Fergus Smith
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oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Fergus Smith
@oldscotbooks.bsky.social
1.7K followers 1.1K following 670 posts
Legal history, historical data geekery, genealogy. Owner of oldscottish.com. Historical Records Specialist at FindMyPast.co.uk. All views my own, obviously. Lives in St Andrews, Fife
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oldscotbooks.bsky.social
I think I can date that first photo to 5 June 1949. The headline in the newspaper is about the rail strikes, and if you look carefully you can see it's the same photo. The woman - your granny? - is reading a slightly different edition of this paper (www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer...)
July 13, 2025 at 8:03 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
It was hot in St Andrews today, so in response to popular demand, I got in the sea.
To much disappointment, I also got out ...
June 20, 2025 at 9:33 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Nothing to see here, just a lawyer, "full of claret", arguing against his client then suddenly reverse ferreting in court after being told he was making the wrong argument ... #LegalHistory #Scotland
Newspaper clipping, Inverness Courier, 21 October 1819
May 25, 2025 at 9:07 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Rare evidence of Gaelic-speaking dogs in 19th century Dunbartonshire ... #Gaelic @wilsonmcleod.bsky.social
Newspaper clipping, Caledonian Mercury, 3 October 1816 "there was a dog in the house, but it was Highland, and did not understand English"
May 12, 2025 at 7:34 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Aww yes, the St Andrews ducklings have arrived! Mum and dad are keeping a close eye on them though.
May 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
"This prisoner's unsteady on his feet and is not fit to stand trial. What do we do?"
"Give him wine, that's bound to help."
Narrator voice: It did not help.
#Scotland #LegalHistory
Newspaper clipping, Caledonian Mercury, 8 May 1815. Inverness, May 3. The Circuit Court of Justiciary was opened in this place on Wednesday, by the Right Honourable Lord Gillies. William Macdonald, accused of the murder of Mary MacQueen, lately residing at Auchendar, parish of Edinkillie, and county of Moray, was first brought to the bar. The prisoner appeared to be much debilitated from his confinement, and was so much agitated when brought into Court, that he seemed on the point of fainting, and two of the jailors were obliged to support him. A glass of wine was administered, which appeared a little to revive him; but he was still unable to stand. Two medical gentlemen were called in, and it was their opinion that the prisoner was in too weak a state to be put, with any propriety, upon his trial on that day. He was therefore ordered to be removed from the bar, and the jailor was desired to see him properly attended to.
May 5, 2025 at 7:54 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Bookroom upgrade unlocked: I now have a record cupboard. Working on filling it ...
Photograph of shelves in a cupboard with hundreds of vinyl records
May 4, 2025 at 8:20 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
This is also an odd assertion. Surely one of the consequences of the SC ruling is to overturn previous EHRC guidance which was found to be wrong in law?
May 2, 2025 at 8:01 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
The Hampshire Telegraph among other papers reported the story of John Honey's heroic rescue.
April 30, 2025 at 9:08 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
The mediaeval pier reopened tonight in St Andrews after an 18-month closure to repair storm damage. It was also the night of the Gaudie, a torchlit procession by students commemorating John Honey, a student who in 1800 rescued 5 crew members of a ship off the East Sands.
Panoramic view of the Gaudie torchlit procession in St Andrews, Scotland, marking the reopening of the mediaeval pier.
April 30, 2025 at 9:08 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Lord Hermand and the Lord Justice Clerk make clear they thought the jury got the verdict wrong, finding Helen Kennedy not guilty of murder. They also make clear Kennedy's reputation was in tatters as a result of the trial. #ScotsLaw #LegalHistory #NotProven
Newspaper clipping reporting comments by the judge and Lord Justice Clerk regarding a Not Proven verdict against Helen Kennedy, accused of murder by poisoning. Both Lord Hermand and the Lord Justice Clerk make clear they thought the jury was wrong, and insist that the Not Proven verdict left a stain on her character.
April 29, 2025 at 7:50 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
This portrait ca 1870 of my great-granny, Isabella Dickson Fleming - and the socks she's wearing ...
April 28, 2025 at 7:44 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
I kinda want to hear this version ...
April 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Just back home with a decent #RSD25 Record Store Day haul from Thirteen Records and Assai in Dundee. Currently listening to Top of the Pops by The Rezillos. @recordstoredayuk.bsky.social
April 12, 2025 at 3:52 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Too soon, butcher's shop, far too soon. Photo taken on Saturday.
Photo of shop window "Christmas Orders now being taken"
April 8, 2025 at 9:03 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
I mean if it was me, I'd be looking for a new estate agent.
Photograph of a house sale sign reading "For Sale. Mitchells. 1963-Today"
April 5, 2025 at 1:04 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Hey @chiddickstree.bsky.social I visited Durham Cathedral and something reminded me of you ...
