Gala Day at Earnock.

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.”

The Sisters Of Scio statue at Earnock.

The Sisters Of Scio statue that was created by Carluke sculptor Robert Forrest sits in its original position within the former Earnock Estate (now private grounds), Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Sculpted from Craigleith stone the actual date that the statue was created is not documented but it was most likely during the early c. 1830’s. As that would have coincided with the publication of the artwork and poem that clearly gave Forrest the inspiration for his remarkable piece.

The statue was purchased for Sir John Watson Bt of Neisland and Earnock by his Estates Factor Mr. Mitchell during c. 1876 at a Lyon & Turnbull auction.

During c. 1829 The Sisters Of Scio was first depicted as a painting by French Artist Adolphe Phalipon and was then subsequently reproduced as an etched engraving by Henry Rolls. The original Henry Rolls plate engraving was purchased by Henry F. Sewall of New York during c. 1897. It is now housed at the Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston, USA.

During c. 1830 the engraving was published in ” The Literary Souvenir ” alongside a poem also entitled; ” The Sisters Of Scio ” which was written by Felicia Hemans. The artwork and poem are both tragedies based on the Turkish Massacre of the inhabitants of Scios (or ” Chios “) Island , Greece during c. 1822.

The Turks captured the sisters after killing their family. Whilst perched on a bank of the island’s rocky coastline, the younger sister expresses her distress as the elder attempts to comfort her. Before they are shipped away to another island within the Ottoman Empire.

THE SISTERS OF SCIO.

” As are our hearts, our way is one,

And cannot be divided. Strong affection

Contends with all things and o’ercometh all things,

Will I not live with thee? will I not cheer thee?

Would’st though be lonely then? would’st thou be sad? “

Joanna Baillie.

” Sister, Sweet sister! Let me weep awhile!

Bear with me—give the sudden passion way!

Thoughts of our own lost home, our sunny isle,

Come, as a wind that o’er a reed hath sway;

Till my heart dies with yearnings and sick fears;—

Oh! could my life melt from me in these tears!

“Our father’s voice, our mother’s gentle eye,

Our brother’s bounding step—Where are they,

where?

Desolate, desolate our chambers lie!

—How hast thou won thy spirit from despair?

O’er mine swift shadows, gusts of terror, sweep;—

I sink away—bear with me—let me weep!”

” Yes! weep my sister! weep, till from thy heart

The weight flow forth in tears! yet sink thou not;

I bind my sorrow to a lofty part,

For thee, my gentle one! our orphan lot

To meet in quenchless trust; my soul is strong—

Thou, too, wilt rise in holy might ere long.

” A breath of our free heavens and noble sires,

A memory of our old victorious dead,—

These mantle me with power! and though their fires

In a frail censer briefly may be shed,

Yet shall they light us onward, side by side;—

Have the wild birds, and have not we, a guide?

” Cheer, then beloved! on whose meek brow is set

Our mother’s image—in whose voice a tone,

A faint sweet sound of hers is lingering yet,

An echo of our childhood’s music gone;—

Cheer thee! thy sister’s heart and faith are high:

Our path is one—with thee I live and die! “

Felicia Hemans.

At a later date during c. 1833 Charlotte Bronte painted a watercolour copy on paper of the original Henry Rolls engraving.

Written By

Hamilton Historian.

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

ref; The John Watson Journals. The Sisters Of Scio|Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston. The Art Of The Brontes, Google eBook. The Complete Works of Mrs. Hemans: Reprinted Entire from the last….,Volume 2 Google eBook.

Earnock Covenanter’s Grave.

Original Plaque/Memorial which was built into the wall at Earnock Gardens.

The Covenanter’s who are buried at Earnock Gardens , Hamilton which is just off Sherry Drive were fighting at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge on June 22nd 1679.  Sir John Watson Bt of Earnock  hand-carved the first stone memorial/plaque during 1881 when he was 62 years of age. As a boy he had trained as an apprentice journeyman stonemason. He was also very accomplished in woodworking.

The grave is marked by three Scots Pine trees. One of the original trees was blown over in a storm during 1900.  The wood from that very tree was later crafted into a gun cabinet by Sir John Watson. The cabinet was later re-housed at the Ross Estate in Ferniegair  by the 4th Baronet; Sir Derrick William Inglefield -Watson.  The cabinet is still preserved at the Ross to this day.

In 1988 the original stone memorial plaque was painted grey to improve it’s appearance and preservation. But sadly it was subsequently vandalized. It was relocated to Hamilton’s Old Parish Churchyard in 1993 and built into  a wall there. It is still there to this day!

The original stone memorial/plaque vandalized  c. 1988.

The original stone memorial/plaque at Hamilton’s Old Parish Churchyard.

Original memorial/plaque inscription.

There was another plaque installed which sat on a stone base at the Earnock Gardens site but this too became vandalized on numerous occasions and it was removed towards the end of 2007.

