Scandal, Blasphemy, Blood & Ryot
A recent user at the Hertiage Hub spent a marvellous day uncovering tales of her ancestors in Records of the Baron Court of Stitchill, 1655-1807, transcribed by Rev. George Gunn. Edinburgh University Press, 1905.
The book covers 152 years of records from the time when Oliver Cromwell was in his 2nd year as Lord Protector to twelve years before the birth of Queen Victoria.
In every parish a baron (in Stitchill the Pringle family) would hold a court of justice with officials recording the transactions in minute books.
Cases dealt with included the theft of a ewe and lamb, neglecting to pay dues to session clerk, failing to pay the miller for grinding of corn, or allowing animals to trespass through a neighbour’s cornfield.
Sensuality, swearing, scolding and scandal were all punishable, usually by a fine. Some of the more colourful cases included:
§ Thomas Hislop fined for scandalous language in 1713.
§ In 1716 Isabeal Henderosn spouse of Alexander Hislop was charged with “scandelizing the said Isabel Hogart in her good name by calling her ane common hour and affirming that she had parted with bairn ane twelve months since and several other opprobious expressions and imprecation”..
§ John Millar, Margaret Turnbull his spouse and Margaret Black, his mother were all charged with “blood and ryot” in 1718.
If your interest is in local history, in 17th and 18th century crime and justice or you have ancestors in Stichill, near Kelso, Roxburghshire, this book is a must for you. It includes an index of surnames, glossary and detailed background notes, lists of schoolmasters and ministers, explanations of money and prices of articles and services at the time.
Fascinating stuff!
Posted by: Susan