Photo of a large and very impressive Lego model of Durham Cathedral Photo of a large and very impressive Lego model of Durham Cathedral Photo of a large and very impressive Lego model of Durham Cathedral
April 2, 2025 at 8:23 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Found this a few months back while trawling through 19th-century newspapers. [Arbroath Guide, 12 Sep 1885]
1885 newspaper advert FOOTBALL SCOTTISH CUP TIE - FIRST ROUND BON-ACCORD, ABERDEEN v ARBROATH GAYFIELD PARK, TO-DAY Kick-off at 3.30 pm Admission, 3d; Ladies Free. Grand Stand, 3d extra.
March 31, 2025 at 9:05 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
♫♪♫
Burn baby burn
Ditch go inferno
♫♪♫
Photograph of a ditch with what appears to be a river of fire flowing through it.
March 28, 2025 at 10:02 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
This evening's soundtrack comes courtesy of the legendary Roky Erickson, a bargain I picked up in Dundee yesterday.
March 22, 2025 at 7:15 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Sorry, that's a terrible image - here's a better one.
A Very Valuable and highly desirable FREEHOLD ESTATE, situated between Croft-Bridge and Hurworth aforesaid, comprising the above INN, with the Buildings and Conveniences attached, several newly built Cottages adjoining; a valuable Brick-Yard; and 66A. Or. 19P. of excellent Arable, Meadow, and Pasture LAND, which will be offered to the Public either in One or in the following Lots :- Lot 1. A Field, containing by Estimation 4A. 1R. 20P. more or less, situated contiguous to the Village of Hurworth aforesaid, and in the Occupation of Mrs. Hunter, as Tenant at Will. Lot 2. Two Fields, containing together by Estimation 7A. 0R. 30P., more or less, and adjoining Lot One on the West. Lot 3. Two Fields, containing together by Estimation 1A. 2R. 28P., more or less, and adjoining Lot Two on the West. Lot 4. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together 5A. 3R. 20P., and adjoining Lot Three on the West. Lot 5. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together 6A. 1R. 15P., and adjoining Lot Four on the West. Lot 6. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together 5A. 1R., and adjoining Lot Five on the West. Lot 7. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together by Estimation 5A. 1R. 28P., and adjoining Lot Six on the West. Lot 8. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together Six Acres, and adjoining Lot Seven on the West. Lot 9. Two Parcels of Land, as now staked out, containing together 6A. 1R. 0P. and adjoining Lot Eight on the West. The Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, are in the Occupations of Robert Simpson, and Lots 8 and 9 are in the Occupations of Robert Simpson and James Smith as Tenants at Will, and are, as well as Lot One, most advantageously situated; each Lot having a Communication with the Road leading from Croft-Bridge to Hurworth, and affording a peculiar eligible Situation for Building. Lot 10. The above well-accustomed and well-established Inn, with a Yard, a Brewhouse, Stables, a Barn, Fold Yar…
March 21, 2025 at 5:41 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Spotted this the other day - estate agents were already anticipating the economic benefits of the Stockton-Darlington railway even before it opened - this is from Leeds Mercury, 24 September 1825 (see the note after the description of the lots).
Newspaper clipping, Leeds Mercury, 24 September 1825, advertising the sale of an estate, "The lots 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are more particularly desirable from their proximity to the intended Depots and Wharfs of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company at Croft Bridge, from which a very extensive Trade into Yorkshire is anticipated to arise."
March 21, 2025 at 9:58 AM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
In 1880s Perth, the Circuit Court was proclaimed at the mercat cross, and the announcement was, er, laid on the ground held in place by a rock ... #LegalHistory #Scotland
Newspaper clipping, Perthshire Advertiser, 19 March 1888: It is probably not generally known that each Circuit Court which is held in Perth, is proclaimed at the Cross by a Sheriff Officer, so that, as the legal document runs, no person may plead ignorance of such an Assize being held. When the proclamation is made the legal document is left lying on the street, so that all who pass by may read. As the proclamation is generally fastened to the ground by a stone—or as on Friday last, when it was made, by a lump of frozen snow—its original position is not of long duration, the first breeze of wind, or the wheel of a passing cart, often making it only for a moment seen, then lost for ever. This venerable custom must remain in force so long as the present statute exists. The Circuit Court meets at Perth on Tuesday, 17th April.
March 18, 2025 at 7:55 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
"we couldn't *quite* stretch it to 666"
March 17, 2025 at 6:24 PM
oldscotbooks.bsky.social
Rediscovering my ms and ephemera collection: 17th century a ms book of sermons, I think written by Matthew Henry (certainly from his family) and extracts from the diary of his sister, Katherine Tylston, in the hand of her niece, Hannah Witton, daughter of diarist Sarah Savage. #RelicsOfABookdealer
First page of a manuscript book of sermons dated 1697, possibly by Matthew Henry Portrait of Matthew Henry, author of Exposition of the Old and New Testaments Manuscript title page Extracts from the Diary and Letters of Mrs Kathn Tylson, third daughter of the Revd Philip Henry of Broad Oak
March 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM