Chapter 2b - Irregular Border Marriages - 1934
Sarah Reveley
Pasley and a bottle of companion, named Ned Turner once sat down to an anker( ten gallons) of strong cognac, and in sixty hours they kicked the empty cask to pieces with their feet for having run dry so soon. Neither of them was at any time drunk, nor had they the assistance of anyone in drinking.
Mr. John Timbs visited Pasley in 1804, and describes him as seventy-two years old, in excellent health, very strong, with steady hands, no headache, and despising whisky as “stuff women get drunk on.” He was a bit of a rogue, sometimes made bargains with the bridegroom and later extorted a “present” from the lady. His fee was L10 for the well-to-do; but the poor could be married for a bottle of brandy! Probably half-a-crown was the “usual.” He began to “marry” about 1756,
but felt uneasy in his mind lest the trade should bring him into contact with that vague but powerful “law” which forbade smuggling, and without warning or explanation denounced men as criminals and punished them. To avoid conflict with this mysterious power, Pasley was careful not to be publicly seen on those occassions, but stole through bypaths to the house where he was called upon to officiate. The deed done, he gave a certificate, badly worded and spelt, in almost illegible writing, with a feigned signature.
An important trial arose out of one of his marriages, And being summoned to London in consequence, To undergo an examination, he was so much alarmed
That he consulted a gentleman of the Scots Bar. The advice received was that using a feigned name Was decidedly a misdemeanour; the mock parson should, if possible, effect the destruction of the original certificate, and substitute another in which he should sign his own name; but merely as a witness to the declaration of the parties that they were married persons. Thenceforth Pasley invariably adopted this method of filling up the certificates, and many of his successors followed his example. The “parson” now felt he was “on the right side of the law,” and walked openly in the public way when called upon to officiate, dressed as well as he
could manage, and carrying himself with dignity of a bishop. In “performing the ceremony” Pasley followed a routine, by reading part of the Liturgy of the Church of England and using the words: “Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife?” “Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband?” etc. When the ring was put on he used the words: “With this ring I thee wed,” and ended by declaring the parties to be husband and wife.
He gave a certificate of marriage to each couple, And retained a duplicate,which he deposited in a brown jug. About 1800 Pasley was seized with rage
(probably against the trade by some untoward incident), snatched up the brown jug and emptied its precious contents into the fire. The form of the certificates given at that time was as follows:
“This to sartfay [the word certify, which broad Lowland Scots, would be pronounced “sartify”; in writing the “i” would be a nuisance and would be dropped out.] all presons that may be concerned that A.B. from Parish of C in the County of D, and F. F. from the parish of G. and in the county of H. and both comes before me and declaryed themselves both to be single persons and now mayried by the forme of the Kirk of Scotland and agreible to the Church of England, and givine
ondre my hand this 18th day of March 1793.”
Pasley was not without a dry sense of humour; on occassion his services were required by two couples both in desperate haste. After the “ceremony” it was discovered that by a trifling mistake the wrong brides and bridegrooms had been united. “Aweel,” said Pasley contentedly, “juist sort yersels.” He was wont to remark that, though “well paid for marrying folk,” he could make his fortune in a week were he able to divorce them quickly. Long before the era of regular and irregular marriages people looked upon its consummation as the evidence of union. In the poorer and more ignorant classess this continued to be looked upon as the be-all and end-all of marriage. The mock parsons found that binding qualities of their marriage ceremony, so they arranged that a bedroom should always be
ready for the immediate use after the “magic words” were spoken. This, in part explains why inns were the accepted marriage-houses. Early in the nineteenth century there were several occassions on which the lovers were so hard pressed by pursurers that the officiating priest adjured them: “ Ben the hoose, ben
the hoose and intae bed wi ye , ma pretty leddy. “ Once a bridegroom had not even time to remove His boots! The pursurers thundered at the doors; if
Reply were delayed they smashed the windows and “stormed” inside. “Too late,” they were told, and the “ceremony” was carried through when the
coast was clear. In low ale-houses, and with coarse, drunken priests, terrible disorders took place. Linton was obliged to conform, in slight degree, at
any rate, during his first year at Gretna Hall. In October 1825 he showed “Mr.D “ a room furnished With a large sofa and other necessary apparaatus.
