Earlston Worthie - Rev. William Shillinglaw Crockett (1866-1945)

We are grateful to Jenny Cockburn of Redpath for contributing this article on the life of the Rev. William Shillinglaw Crockett - an Earlston Worthie

Introduction

On entering the old entrance to Earlston churchyard there stands a gravestone for a Reverend William Shillinglaw Crockett.  He lies buried with his parents and infant brothers with his wife close by.

For an ‘Old Worthie’,  his passing in 1945 is relatively recent. There will be those who will possibly recall his name from their childhood. However, for the rest of us he is relatively unknown.  Yet William Shillinglaw Crockett was Earlston’s very own home grown celebrity.  Google his name, and the results page is peppered with his works.  A search of newspaper archives including; national and local papers and periodicals provide us with a detailed record of his eventful life, lectures and writings.

In his time, he was described as “a distinguished litterateur and perhaps the most capable living writers on the Borders” His books were “eminently readable and adorned with all the literary power and grace”,  and to “Border themes he brought remarkable knowledge and charming style”. 

Needless to say, he was well respected for his expertise on the Borders, its lands, poetry, poets and folklore. One reports suggest that in addition to this remarkable intellect:

“ He was also genial, affable with a kindly disposition, though not without a modicum of gentle irony and dry humour”.  He liked to “hear a good story and could tell, any amusing anecdote himself, especially about some of the old worthies of Earlston in days gone by.  Although he had mixed with many great eminent persons he had no ‘side’ and was (as the old Scots saying aptly has it the same to a cadger as the king.”

Early LIfe
 Born on the 24^th June 1866 in Earlston, his father was William Crockett a Postmaster at Earlston whose family came from Galloway and his mother was Margaret Wood whose family belonged to Earlston. His grandparents Helen Shillinglaw and James Wood, having married in Redpath in 1817, appeared to have moved into Earlston sometime in the 1840s.

 In a speech celebrating the centenary of Redpath Village Hall, Crockett claimed his grandparents were among the founders who built the school there. He also reported that his great grandfather George Shillinglaw, a nurseryman from Redpath supplied Walter Scott with many saplings which he grew in Abbotsford, and that Joseph Shillinglaw (his great uncle) was a cabinet maker who was a constant visitor to his friend Walter Scott in Abbotsford.

Earlston was Crockett’s hometown. Sadly, in 1872 his father, died at the young age of 54, when William was 6 years old. Yet when describing his early years in Earlston, William Crockett always appeared upbeat, expressing the “love of visiting the scenes of [his] happy childhood and schooldays’.   His mother Margaret had a Grocers shop in the High Street. William Crockett was to be her only surviving son and she appeared keen to support his education. He attended the old Earlston Parish school where, his teacher was Daniel Aitkenhead. He was so fond of his teacher that they remained good friends throughout their lives until Daniel's death in 1922.  

After school,  Crockett became an apprentice to a local chemist. However, it is understood that “he did not take kindly to the pestle and mortar” (Berwickshire News)  and after qualifying,  he made the decision that being a chemist was not for him.  He therefore chose to ‘swap drugs with divinity’ and became a minister.  His mother supported him with this decision and he entered Edinburgh University to study. 

Fifteen months after he was ordained he was elected as Tweedsmuir minister for the Church of Scotland in 1894 where he remained for 50 years, celebrating his jubilee year just the year before his death.

An Author and Lecturer

In 1893 the young newly qualified Crocket wrote his first book “The Minstrelsy’s of the Merse”.  This book was a collection of verses from poets and lyricists  who were born or lived in the Berwickshire area. Crockett was able to use his expertise on their lives to provide the reader with biographies as well as their  works. The book was a hit, apparently favourably reviewed in over 50 newspapers including leading journals.

During this success in 1894 he married Mary Ross:

“What she was to her husband everyone was aware of. She was his eyes, his hands his feet, at occasions when some overstrain cast him into the depths.  She looked over his proof sheets advising or suggesting what her own wise virile perceptive mentality considered should be left out or at least refurbished.” (Scotsman Obituary,  1945)

Crockett continued to write titles including A Berwickshire Bard (1897) The Scott Country (1902,  The English and Scottish Border (1905), In the Border country (1906),  The Scott Originals (1912), In Praise of the Tweed (1899) and Lays from Leaderside (1928).  As well as this,  he was involved in writing articles for newspapers -  the Scotsman, Berwickshire News, and periodicals such as the Berwickshire Naturalist. 

