Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Kircudbright - The Gates
The gates of this old 'Adams' style' house belonging to the late E. A. Hornwell whose art has captured the wonder of the woods and flower-decked bays outside the town. His forebears belonged to Kirkcudbright and although he was born in Australia he spent his life in the town and enhanced its reputation in the world of art. He died in 1933. His house and contents he gifted to the stewartry as a gallery and museum. 'Broughton House' dates from the 17th century.
Kircudbright - Down by the Harbour
This cottage is of great antiquity. One of its recent tenants was John Houston postman & weather prophet. Now occupied 1934 by W Stitt river pilot. The Mote Brae which looks down on it was the site of a ship building yard called The Old Yard Quay where Homer and James Campbell grandfather and granduncle of William Mac Kenzie bookseller (1934) built ships 100 years ago.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Kircudbright - Osborne's Lane
Kircudbright - Gordon Anderson's Smithy
Kircudbright - Market Close
Monday, March 23, 2009
Kircudbright - McKeachie's Close
Kircudbright - Fisher's Close
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Kirkcudbright - Corbie Slap
This Close is supposed to owe its name to Jean Corbie the only woman who dared to speak in favour of Elspeth MacEwen the last witch to be burned in Scotland. William Johnston, merchant, who founded the Johnston Free School lived in the house on the right side. The Muckle Yett was at this Close. It was removed and is now at Saint Cuthbert's church yard. Alexander Cavan, banker, was instrumental in saving this old world edifice's foundation stones in the High Street.
Kirkcudbright - Milroy's Close
Bears the name of its present owner. Formerly called Devlin's Close: its earliest name was The Wynd End - The house over the archway is said to have been built by Lord Kirkcudbright for his daughter Lady Betty. The present owner George Milroy is called the "Iron King" because of his dealing in old iron.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Kirkcudbright - Behind the Tolbooth
The Tolbooth was the prison & dates back to 16th century. Partly built with stones from Dundrennan Abbey. The last witch to be burned in Scotland was imprisoned here. Paul Jones founder of the American Navy was a prisoner and many other victims of turbulent times in which they lived.
The southern side of the Tolbooth looks on to the town gardens. At the foot of the closes where many washings may be seen fluttering in the wind and sunshine.
(Original kindly lent by Miss Irene Ferguson)
The southern side of the Tolbooth looks on to the town gardens. At the foot of the closes where many washings may be seen fluttering in the wind and sunshine.
(Original kindly lent by Miss Irene Ferguson)
Kirkcudbright - The High Street looking towards the Bar Hill
Kirkcudbright - The corner of High Street
The Cross is now placed at the top of the Tolbooth steps and crowns a tablet which reads –
"This fount, not riches, life supplies. Art gives what nature here denies. Posterity must surely bless Saint Cuthbert's sons who purchased this. Water introduced 23rd March 1762. This tablet renewed 1840."
But lately this original water supply has been turned off and the tpwn's new supply from Loch Whinyeon has been substituted. 1934
"This fount, not riches, life supplies. Art gives what nature here denies. Posterity must surely bless Saint Cuthbert's sons who purchased this. Water introduced 23rd March 1762. This tablet renewed 1840."
But lately this original water supply has been turned off and the tpwn's new supply from Loch Whinyeon has been substituted. 1934
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Turin 1902
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Kircudbright – The Green Gate
Kircudbright has been called the "Barbizon" of Scotland. Certainly many artists have lived there. The Green Gate is now the residence of E.A.Taylor and his wife Jessie M King. A colony of artists is to be found in the close beside their house. The Green Gate was the property of William Gordovne of Cambellton who sold it in 1761. In 1795, William McWwhinnie, a merchant in Leghorn purchased it & planted a circle of Espalier apple trees at the foot of his garden. This circle still exists–a tribute to his love of beauty and perhaps a memory of that Italian garden in the Risoli at Leghorn
Kircudbright – The Ballroom
The house facing this approach to High St. is one of the oldest on record. The white-washed building to the right of it which has a door communicating with the main building was called the "Ballroom." The gable to the left is the end of two houses restored and form magnificect examples of the savings of buildings of historic interest.
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