But Linton resolutely set himself against all such Sordidness, and the better-class “priests” imitated His excellent principle.
In his later years Pasley became enormously stout, and weighed upwards of twenty-five stones. His drinking habits remained and he became insufferably
coarse in manner. He died in 1814, aged eighty-two,,,,,,, and is buried in Gretna Green Churchyard—this according to the parish minister and the tombstone.
Other people say Pasley died before 1814, and his Age is variously given as eighty, eighty-two, and eighty-four.
Much interest has been shown in the probable sites of the dwelling-houses and the marriage-shops of Coulthard and Pasley. After a good deal of inquiry and search the following particulars have been verified :
Coulthard, first described as living near Sarkfoot, moved to Gretna Green, and “ lived in a house which stood where the school now stands, or close there.”[Simon Lang in “ harmonious Blacksmith, Household Words, vol. v.] It was pulled down by 1852. Gaitney Court House and Tolbooth, mentioned in M’Farlane’s Geographical Collections, were situated at the lower end of Gretna Loaning, close to the Green, and not far from the church. At a later period these buildings were converted to other purposes, or their stones taken to erect new buildings in the vicinity. One of these was the school alluded to by Simon Lang,
Mr. R .B. Carruthers and others. For many years One of the tippling-houses detested by Mr. Morgan Stood there. Farrington [Farrington’s Diary, ii. Many other Writers corroborate above.] in 1801 remarks: “ there was a small ale-house at Gretna Green, which before Springfield was built, 7 or 8 years ago, had the
Business. People of a lower order come over from The Cumberland side of the Water and get married. The expense is sometimes not more than a guinea,
Or a half-a-guinea, and it is sometimes done for a drink only. “ In all the accounts there is always this one ale-house at Gretna Green. Beside it Coulthard
lived, and in it he “ married the folk.” Probably, though not certainly, Pasley lived, for a time, close at hand, and “married” in the tavern. Three years later Mr. John Timbs [English Eccentrics, published 1806;visit 1804. Described by Mr. Morgan in 1793 and Dr. Lettier in 1794.] visited Gretna, and writes:
“The Gretna Green marriages are celebrated at a public-house situated on the right hand, at the entranced to the Town(Springfield) and about 15 or 20 furloughs (300 yards) from the River Sark. The Inn if Inn it may be called, is kept by Willy Johnson and Peggy Morgan: they are man and wife Though she according to the Scots custom retains her maiden name.”
Sarah Reveley
on the Scots side of Sark, With the old road from Longstown to Springfield
Running past, and one of these clay daubin biggins Was Johnson's tavern and
another Pasley house. The site is now oblliterated by the Caledonian Railway
embankment.
In Geographical Collections [M'Farlane,date 1721-1735;Probably 1730.. Mr
Black died in 1735], Mr. Black, the parish Minister, describes the inns in
Graitney Parish-Eight in all, among them Allisonsbank, Headless Corse and
Barrowslacks. This last corresponds with That described by Mr. Timbs. The
modern word is
Spelt Barrowslacks, and though not much used now Was in common parlance
fifty years ago, and must be Well known to many people to-day. Barrowslacks
is
The slack, or hollow, below Barrasgate, through which Sark flows. A tavern
beside the road here would Exactly agree with Mr. Timbs's description. A
Better situation could not be imagined, and Pasley Secured it.
It is interesting to note that a late resident in Springfield reached the
same conclusion, about Twenty years ago., from quite different data. For
Forty years he had questioned and listened patiently To the village elders,
whose memories easily covered The previous sixty years. They told of a few
clay Biggins situated where Caledonian Railway Embankment is now. The old
folk spoke of Pasley's House as being there, and that finally became
Ruinous, and carted away about 1830. One man in particular, whose long and
accurate memory was much respected, used to describe how he as a youngster
"ran beside the cairts which were taking
away a Auld Pasley's hoose"! Thus tradition and history support each other.