In addition to his written work,  Crockett was a powerful speaker and he made a lecturing tours of the United States and Canada. During the First World War,  he preached and lectured to troops in France and in 1929 accompanied by his wife he made extensive tours of the Middle East and Europe. 

  Part of a lengthy report in the Berwickshire News on a talk 

the Rev. Crockett gave in Earlston on  9th April 1918. 

Newspaper cuttings towards the end of his years suggest that the Crocketts enjoyed many holidays and visits to Earlston and indeed it was reported that he bought a house in Thorn Street to retire to.  The couple appeared at many social events and William continued with his lectures and speeches around the Borders.

Later Life
In 1944 William  celebrated his Jubilee year as the Minister of Tweedsmuir. However in January of that year Mary his wife passed away. William died the next year, the day after his 79^th Birthday on the 25th June 1945 and was buried in Earlston alongside his wife, mother and father.

 Earlston Parish Church - Rev. William Crockett's burial place.

In the preface of Crockett's "Minstrelsy of the Merse", Blackie writes that:

“The name Burns occupies such a prominent position in Scottish song that persons are apt to speak of him as the creator of the lyrical art of his country………Nothing could be a greater mistake.  He was the biggest tree in the forest; but not the only tree he was not the forest and did not make the forest, the forest rather made him."

Crockett introduces us to the lyrical forest in 

Earlston, Berwickshire and the Borders.  

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Sources:
Information taken from The Berwickshire News, The  Southern Reporter and The Scotsman newspapers.

 

 In case you missed previous Auld Earlston blog posts on William Crockett:

• Memories of Earlston People and Places , by the Rev. William Crockett.
• More Memories of Earlston People and Places, by the Rev. William Crockett.
  
  

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An Earlston Worthy - John Newton (1822-1893) of the Red Lion.

John Newton was a well-known figure in Earlston  in the late 19th century.  as the  man for over 30 years  behind the Red Lion Hotel in Earlston.  Newspaper reports give us a picture of his personality and contribution to life  in the village. 

An obituary, written in the  effusive and wordy journalistic style of the time,  appeared in  "The Southern Reporter " of 18th November  1893: 

"John Newton came to Earlston  from Melrose and he succeeded the late Mr. James Shiels.  The  Berwickshire Railway   came to Earlston [in 1863]  which  tended to enliven the quiet little town and gave an  impetus   to the  business of the place.

Mr Newton was well fitted for his post and he was able assisted  by his help-meet,  the late Mrs. Newton, who was deservedly popular and highly esteemed for her large-hearted charity and kindly disposition.

Under their united skilful management, the Earlston hotel took a position in the estimation of the public  almost unequalled by any similar house in this part of the country. 

Mr Newton bore a high character for honesty and integrity and his good name was never sullied by any of those failings and frailties,    which are commonly supposed to be the heritage of a landlord of a country inn and which,   at least not seldom,   mark the course of the man whose occupant of a country inn, exposes himself to many temptations.

Besides the hotel,  Mr. Newton also held the tenancy of a small farm on the Mellerstain estate of the Earl of Haddington."

A few years before his death, on March 27th 1889, John Newton was entertained to a public dinner and presented with an illuminated address "as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by his  community".  

"The Berwickshire News" of 2nd April 1889 reported:  

After lengthy "loyal and patriotic toasts", readings and songs, the chairman Mr Dunn concluded:

"During your long residence in Earlston, you have earned for yourself the character of being an upright, honest and exemplary man, diligent in business, kindly in disposition, sincere and warm-hearted as a friend."

The certificate was recently returned to  the Red Lion,
by Australian descendants of John Newton.

Postscript: 

The Newcastle  Daily Chronicle, along with local  newspapers,  advertised in December 1893 and May 1894 the sale by public roup [auction] of John Newton's estate which included: :

"Six horses and cobs, a milk cow, 1000 stones of clover and ryegrass hay, 1 landau, 1 brake, 2 wagons,  1 chapel cart, 2 luggage barrows, harnesses and stable utensils, and horse clothing.