The current memorial was unveiled on Sunday 27th September 2008 by the late Sir Simon Conran Hamilton Watson 6th Bt of Earnock, Lady Patricia Watson, Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire.  The service was conducted by Rev Fraser Aitken Minister of St. Columba’s Parish Church in Ayr.

Lady Patricia Watson, The Late Sir Simon Watson Bt, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and Provost at memorial unveiling  c.2008.

Hamilton Historian  Terence (Terry) Murphy  At The Earnock Covenanter’s  Memorial  c.2019.

Earnock Covenanter’s Memorial  c.2016.

Plaque Inscription details.

Plaque inscription details.

View of the memorial with full view of Scots Pine trees from the front.

In this view from behind the memorial you can see the mound/knoll which marks the grave where the Covenanter’s are buried. In recent years a Scots Pine sapling was planted to replace another one of the trees that had blown over.

There is another unmarked Covenanter’s Grave located at the bottom of Westwood Crescent, Laighstonehall, Hamilton, Lanarkshire.  Where Westwood Crescent meets the T-Junction of Laighstonehall Road. The Covenanting Soldier died there from his injuries whilst making his retreat from the King’s Soldiers. He too was involved in the Battle of Bothwell Bridge on June 22nd 1679. The spot where his grave is located is in the former lands of the Laigh Stonehall Farm. It is my belief that he separated from the 3 soldiers who were slain at Earnock earlier in their journey/retreat and that he was making his way towards Fairhill Park which was owned by Laird  James Strang who was a strong Covenanter Supporter and who’s brother was the Covenanter Martyr Christopher Strang. Christopher Strang’s memorial is also built into the wall at Hamilton’s Old Parish Churchyard.

Location of Unmarked Covenanter’s Grave at Laighstonehall, Hamilton, Lanarkshire.  During the 1980’s the cement cap was embeded with pebbles. The area where the grave is located is circled in red in the photo  c.2016.

Ordnance Survey Map Clipping Showing Location Of Martyr’s Grave Location Circled In Red. Map Survey  c.1858, publication c.1864.

Present day Street map clipping showing location of grave marked by red dot.

Written by

Hamilton Historian

Terence  ( Terry ) Murphy.

A special thanks to the Late Sir Simon Watson 6th Bt of Earnock who gave me permission to use the photos displayed!

Ref. Incidents in the Life of the Late John Watson of Bathville, and of John Watson of Earnock, his Son by the Latter.  c.1889.  And, Further Incidents in the Life of John Watson of Earnock.  c.1894.  Hamilton, Laighstonehall, Martyr’s Grave|Canmore.

Earnock House & Estate.

Earnock House c.1889.

The ancient estate of Earnock is located in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. And extended from the west side of Strathaven Road to the western extremity of the lands of Hamilton.

The area circled red  in the above map clipping  indicates the approximate location of the former Earnock House. Which is now the top end of Rederech Crescent in the Earnock Housing Estate, Hamilton , South Lanarkshire.

The word “Earnock” derives from the celtic word “Earnogg” meaning; “The Old Son’s Possessions”.

The original Earnock House was clearly built during the succession of ownership of the Fuedal Robertoun Lairds. However, the actual date of construction is unknown and undocumented!

Earnock House before extentions/additions were built c.1877.

The Earnock estate which was included in the Original 1314 Grant Of The Barony Of Cadzow was given to Walter Fitz-Gilbert by  King Robert The Bruce. It was received by Robert De Robertoun by Fuedal Charter between 1160-1200 from either Malcom IV or William I. The Robertouns were Feudal Lairds of Earnock from prior to 1226-1296 and 1390-c.1700, As they were dispossessed  for signing the Ragman Roll (Rampant Scotland). Simon Robertoun regained the Earnock estate through marriage to a daughter of David Fitz Walter of Cadzow. James Robertoun 12th laird of Earnock sold the estate towards the end of the 1700’s to a  Mr Semple who resold it around 1810 to Mr A. Millar Esquire who was a local wealthy land and property owner. Mr Millar died and his sister Mrs Williams bacame the owner. On the 1st October 1873 Mrs Williams sold the estate to John Watson (who later became Sir John Watson Bt of Earnock in 1895). The estate was sold under agreement that Mrs Williams could continue to rent the mansion house located on the property for the rest of her life. She died just one year later in 1874 and John Watson became the owner of both the Earnock Mansion House and Estate!

Portrait of  Sir John Watson 1st Bt Of Earnock  wearing his Deputy lord Lieutenant  Of  Lanarkshire Uniform  c.December 1892.

In June of 1875 the repairs and alterations of Earnock House were finished, the house had also been fully furnished by this time. Further additions to the mansion house which included a tower (the “Margaret” Tower) were completed in 1881 and attributed to William Leiper Architect. The main mantelpiece of the house was designed by a Mr J. Small.

The “Margaret” Tower addition completed c.1881, this photo c.1889.