The site could not be better; close to the first turnpike road of the
district, just over Sark river, and safe in Scotland; at the bottom of a
steep hill, which must be climbed with tired horses before another "priest"
can be obtained. Here was the inn with refreshment for horse and man, and a
bridal bed for lovers. Close at hand was Pasley's house; brandy could be
procurred at the tavern.
Pasley removed to Springfield soon after it wasbuilt, probably about 1792
or 1793. The village is reported by Mr Morgan as practically finished in
1793, with people moving in.
In 1824 Mr. John McDiarmid visited Gretna and Wrote an article upon the
place in the first number Of his Dumfries Monthly Magazine. [Rare. Copy
kindly
lent by Mr Frank Miller, Annan.] Unfortunately it Is written in that
extravagant, florid style which was Considered " clever" one hundred years
ago, and
Which was most successful in obscuring facts. A Careless statement has
founded some mistaken conclusions. Mr McDiarmid says: "Old Joseph Paisley,
who died in 1814, at hte advanced age of Fourscore years, resided in his
youth at Megg's Hill, A small farm situated betwixt Gretna and Springfield.
And hence the name of Gretna Green. But so far Back as 1791 he abandoned
Megg's Hill and removed To Springfield as more convenient spot, and though
The popular name is still kept up, it is no longer Geographically accurate .
"
Megg's Hill, farm or otherwise, is not included in Any map, description or
estate return, for the reason That it was and (what remains of it) still is
in Cumberland, on the Netherby estate. Megg's Hill was A moor farm, later
merely a collection of clay daubin Biggins situated at the top of Red Brae,
just where The gardens had been well cultivated, and people of Sixty to
sixty-five to-day tell of the wonderful plums And other fruit grown there.
The demolition of the Houses is remembered by many. [This information was
Given by a number of independent people who spent Their early years in
Gretna.] No; Paisley never Attempted to live and " marry" in England;
besides It would have been too long a walk to the brandy!
This rare old poem, printed in 1794, is descriptive Of the outlook form
Pasley's house:
POEMS
In English, Scotch, and Latin.
Paisley:
Printed by J. Neilson, for the Author. 1794.
Gretna Green
[The place where the Scottish army lay during the night
before the Battle of Solway.]
No more the soldier on dewy turf,
With shield-propt head, stretches himself to rest;
Where once in furious shock the bottle clos'd
Now rush fond lovers into others arms;
Soft sighs are heard where erst the trumpet blew;
The field of Mars is now the bed of love.
No more " the armourers accomplishing the knights,
With busy hammers closing rivets up,
Give dreadful note of preparation."
Far other arts the son of Vulcan plies;
To rivet close the indissoluble chain,
To bear the spear into sweet Cupid's dart,
To fan Love's fires, to harness Venus' doves,
These are thy toils, great priest of Gretna Green.
Sarah Reveley
story: "In one of the Appeal cases which came on at the Carlisle Sessions,
it was stated that the lovesick swain met With the object of his affections
at Carlisle Fair. They Resolved to set off at once for Springfield or
Gretna Green, and took with them a fiddler and a stray man whom, they met
on Eden Bridge. Arrived at Gretna, they were soon shown the way to the
'priest,' who commenced business by asking the man if he possessed a ring.
Begin answered in the negative, he inquired if the bridegroom had any
tobacco. The tobacco-box was produced, and the 'priest' twined a ring of
tobacco and put it on the bride's finger. It fell off; the 'priest' picked
it up, replaced it, said a few words, and the pair were married. The
slipping off of the ring was in this case prophetic, as the man repented of
his bargain and tried to take by force the marriage-lines from the woman."