Farm implements incl.  carts, wagons and a turnip sowing machine.

The whole of the hotel furnishings incl dining tables, parlour tables,  sofas,  couches, curtains, whatnots, time-pieces, cabinets, mirrors, and carpets.  

French and canopy bedsteads, bedding, blankets, carpets, basin stands, dressing tables, fenders and fire-irons,

Kitchen and scullery utensil. crockery,  dinner sets, crystal,
electro-plated spoons and forks,

Terms - Ready Money.

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 A crowded wagonette outside the Red Lion, 

as the Church Choir set off on their annual outing, in 1907.

Sources:  

• British Newspapers:  1710-1963 on Find My Past website
• British Newspaper Archive
• Auld Earlston Collections
  

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Looking Back to Earlston in the 1950s

Earlston's more recent past is the focus of this article  with a look at what topics  were making the headlines in the local press. Some issues  still sound familiar today, with items ranging  from concerns on the state of roads, and  a village hall venue,  to housing in the village, and leisure activities.

ROADWAY AT THE GREEN

 "A Petition on the State of the roadway bordering the Green  was considered at the Berwickshire West District Meeting  with the  claim that:

"The road was in a disgraceful condition and the state of the drainage was disgusting. It was suggested that the balance of   £230 in the  Wallace Trust* could be used."  (Berwickshire News:  31st January 1950)

VILLAGE HALL FOR EARLSTON  
 The Berwickshire West District  Committee also discussed:

"The acquisition of a village hall for Earlston   as there were two church halls for sale.  It was left to local members of the committee to see if  the inhabitants would  raise funds to buy one". (Berwickshire News:  31st January 1950)

GAS SUPPLIES  - Berwickshire News:  4 January 1950

 

  
     

ANIMALS WOULD NOT LIVE UNDER THESE EARLSTON CONDITIONS
 This was the claim at a meeting of BerwickshIre Health Committee, with the housing of agricultural workers the focus of this discussion.

" People are being denied the essentials of life such as water".
(Berwickshire News:  31 January 1950)

EARLSTON HOUSING APPALLING 
The housing issue remained a key topic of concern at council meetings  with the comment:

"The housing situation is most acute.   There are 390 houses in Earlston and 230 workers coming into the village every day to work with the desire to live here.  18 houses are only one room, sublet to a families;  57 have two rooms sublet and 28 homes are overcrowded.  16 families are living in caravans  ............It was proposed a site be selected with a plan for the development of 50 houses."  (Berwickshire News: 16th May 1950)

A HANDYMAN FOR EARLSTON - 
At the same meeting, it was suggested that in the more populous villages, including Earlston:

"A handyman be employed  - his duties to include street cleaning etc , burial grounds, water,  lighting, drainage and public conveniences. he scheme was agreed on in principle."  (Berwickshire News:  31st January 1950)

GEORGEFIELD EGG PACKING STATION ADVERT: 

Advertisement in the Berwick Advertiser:25th July 1957

 Below:  Two photographs of the workers c.1950s - from the Auld Earlston Collection

 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

 Berwickshire News:  28th June 1958.

"Six  buses conveyed to Spittal 150 children from Sunday Schools at Earlston, Redpath, Fans, and Mellerstain, together with 100 adults.  A "Tide Fight" was held at Spittal  along with paddling, races and a sandcastle competition.  The outing  was favoured with brilliant sunshine."

 EARL OPENS WEST GREEN GARDEN 

"There was a large attendance at the West Green Garden for its official opening by the Earl of Haddington, accompanied by the Countess of Haddington. .......All this had been made possible by the generosity of a very kind benefactor Miss Wallace,* who had left a fund to make Earlston a pleasant to live in.  Grateful thanks were also extended to Lord Haddingon for the gift of the land." (Berwickshire News:  4th August 1953)

 The small stone plaque (across from the War Memorial)

acknowledging Isabella Wallace's * generosity 

 Other newspaper editions of  the  decade abound with reports on leisure activities -   Corn Exchange concerts and dances, rugby and football matches, the Bowling Club, and Tennis Club, etc., plus groups that  we no longer hear about such as the:

• Weekly Whist Drive Club
• Earlston  Budgerigar Society
• Earlston Ornithological Society
• Earlston and District Ambulance Association

 

Tennis Club Dance, held in St. John's Church Hall, 1959. 

