At the end of the Eighteenth century Scotland, and Dunfermline had very limited school provision, but several religious societies were working to try to improve things. In “The Life and Times of the Poor School of Dunfermline” Jean Barclay describes the short, but not straightforward, history of the Charity or Poor School.
Stevensons – Auctioneers and Removals
William Stevenson & Sons, House Furnishers, Auctioneers and Removal Experts, is the next article in George Beattie’s series on Dunfermline’s Industrial and Commercial past. William Stevenson, worked at several trades before starting this successful firm, which was based for many years in Bruce Street. As always in George’s articles, this one contains some fascinating photographs of Dunfermline’s more recent past.
Provost Robert Robertson
We have recently revised the article on George Roberson FSA to include an imposing portrait by John Rattray of his father, Robert Robertson, who was provost of Dunfermline between 1854 and 1861.
George Robertson FSA, Keeper of Dunfermline Abbey and Palace
By George Robertson. Captain George Robertson, Dunfermline Volunteer Rifle Corps. (DCL & G collection) Perhaps, before going further, it should be said there is no family relationship between the subject of this article and the author. My interest in George Robertson, (FSA Scot), began some years ago when, during research into other people, places and events pertaining to Dunfermline, his name appeared on a regular basis. Naturally, due to the names being the same, the question arose, who was this other George Robertson? George was born during 1835 in Dunfermline, the second eldest in a family of six children born to Robert Robertson and his wife Susan Spittal. Robert was a draper, with shop premises at numbers 2 and 6 Bridge Street, Dunfermline. (1) Details of George’s early life are few and we have to rely on official documents to gain some idea of this. The 1841 census for Dunfermline shows him living with his parents and two brothers in Bridge Street, Dunfermline, with father described as a draper. The 1851 census then shows the family have moved and are living in the village of Limekilns and George, now fifteen years old, has three brothers and two sisters. His father is again described as a draper, employing 15 men. George and his older brother Peter are also shown to be drapers, no doubt working for their father. At the time of the 1861 census we find the family have again moved this time to North Queensferry, where George and his younger brother…
Ye Murderer of Her Owne Childe
In “The Execution of Janet Mitchell – The Murderer of Her Owne Childe” Jean Barclay tells the tragic story of the last woman to be hanged in Dunfermline. This happened in 1709 and the case shows how differently people thought then, three hundred years ago.