In 1887 a very old " Piece of Staffordshire Ware," Representing a pair of
lovers being united by a "Blackmith," was very much discussed. On a scroll
and a shield above the words: "John Macdonald, a Scotch Esquire, run off
with a English girl aged 17 to Gratna Green to the old Blacksmith to be
married."
Apparently the case was remarkable one.
In the Gentleman's Magazine, 10th September 1805, the following paragraph
was printed: "At Lancaster, John Macdonald, Esquire of Dumfries, married to
Miss Eliza Norris, mantua maker of Preston. In a Frenzy of mind at a
reproof from her father, she Was about to throw herself into the canal when
Mr.
Macdonald, providentially passing that way, enquired The cause of such
rashness, and being answered ingenuously took her into his carriage, made
honourable overtures and married her." The china representation and the
notice have been connected by many people; but the parties concerned do not
appear to have made any pronouncement in the matter, so 'tis all conjecture.
Visitors to Gretna at this period frequently remark on the annoyance and
disgust which the inhabitants of Gretna expressed at these marriages. They
realized
that money came to the parish in this way, but despised who brought it. The
Rev. John Morgan voiced the feelings of a large majority of his parishioners
when he concluded the 'Old Statistical Account' by exclaiming: "Is it not a
disgrace to the police [1.] of a civilized country to permit such
irregularities to be practised with impunity? [1. He must have meant those
of the Commissioners of Supply. The police force constituted as we know it,
was not instituted in Scotland until 1857.] And is it not a reflection on
the good sense and discernment of the Nobility and Gentry of England to
suffer themselves to be imposed upon, and their pockets to be picked by such
miscreants?"
Sarah Reveley
ROBERT ELLIOT, 1811-1847
ROBERT ELLIOT was born in 1784, at Galashiels Rigg,
Northumberland. His father was a farmer, and
Robert worked on the farm; then he went in for
stable work and served in various places. He was
with Messrs Wilson & Fairbairn, stage-coach pro-
prietors, at their Springfield establishment, and
while so employed won Anne Graham, the "belle"
of Springfield, and granddaughter of Joseph Pasley.
Elliot says that Pasley "died shortly after my
marriage," which took place in January 1811. Pasley
was living in Springfield. Elliot went to live at
the inn where he habitually married the people.
From the picture in his 'Memoirs' this was apparently
"The Queen's Head," though he simply calls it
"The Marriage House."
Elliot was a somewhat pugnacious man, and
resented any unfair criticisms, as the following
correspondence shows.
From 'The Carlisle Journal', 18th February 1843:
We observe, by announcement in some of the
London Papers, that some worthy gentlemen in
London are about to enlighten the public on the sub-
ject of Gretna-green marriages, by the publication of a
book called "The Gretna Green Memoirs: by Robert
Elliot: with an Introduction and Appendix, by the
Rev. Caleb Brown." In addition to this information
we have been honoured with a copy of what Mr
Elliot calls a "cercler," which he is desirous we should
publish as a paragraph for the benefit of our readers.
From this "cercler" we learn that this interesting
work contains an accurate account of remarkable
elopements, pursuits, anecdotes, etc., never before
published.
Then we are further informed that there is "in
the press," to be published by subscription, "The
Gretna Green Register, containing the names of 7,744
persons married by Robert Elliot, the Gretna Green
Parson." It is added, that "the whole is being care-
fully printed from the original registers, written and
kept by himself." The Gretna Green Parson, we
suspect, has fallen into dishonest hands, or he would
not have suffered it to be said that he was about to
publish registers which never had existence. "The
Gretna Green Parson" is pretty well known in this
neighbourhood. He married a granddaughter of
old Joe Paisley, the original "blacksmith," and after
the death of that worthy "parson," he set up an
opposition shop, in the marriage line, to David Laing,
who had acquired some notoriety in the business.