Earnock House Entrance/Hallway c.1889.

Earnock House Drawing Room c.1889.

 

Glasshouse at Earnock Built c.1881 This photo c.1888.

Sir John Watson Bt of Earnock was a prolific breeder of Clydesdale horses. Stables were constructed on his estate between 1876-1877. Built using local sandstone from the area.

This photo of the stables  c.1889.

This photo of Earnock Gardens c.1877. The grounds of the Earnock Estate also had a tennis court, bowling green and a golf course  which was  developed at a later date.

HAMILTON HISTORIAN   TERENCE  (TERRY) MURPHY   AT THE EARNOCK COVENANTER MEMORIAL/GRAVE  C.2019.

Statues created by Carluke Sculptor Robert Forrest were purchased for the Neilsland and Earnock Estates by a Mr Mitchell during November of 1876. Other statues were purchased over the years but no documentation of the bills of sales exist. The list of statues included were;

Burns resting from the plough,   Old Norval,  Henry Bell (inventor of the steamboat), Charles XII of Sweden,  A Cossack Prince under an oak,  Sisters of Scio,  Lord Lovat (from Howgarth’s painting),  Lord Byron,  King Robert The Bruce & war horse (receiving poem from Monk of Baston),  Napoleon and his Charger Marengo,  Busts of Effie and Jeanie Deans,  The pirate from Sir Walter Scott and some other figures.

There are broken remains of statues in the Earnock and Neilsland Estates but the only surviving fully intact statue is the Sisters of Scio. Still sitting in its original position (now a private garden) in Earnock.

Hamilton  Historian. Terence (Terry) Murphy.  Sitting next to the Sisters of Scio statue  c.2015.

Two other statues that were purchased for the Earnock and Neilsland estates were “The Fall of Mazeppa”, sculpted during 1834. And, “The Gentle Shepherd” sculpted 1852. Both statues have been on display since 1926 in Hamilton’s Bothwell Rd Public Park.

The Gentle Shepherd.

Electric lighting At Earnock Colliery.

Earnock Colliery.

History has told us over the years that the electric light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison. However, it was in fact Joseph Swan who first invented the modern incandescent light bulb. Swan began working on his design as early as 1850 and in 1860 he obtained a U.K. patent after demonstrating a working design using a vaccum  and carbon filament. By 1878 Swan had further improved his design and was granted a U.K. patent. He gained his U.S. patent in 1880 which was the same year Thomas Edison gained his.

Clearly there was a rivalry developing between the two men and their companies. Edison attempted to sue Swan in the U.K. for copyright infringement but, he lost. As part of the settlement the court ordered that Joseph Swan should be made partner of Thomas Edison’s British Electric Works Company. Thus the Edison and Swan United Electric Company was formed. It later became known as “Ediswan”.

Joseph Swan.

Thomas Edison.

Swan and Edison Lamps.

Ediswan Adverts.

On the afternoon of August 9th 1881 at Earnock Colliey, Hamilton, belonging to Sir John Watson Bt of Earnock, was the scene of an interesting ceremony which marked a new era in the annals of mining history!  For Sir John Watson’s Earnock colliery was the first colliery in Scotland and second in Britain to have electric lighting installed.

Sir John Watson 1st Bt of Earnock.

Sir John Watson decided to give Joseph Swan a trial. He commissioned messrs. D & E Graham Electrical Engineers of Glasgow to install Swan’s incandescent lamps with modifications (making them safe for use) in the mine. A large party of dignitaries where led down into the workings of the Ell Seam at a depth of 118 fathoms. There at the pit bottom, at the roads and at the face where, 21 Swan lamps burning, giving forth a steady luminous flame. Besides the pear-shaped Swan lamps there was an outer lantern which was the invention of Mr David Graham. Consisting of  strong glass, air-tight globes with steel guards.  Each lamp was also connected with D. Graham’s safety cut-off air-tight contacts and switches, in case of any gas leaks.

The lighting was powered by a 12 horse power engine that was erected at the mine workshops on the surface. The cables that led down into the pit were made of copper wire and surrounded by rubber galvanized tubing.

After the dignitaries inspected the mine, they were photographed in three separate groups by the famous photographer “Thomas Annan” of Glasgow. The party was then led to the haulage engine room to inspect the lighting there. At a later point and of course from a safe distance, a shot was fired bringing down a large mass of coal from the mine face. The dignitaries had spent approximately 1 hour below ground before returning to the surface.

In the same year of 1881 electric light was installed in Earnock House which also belonged to Sir John Watson Bt. The town of Hamilton did not receive electricity until 1903.

Written by

Hamilton Historian

Terence (Terry) Murphy.

A special thanks to Sir Simon Watson 6th Bt of Earnock for giving me permission to use the photographs!

Ref.www.kstc.co.uk/josephswan/compare.html. & Scientific American Supplement No 299 Sept 24th 1881.