And Finally:
A CINEMA ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE 1950S.

 

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NOTE
*  the references to the Wallace Fund and to Miss Isabella Wallace:

Isabella Wallace (c.1854-1920) was the unmarried daughter of John Wallace, joiner.  In her will she left money to Earlston Parish Council for   "For the purpose of improving the amenities of the Town of Earlston including footpaths, paving,  and lighting, and similar objects". 

She never forgot that in 1874 a devastating fire had destroyed the family home and bushiness.  But the Earlston community rallied round and gave generously to support the family and enable her father to resume his business.   Isabella Wallace  repaid   this generosity through her will, to become "Earlston's Friend and Benefactor".

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Sir Thomas Learmonth of Ercildoune - Thomas the Rhymer

Thomas the Rhymer is probably the one historical figure that best comes to mind when  thinking about Earlston's past, with fragments of his reputed tower house  remaining the  symbol  of the  village, as seen on street signs and the primary school uniform.

We are grateful for this article on Thomas, written by Gwen Hardie of the Friends of Thomas the Rhymer Group. 

Mention the name ‘Thomas the Rhymer’ to most folk and they will either reply that they have never heard of him or that he was a fantasy figure who  disappeared for seven years to live with the Queen of Elfland and returned to Ercildoune with the gift of prophecy.

There is very little factual information on the life of Sir Thomas Learmonth of Ercildoune, yet two extant documents, both written in Latin, are proof of his existence. Despite the dearth of information, Thomas the Rhymer’s role in shaping the course of Scottish history cannot, and should not, be underestimated. His prophecies included:

• The death of King Alexander III in 1286, 
• The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, 
• The defeat and death of King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513
• the Union of the Crowns of England and Scotland in 1603. 

Thomas's  prophecies were consulted before major battles, not least the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745, and a copy of his chapbook of prophecies was kept in many households in Scotland and consulted regularly. He was regarded as the greatest prophet until the time of Nostradamus - the 16th century French  astrologist, physician and reputed seer.

What we do know is that Thomas was born in Ercildoune, now known as Earlston, to a family of nobility in or around 1220. The family home was a stone-built tower-house or castle, situated near the Leader water and included around ten acres of land. In this medieval period, the villagers would live in meagre, quite squalid accommodation; therefore the home of the Learmonths would be regarded as a grand and imposing structure.

It  is written that Thomas was a frequent visitor to the hunting lodge/castle of the Earls of March and Dunbar; this situated further to the west of his home in a hamlet known as the ‘Earls Toun’. He, allegedly, was an ally of, and perhaps prophet to, King Alexander III. It has also been suggested that Lady Bethoc, daughter of the 7th Earl Patrick, was his lover and bore him a son. It is rumoured that they met for secret trysts at the waterfall on Goblin Brook (Boglie Burn) on the slopes of the north Eildon. It has also been suggested that Lady Bethoc was the inspiration for the now famous ‘Romance of Thomas of Ercildoune’. Apparently, her death at a young age left Thomas distraught and their clandestine affair incurred the wrath of Bethoc’s brother, ‘Pate’, 8th Earl and successor to the title, Earl of March and Dunbar, on his father’s death.

‘Blind Harry’, biographer of William Wallace, wrote that Thomas was a frequent visitor to Fail Monastery in Ayrshire, and, during his many visits became acquainted with William Wallace. One of the Rhymer’s many prophecies told that William Wallace would lead Scotland to victory and, by all accounts, it would appear that Thomas was a staunch supporter of his cause against English oppression. By this time, the first ‘War of Independence’, of which Thomas had  forewarned, had begun. 