This was in 1811; and he continued in the "trade"
until 1828, when it either fell away from him or he
fell away from it. His reverence subsequently con-
descended to act as horsekeeper or hostler at one of
the inns in this city: and a few months ago he was
sent for to London, as a witness in some marriage
case, and is now set up as an author ! We suspect
the whole thing to be an attempt to gull the public
into the purchase of a book of inventions. If 7,000
were deducted from the names of those to be inserted
in the "Register" the number would still exceed, by
many a score, those who were "actually" married,
as it is called, by Robert Elliot, the Gretna Green
Parson.
Elliot, who was then living in London, quickly
replied to this as follows (The Times, 23rd February):
THE GRETNA GREEN BLACKSMITHS
To the Editor of 'The Times'
SIR,--From the spirit of impartiality which always
pervades the conduct of your journal, I feel confident
that you will allow me to reply to a paragraph in
yesterday's 'Times', and taken from 'The Carlisle Journal',
and which is grossly inaccurate and injurious. One
charge against me is, that instead of 7,500 persons
being married by me I had only married about
as many hundreds. Now, Sir, the fact is, that I
married 7,744 persons, which I can show registers
for, from my commencement, and which either you
or any respectable individual may inspect here, and
which I can substantiate on oath. Another charge
is, that I set up in opposition to David Laing, which
is equally untrue, for Mr. Paisley, the 'reputed Black-
smith', whose granddaughter I married, appointed
me to succeed him and I married a couple the very
night of his death. Laing started some time after
that in opposition to me, but he got a small share
of the marriages. He next says, that I became a
horsekeeper, which surely, Sir, cannot be a disgrace
to any man who has a helpless family to provide for,
for it has pleased Divine Providence to afflict one of
my daughters in a most grievous way, she being
both deaf and dumb: and although I sometimes
get handsomely paid by people of high rank, it was
generally by bills, which when they became due were
dishonoured. Below is the number of marriages in
each year. Yours,
ROBERT ELLIOT.
9, LEICESTER SQUARE, Feb. 21.
1811 . . 58 1826 . . 187
1812 . . 57 1827 . . 188
1813 . . 59 1828 . . 186
1814 . . 68 1829 . . 180
1815 . . 87 1830 . . 179
1816 . . 89 1831 . . 168
1817 . . 98 1832 . . 153
1818 . . 109 1833 . . 160
1819 . . 121 1834 . . 168
1820 . . 124 1835 . . 124
1821 . . 152 1836 . . 98
1822 . . 178 1837 . . 55
1823 . . 188 1838 . . 46
1824 . . 196 1839 . . 42
1825 . . 198
The 'Memoirs' were published in 1842. They in-
cluded the Table printed above, with the year 1840
added, 42 marriages, and the whole totalled to 3758.
The proposed publication of the Gretna Green
Registers was never carried out. Probably the
designers found that there was too small a public
interested in Gretna to enable the publication to
pay for its printing. The registers must have con-
tained names of those united by Pasley in his later
years, and would be of great value to-day. Elliot's
'Memoirs' contain several errors. For example, he says
he "became the sole and only parson of Gretna
62
Green, and have continued so for the last twenty-nine
years." Pure bombast ! There were at least four
other parsons active at that time.[1.]
[1. See the Registers, Appendix I.; Mr. Harper's
'Manchester and Glasgow Road" ii., p. 239,
and other publications]
"In August 1815," writes Elliot, "I performed
the ceremony for a droll gaberlunzie, who had
neither arms nor legs, unless the stumps which repre-
sented them could be so called." The story is too
long to give in full, but a brief account may prove
amusing. This odd creature was pulled about the
country in a four-wheeled vehicle by a boy, and the
"auld caryle" managed to pick up a good deal of
money in alms; his bride was a bonnie young
country lassie, and this curious couple had at least
one child.
The inn at which Elliot "married the folk" was
kept by a Mrs Johnstone, who, together with a
servant, Sawney, [2.] was a true friend to distressed
couples. Mrs Johnstone and Sawney, in co-operation,
and alone, must have soothed many a stormy scene,
got many young people out of difficulties, and
probably prevented more bloodshed than is generally
supposed; but at least one murder took place while
Elliot was Gretna "priest."
