| Lost Aberdeen – The Freedom Lands - Diane Morgan |
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In completing the trilogy Lost Aberdeen, Diane Morgan’s enthusiasm for her native city is never in doubt. Starting point for The Freedom Lands is 1313, when “care and custody” of the Forest of Stocket was given by charter from Robert the Bruce.
Readers unfamiliar with the Granite City may find a large-scale map useful, though drawings and photographs help fuse past with present, as do lively stories of those who lived in the Freedom Lands, crofters, dignitaries and academics alike.
Loanhead Quarry, operating from 1603, later produced stone for landmarks like Robert Gordons Hospital and Gilcomston Chapel of Ease, wherein worshipped the quarriers. More impressive by far was Rubislaw, yielding 6,000,000 tonnes of granite during its 230-year history.
Mile End had several weel-kent residents, including Dr Mary Esslemont, champion of women's welfare.Kirks and schools are included, sometimes with glimpses of those who ministered and taught.Further west, Villa Franca was the country retreat of Francis Peacock. Appointed sole dancing master in the burgh aged 24, one precocious pupil was Geordie Gordon, later Lord Byron.
That no clear policy exists for Hazelhead gives the author cause for concern. “It could have been one of the finest of small nature reserves.”
We move on from the Stocket Lands to those of Rubislaw, granted by Robert II in 1379, sold in 1687 to ex-provost Sir George Skene whose town house in the Guestrow is now a museum.
Part of Alford Road became Albyn Place, site of the Orphan Asylum (1839), later Albyn High School for girls. Rubislaw Terrace, with list of owners impressive as its photograph, replaced earlier pocket estates and offered easier access to the town, while photographer George Washington Wilson resided in splendour at Queen’s Cross.
Bleachfields gave way to the Grammar School's sports pavilion and at Kepplestone, art lover Alexander Macdonald entertained and commissioned work from the pre-Raphaelites, including Millais.
Mannofield had its roller-skating rink converted for curling and renamed the Glaciarium. Defrosted in 1917 it became the Scottish Aircraft Factory before being acquired by motor dealers Rossleigh and demolished in l982.
A few original houses remain, others metamorphosed or lost, like the century-old Amatola, latterly a popular hotel, but ending on an upbeat note, Aberdeenshire Cricket Club has occupied its Mannofield site since l880.
The Freedom Lands, a valuable resource for genealogists, is warmly recommended. |
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