While draining the peat bog in Earlston to lay the foundations for the railway line in the mid-nineteenth century, a two-handed broadsword was unearthed. It was in pristine condition and dated by an arms expert as being from the 13th century. The old track that linked the home of Thomas to the hunting lodge of the Earls of Dunbar skirted the peat-bog. This area had been known as “Hawkes Kaim” (Hawks comb), the old Hawking ground of the Earls. It is now known as Halcombe. Apparently, the sword still exists and is part of a private collection, though its whereabouts has not been revealed. 

Thomas disappeared twice from the land of mortals, each time in mysterious circumstances. The first is well documented in the tale of his meeting with the queen of fair Elfland at the Eildon Tree and his subsequent return after seven years with the gift of prophecy. 

The second time, he didn’t return to mortal earth. This tale is contained in "The Minstrelsy of the Scottish Borders" by Sir Walter Scott, entitled Thomas the Rhymer, (part third). It is also contained in ‘The Life and Times of Thomas of Ercildoune (The Rhymer) by Elizabeth Burton. This account tells of him following a white hart and hind across the raging River Leader and into the depth of the surrounding forest.

It has also been suggested that Thomas  retired to live out his days at Fail monastery…….or, perhaps he was murdered by agents of his enemy, Earl Patrick of Dunbar, and his body disposed of in the murky depths of the peat bog of the Hawkes Kaim. Or, does he “Drie his weird” with the Fairy folk in the halls deep beneath the Eildon Hills and return at will to mortal earth? 

With much of Thomas' life shrouded in mystery, it is strange then, that in the 21st century, some 700 years after his demise, information on his bizarre existence is still highly sought after. Indeed, ‘The Romance of Thomas of Ercildoune’, and the latter ballad versions, continues to inspire poets, authors, artists and film-makers, while stirring the imagination of lovers of mystique both locally and globally.   As Sir Walter Scott proclaimed: 

                    "Farewell my Father's ancient tower!  A long farewell, said he
               The scene of pleasure, pomp and power, thou never more shall be!

Some said to hill, and some to glen their wondrous course had been

                      But ne'er in haunts o'living men again  was Thomas seen".

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 http://www.thomastherhymer.co.uk/friends.html

 

Earlston Corn Exchange Opening Events

The 1860's was a significant decade in Earlston history: 

• The Commercial Bank of Scotland opened a branch in the village  in 1864. 
• The Berwickshire Railway from Reston reached  Earlston in 1863 and was extended  to Newtown in 1865,  with the completion of the Leaderfoot Viaduct.
• The Corn Exchange opened in the Market Square in 1868.

How did the Corn Exchange come into being? 
Corn Exchanges were originally built as a venue for corn merchants to meet and arrange pricing with farmers for the sale of wheat, barley and other corn crops. With the repeal of the Corn Laws  in 1846, a large number of corn exchanges were built in town centres across Britain, coinciding with the expansion of the railways, making transportation of the corn easier.

The buildings were also let out for many other purposes,  including public meetings concerts and dances, lectures, fund raising events, and in the 20th century as cinemas.  

A photograph that can be dated pre 1920 

when the pump well on the right was demolished to  make way for the War Memorial. 

An article in “The Southern Reporter”: 28th May 1868 reported on the plans for a Corn Exchange in Earlston.

“There is now a certainty of the long-talked of Corn Exchange and Public Hall being erected. A site on the north side of the Market Place and adjoining the Reading Room has been purchased and now the whole works have been contracted for.

The plans and specifications have been prepared by Mr. Rodger of Rodger & Co., builders, and show shops in front and a main entrance of seven feet in width on the ground floor, with rooms which can either be used as dwelling houses or business rooms.

Behind is the Public Hall and Corn Exchange which is to be 60 feet long by 32 feet wide, with a height of 22 feet and will be lighted from the roof.

The hall is also to be provided with stalls, opening from the wall and which, when closed, enable the whole length and breadth of the hall to be made available for public meetings, or Volunteer drill.

The Directors go forward in the expectation that the building will be finished for a sum not exceeding the share capital of the company which is fixed at £1400. [equivalent to £87,652.60 today]

The mason work has been let to Messrs Rodger & Co., Earlston; joinery work to Mr. John Wallace, Earlston; slating and plumbing to Mr. Murdison, Earlston, and the plaster work to Mr. John Johnstone, Gattonside. Mr. Herbertson, builder, Galashiels has been appointed inspector over the works.