[2. "Sawney's" proper name was James Alexander
Beattie; he succeeded Mrs Johnstone at the inn
after her retirement.]
"The following is one of the many cases in which
I was loser instead of a gainer by marrying. A
Mr. G. of Ashton, the son of a wealthy clergyman,
fell desperately in love with a Miss A., who was a
governess in a neighbouring gentleman's family. His
father, hearing of the connection, expostulated with
him on the subject, and forbid his daughters to visit
the family where Miss A. was governess. A con-
siderable time passed, and the 'affair' was generally
...[this is an exact copy of the book; presumably
the missing words are "considered off," and the
means of communication were meetings on the way to
church] going to the church he generally contrived
unobserved to tell Miss A. that if she would go into
a certain field she would find a letter under a stone
that he described, and under which she was to leave
her answer. This stone answered for their post-office
for some weeks; but one day, as Mr G. was riding
through Ashton, he espied Miss A. in a draper's
shop, and, dismounting from his horse, he went in,
and, pretending to purchase some trifling article,
told Miss A. that if she would accompany him he
was determined to elope to Gretna Green, which
proposal she consented to; and they accordingly
went to the inn which his father frequented, and left
the horse. But the greatest difficulty was still to be
overcome, for he had very little cash, and Miss A.
had less. He, however, hired a chaise in his father's
name, and directed the horse to be sent home; then
driving to an inn in Manchester, where his father
was well known, he easily got another one. But at
the third stage, his father not being known, he was
obliged to leave his watch for £20, which enabled
them to reach Gretna; and although it was late in
the night I was sent for, when he enquired what
the marriage fees were. On being told, he said that
he had only a sovereign left, and that as soon as he
got a remittance he would pay the rest, adding that
he would remain with us until it arrived. I called
the landlady, and she being a good sort of woman
readily agreed to keep them till the remittance should
arrive. I also consented, and they were soon married.
He gave the last money he had to the post-boys.
He wrote many letters to his father for money, but
received no answer, which made him very low-
spirited, and had it not been for the kindness of his
landlady he would have fallen into despair; but
she told them that they should want for nothing in
reason, and that her daughter's clothes were at the
lady's service, and her son's at his; and the good
old woman even bought some linen to make Mr G.
some shirts with. Matters went on in this way for
three months, when one day an old schoolmaster of
Mr G.'s arrived, with orders to pay his debts, but that
the young lady was either to be left, or she might
find her way home herself. On Mr G. hearing
this, he nobly objected to go without the lady, be
the consequences what they might. The school-
master, finding that he could not compel him in the
same manner as when he was a boy, called the land-
lady, and ordered her to stop the supplies, otherwise
she should not be paid the bill already owing.
To this the old woman replied, 'That they had
not been extravagant, and as to paying the bill, he
might just do as he liked.' but in another month
the schoolmaster returned and paid the landlady.
I only got a promissory note for £20, which when
due was not paid; after which I put it into an
attorney's hand, and, instead of getting the money,
Sarah Reveley
he brought me a bill of £12 for expenses, so that I
had better never to have seen the party."
Most of Elliot's history is taken from his 'Memoirs'.
It is a matter for regret that many valuable
registers were destroyed by Elliot's idiot daughter,
who slept in a "box-bed," on the top of which
the papers reposed, packed in bandboxes. This
unfortunate girl one night set fire to the bed, and
burnt herself, together with these papers, amongst
which was Pasley's register.
A description of a certificate Elliot used, together
with the scruples of those it united, may be of interest
here. Follows the certificate:
These are to certify to all persons whom it may
concern, that...........the younger, of............in the
County of Kent, son of .........................Esq., of
the same place, and..................of..............in the
County of Kent, daughter of..............of the same
place, came before me and declared themselves to
be both single persons, and were lawfully married
according to the ways of the Church of England
and agreeably to the Laws of the Kirk of Scotland.
Given under my hand at Springfield, near Gretna
Green, the fifteenth day of May 1826.
No. 76}
For the year of} (signed) ROBERT ELLIOT.
