What a fascinating story Lynn, I have heard a little about the clearances before, I thought it had something to do with English landlords forcing them out, and contributed to the still simmering tensions between the Scottish and English neighbours.
Thanks, Ross. It was the Scottish landowners who carried out the clearances. There was certainly marriage between the Scottish and English aristocrats, but the clearances were not an English/Scottish thing.
I cannot begin to imagine the fear and worry the evicted must have been subjected to in being forced to leave their homes, for sheep no less… as if their lives weren’t hard enough…
Your photos are beautiful as always Lynn, and your writing of the history. It’s a terribly sad thought though… not uncommon at that time I believe (though I’m no historian) and I see no sign that they were ever even there apart from the church.
Little time for his domestic affairs; he was in Australia with his regiment. The running of the estate was effectively in the hands of his factor who had a reputation for vigorously clearing small tenants. Some were more compassionate than others; this one wasn’t at all, it would seem.
Ah, I remember visiting Croick Church when I was a peedie thing at Stenness Primary. We were staying in Carbisdale Castle and cycled there which, at the time, felt like a ridiculously long way (although we Orcadian types were pleased to learn there was such a thing as not cycling into a hard wind).
I'm really glad you are sharing this story here, I've thought about it often in the nearly forty years since I visited. I'm sad to hear the church is currently closed.
What a fascinating story Lynn, I have heard a little about the clearances before, I thought it had something to do with English landlords forcing them out, and contributed to the still simmering tensions between the Scottish and English neighbours.
Thanks, Ross. It was the Scottish landowners who carried out the clearances. There was certainly marriage between the Scottish and English aristocrats, but the clearances were not an English/Scottish thing.
I cannot begin to imagine the fear and worry the evicted must have been subjected to in being forced to leave their homes, for sheep no less… as if their lives weren’t hard enough…
Your photos are beautiful as always Lynn, and your writing of the history. It’s a terribly sad thought though… not uncommon at that time I believe (though I’m no historian) and I see no sign that they were ever even there apart from the church.
Yes, they had difficult lives at the best of times. We can romanticise all we like, but life was tough for these people.
And, yes, it wasn't an uncommon happening at that time. It was, however, unusual for alternative accommodation not to be provided by the landlord.
Hé must have been as cold as those people were living under a tarpaulin… good grief!
Little time for his domestic affairs; he was in Australia with his regiment. The running of the estate was effectively in the hands of his factor who had a reputation for vigorously clearing small tenants. Some were more compassionate than others; this one wasn’t at all, it would seem.
Lovely church in a stunning location. It was really interesting to read all about it.
Yes, it has a fascinating history.
Such a special place. And what an amazing history!
Yes, it's a beautiful location that belies its history.
Beautiful location and fascinating history!
Thanks Erik - there is always so much history around us that we are unaware of.
Interesting post. I’ve read around this quite a lot. It’s the human stories that always resonate.
Thanks. Yes, there are so many human stories; it's easy to put yourself in their shoes and imagine what they were going through.
Really interesting stuff Lynn!!. Its a fascinating if tough topic.
Thanks, Trevor - it's certainly a complex subject.
Ah, I remember visiting Croick Church when I was a peedie thing at Stenness Primary. We were staying in Carbisdale Castle and cycled there which, at the time, felt like a ridiculously long way (although we Orcadian types were pleased to learn there was such a thing as not cycling into a hard wind).
I'm really glad you are sharing this story here, I've thought about it often in the nearly forty years since I visited. I'm sad to hear the church is currently closed.