Langholm 1915

Preface: 1914 summary

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  • The war
  • Trade
  • Municipal affairs
  • Parish affairs
  • School Board
  • Churches
  • Sport
  • The Common Riding
  • Vital statistics

The following is an abbreviated version of the Eskdale & Liddesdale Advertiser’s summary of 1914 from 6th January 1915.

The war

The latter half of the year was overshadowed by the largest war in world history. The Territorials and Yeomanry left for training at 7.10 am on 13th August, headed by the Town Band. There are 378 in military service from Eskdale and Liddesdale, two of whom have died, four have been wounded and three are missing.

Volunteers heading for the station (LAG)

Trade

On the outbreak of war, many mill orders were cancelled but these were soon replaced by demand for khaki uniforms. There was a large fire at Buccleuch Mills with £5,000 damage (£505,000 today), which has now been repaired, and there was a small fire at Eskdale Mills.

Buccleuch Mills damage, January 1914 (LAG)

Municipal affairs

The main items were two boundary disputes between the Thomas Hope Hospital and neighbours, the creation of a fire station on the High Street, and surfacing of the High Street.

Fire station in the High Street (large doorway, left of centre) (LAG)

Parish affairs

The main subjects of discussion were property valuations and rate levels, payments from legacies, and the poor roll, numbering 47 in total, of which 17 were resident.

School Board

Henry Sanders (1847-1914), a draper who died after 29 years of board service, was replaced by John Fleming (farmer, Becks farm). Attendance prizes were awarded to 112 pupils, nearly double that of the year before. The Dux Medal (top academic prize) was shared by two pupils. The sum of £1,120 (£113,000 today) was requisitioned from the Parish Council to cover the estimated School Board deficit.

Henry Sanders, draper (LAG)

Churches

The Evangelical Union Congregational Church celebrated the jubilee (fiftieth year) of its foundation in Langholm. The minister of the United Free Church (South), Rev James Macdonald from Inverness, married Ada Graham from Cumberland in Carlisle.

Rev James Macdonald (LAG)

Sport

The cricket club won three out of nine matches, with Fred Graham (co-owner of the Reid & Taylor mill) and Alex Morrison heading up the batting and bowling averages respectively. The lawn bowls teams had less success than usual.

Fred Graham, front centre with dog (LAG)

The Common Riding

A modified event went well, led by cornet John Wilson, a baker.

Cornet John Wilson (LAG)

Vital statistics

There were 52 births, 13 marriages and 42 deaths. Deaths of note were those of Dr John Gill (1855-1914), an esteemed local medical practitioner for 34 years, and George McRobert, an Edinburgh city missionary.

Dr John Gill (LAG)

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