sheriff-Clerk of the County in which such burial ground is situated ; and that the same shall be by them respectively published in the Edinburgh Gazette, and fixed on the doors of the church of, or on some other conspicuous places within, the parish affected by such Representation, one month before such Representation is so considered :
And whereas the Secretary for Scotland has made a Representation that he has received a copy of an Interlocutor of the Sheriff-Substitute of Lanarkshire at Hamilton finding that the non-parochial Burial Ground known as Meikle Earnock Graveyard, in the Parish of Hamilton, in the County of Lanark, is in a condition which is offensive and contrary to decency :
And whereas in the said Representation it is recommended that the said Burial Ground should be forthwith closed in terms of the said Burial Grounds (Scotland) Act, 1855.
And whereas by Order in Council of the 4th day of March 1911, notice of such Representation was given, and it was ordered that the same should be taken into consideration by the Privy Council on the 13 day of April 1911, and that the said Order in Council or notice thereof should be published in the Edinburgh Gazette, and that copies of the said Order in Council or notice thereof should be fixed on the doors of the church of, or on some other conspicuous places within, the parish affected by such Representation one month before the said 13th day of April 1911 :
And whereas notice of the said Representation and of the time when it pleased His Majesty to order the same to be taken into consideration by the Privy Council has been duly published in the Edinburgh Gazette and has been fixed in the manner required by the said Order in Council.
Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice of His Privy Council, is pleased to order, as it is hereby ordered, that the said non-parochial Burial Ground known as Meikle Earnock Graveyard, in the Parish of Hamilton, in the County of Lanark, be forthwith closed.
The above photograph shows an “Old Well And Cottages At Meikle Earnock” and it was taken during c.1877. The old well was also known as the “Meikle Earnock Pump Well”. It was the water supply for the immediate area (the village of Meikle Earnock). The road was nothing more than a dirt track at the time. On the left is the entrance to the Meikle Earnock Shuckie, which is an old miner’s path.
The well and the old miner’s cottage that sits behind and to the left of it are mentioned in my previous article titled: “A Wee House”. This is the oldest known photograph of the well and the cottage. The well was removed many years ago (exact date unknown) but the cottage still exists to this present-day, which means it is at least 144 years old! Because it was already clearly established when this photograph was taken. The three cottages on the right have thatched roofs with whitewashed lime rendered walls and a room on each side of the front door. They were built for the farm workers and miners who were employed in the local area.
Between the 18th and 19th century Hamilton had become established as a weaving town. Producing some of the finest cambric and silks as well as coarser fabrics for everyday use. Whole streets were built for weavers in the town of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland; the New Wynd and Young Street were perfect examples of this. Sadly both streets no longer exist within the town. The houses were mostly single-storey with clay floors and thatched roofs. A living room on one side of the door and on the other side would be a “Weaving Shed”, sometimes for four looms. The loft space above contained spare beams, candle holders and yarns.
The weavers were an intelligent and frugal lot of men. At a time when a man would earn from sixpence to one-and-six per day. They were so keen to read and educate themselves on current affairs that they would often club together to purchase and share a newspaper costing from fourpence-halfpenny to sixpence each. Weaving must have been a drouthy occupation. In c. 1790, there were in Hamilton, three breweries, a distillery and sixty-six public houses. The population at the time was slightly less than six thousand.
One weaver named Alexander Scott who later became a “Weaving Agent” had proudly caused to be carved above his door (the stone is now built into the wall of the Low Parks Museum), ‘ THE ART OF WEAVING IS RENOWNED SO THAT RICH’ NOR POOR WITHOUT IT CANNOT GO ‘. The arms of the weaver contains three leopard’s heads erased argent, each having in mouth a weaver’s shuttle with the initial A on the left side and initial S on the right. The three leopard’s heads represent the weaving industry in interior parts of the district and as previously mentioned, the initials A S stand for Alexander Scott of 31 Quarry Road, Hamilton. The weavers of old were often called the “Girnin’ Weavers”. As they would always be seen with a sewing needle or crochet hook held tightly between their lips. This, coupled with the fact that many had poor dental hygiene and little or no teeth in their mouths, would have made them look as though they were gurning! Weaving is the Oldest Tradesmans Guild and was incorporated before c. 1222!
The weaving industry went into decline due to the introduction of machinery in the early days of the nineteenth century. A similar fate overtook the prosperous lace-making industry which had been introduced by Duchess Anne in the seventeenth century and had spread far beyond her charitable institution. The Duchess of Hamilton’s Home (Alm’s House) was set up in Hamilton for the reception of twelve poor girls and a mistress. The girls were taken in at the age of seven, fed and taught to spin, make lace, etc. And dismissed at fourteen.
It is very difficult to find or even identify a piece of real Hamilton Lace as similar lace was produced in many other places although the Low Parks Museum does have some examples within their collection and they can also be viewed online. Very little is known of the lace making industry and all mention of it in Scotland ceases before the end of the eighteenth century.
During the depression caused by the decline of the weaving trade another form of lace-making was introduced to the women of Hamilton. Who were already skilled in flowering and fine Ayrshire embroidery, for which there was a depot and school in Muir Street. This was a form of lace, developed from tambouring of fine muslin, which became very popular. It was worked in delicate and intricate designs with a type of crochet hook on cotton or silk net stretched over a frame or drum and was known as “Tambour Lace”. Its popularity lasted till the end of the nineteenth century. The early chain stitch sewing machines made it easy to imitate the hand tambouring and the lace lost much of its interest and value.
Soon after the collapse of the lace industry, came the discovery of the rich seams of coal in and around the borough. That established Hamilton as a prosperous coal-mining centre and more than 40 pits were developed by the first quarter of the twentieth century. Our present-day Hamilton was built on coal and our hard working miner ancestors who broke their backs to put food on the table and survive for the sake of their future generations!
Hamilton Historian. Terry Murphy 