The building, it is expected will be roofed in and the hall finished by the middle of October and the whole work completed by the middle of December.

We may here notice the deep interest taken in the building by Mrs. Colesworth of Cowdenknowes, she having, in addition to her subscription to the share capital, presented the company with a very handsome piano.

It is proposed to hold a bazaar on the day the hall is opened, for the purpose of liquidating any debt that may be left."

It was May 1869 before a public dinner  was held to celebrate the opening of the Corn Exchange.

 An article in "The Southern Reporter"   gave a fulsome report on the  occasion where Mr. Balfour of the Commercial Bank was given a presentation of a "silver tea and coffee service of chaste design"  for "his unwearied labours  in connection with the Corn  Exchange"  and  "his excellent business sense, his affable and gentlemanly deportment, and his kind and obliging disposition." 

Further reports in "The Southern Reporter" commented  on "a handsome if not actually imposing structure"........"In addition to its usefulness as a place of business on market days, it is also proving a place of amusement". 

So what events  took place in the Corn Exchange  in the late 19th century - as reported  in the local press?  They span dramas, bazaars, concerts, balls, election and evangelical meetings. As ever with newspaper reports of the period, the style of writing is wordy - but entertaining to read.

• In Spring 1869 a series of "Penny Readings" were held with the comment that these were  "instructive and pleasing entertainments."
   
• On 4th November 1869, "The Southern Reporter"  described the formal opening of a piano donated to the Corn Exchange by Mrs Colesworth of Cowdenknowes.   
  
  The ceremony was slightly marred by an "unforeseen accident" in opening the piano, but this was followed by "three hearty cheers for Mrs Colesworth"  and  "a  grand concert of miscellaneous music......with the hall crammed in every part."  

• Also in November 1869,  a meeting was called   in the Corn Exchange for the Electors of Earlston  to select a Liberal Candidate  to stand in the forthcoming election, on the current MP Robertson being raised  to the peerage.  The handbill for the meeting carried the headline  "Caution - Electors of Earlston - Beware!"   with Lord William Hay selected  to contend the seat. 

• September  1869 saw  the annual show of the Earlston Cottagers Horticultural Society  taking place for the first time in the Corn Exchange.  "The hall was set off in an artistic  and pleasing manner"  with contributions from the gardens and greenhouses of Cowdenknowes, Carolside and Drygrange.

• On a more serious note, in January1869 a series of evangelical  meetings was held  "commencing the evening of Monday and continuing nightly until Sunday", when Lord Polwarth's talk was "listened  to throughout his lengthy discourse with marked attention"  from the packed hall".
  
• 

• The September 1877   programme included  "a troup of darkies" in  the shape of Stow Christy Minstrels. 

• In December 1881 The Earlston Tradesmen held their annual  "Show of  Roots" in the Corn Exchange.
• In February 1882 a lengthy article reported on a lecture "Holidays in the Highland", given by local  bank manager John Mackenzie - one hopes he was a good speaker, as there would be no visual aids to enliven a long talk.
• A concert and ball were held in September 1886 under the auspices of the Earlston Street Lighting Committee to raise  funds for winter street lighting in the village.
  
  
  "After the concert, dancing commenced to the inspiring strains of Earlston Orchestral Party and carried on with unabated zeal  to  the  advanced hours in the morning." 
   
    
• Another fund rising event in July 1889 was on  behalf of the Bowling Club, founded six years earlier, who were looking to liquidate its debt, with"the amount taken far exceeded the sanguine expectation of the club."  A wordy description gave a picture of the stalls - along with the more usual cushions and crafts,   "live poultry" - and a painting by renowned Borders artist Tom Scott.
  
  
  
  
   
• In 1892, advertisements in "The Berwickshire News" promised the  following entertainment at  the Corn Exchange  
  

  and 

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• Taking to the stage on 17th September 1897 was "Alone in London - a   wonderfully sensational and  realistic Drama......the greatest ever put before a Scotch audience......witnessed on several occasion by Members of the Royal Family"

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Source of Information 
"The Berwickshire News" and "The Southern Reporter" on:  British Newspapers Online 1710-1963  at FindMyPast

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