1826}
Before these witnesses:
WILLIAM JOHNSTONE.
THOMAS WALLACE.
Signature of Bridegroom...................................
Signature of Bride.............................................
The certificate is about 12 by 7-1/2 in., with a margin
of about 3 in. to the left and about 1-1/2 in. to the
right-hand side. The printed and written matter is
surmounted by the Royal Arms [1.]
[l. Obviously the wide left-sided margin is for binding
or filing; those interested may compare the description
with Linton's certificate in Appendix.]
This particular couple distrusted the validity of
any matrimonial bond entered into without clerical
assistance: and, after their relations had calmed
down, the services of the Archbishop of Canterbury
were engaged, and on 3rd June 1826 a curious
document was issued by the Office of Faculties at
Doctors' Commons, which sets forth that the parties
referred to, "having been heretofore married to
each other at Springfield, near Gretna Green, grace
and health. Whereas ye are as it is alleged resolved
to proceed to the solemnization of true and lawful
matrimony," etc. Licence is then granted "that
the marriage may take place without the publication
or proclamation of banns." [2.]
[2. Taken from 'Notes and Queries, 1890'.]
Elliot gives the full "marriage ceremony" as
carried out by Pasley and himself. A comparison
with that used by Mr John Murray, and described
by Mr Carruthers, will show that adherence to
the English ritual diminished as time passed. The
influence of the allusive Fleet parson decreased.
The parties are first asked their names and places
of abode; they are then asked to stand up, and
inquired of if they are both single persons: if the
answer be in the affirmative the ceremony proceeds.
Each is next asked, "Did you come here of your
own free will and accord?" Upon receiving an
affirmative answer the "priest" commences filling
in the printed form of the certificate. The man is
then asked, "Do you take this woman to be your
lawful wedded wife, forsaking all other, keep to her
as long as you both shall live?" He answers, "I
will." Then the woman is asked the same question,
which being answered the same, 'the woman then pro-
duces a ring' which she gives to the man, who hands it
to the "priest"; the "priest" then returns it to the
man, and orders him to put it on the fourth finger
of the woman's left hand, repeating these words,
"With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee
worship, with all my worldly goods I thee endow,
in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Amen." They then take hold of each other's
right hands, and the woman says, "What God
joins together let no man put asunder." Then the
"priest" says, "Forasmuch as this man and this
woman have consented to go together by giving
and receiving a ring, I therefore declare them to
be man and wife before God and these witnesses,
in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Amen.
Elliot does not say so -- but in haste, or when the
"priest" was tipsy, above would be contracted.
From 1810 to the passing of Lord Brougham's
Marriage Act in 1856 may be looked upon as the
height of the runaway-marriage trade. There were
two inns in Springfield -- "The Queen's Head" and
the "Maxwell Arms". Elliot married in the one, David
Lang in the other. The post-boys of the Carlisle
posting-stables were attached to the respective houses,
and, no matter what orders their employers gave,
the couple were always carried to the inn which
claimed the allegiance of their driver.
Though fees were often large, the "priest" retained
only a share; not only the post-boys and inn-
keeper, but all the retinue attached to the inn, had
a picking; in fact, a wedding was looked upon as a
windfall to be shared by all who could produce, or
manufacture, the slightest claim to a consideration !
Rivalry was keen, but a strict honour was observed;
the old spirit of Border loyalty seemed revived, and
no adherent of one "parson" tried to steal from the
other. Gretna Hall was looked upon as a different
thing - an undertaking in a class by itself. Fees
varied - 10s. 6d. about the lowest; £5 to £20 was
usually paid; but there was a charge for the room,
for food, for wine, fees for post-boys, and many
"tips."
At this time there lived a certain rich wholesale
merchant in Portsmouth, whose daughter was hand-
some, with an especially beautiful pair of sparkling
black eyes. An Irishman, who dealt in bacon and
hams, fell in love with her, and she with him. On
no conditions could the consent of the father be
obtained, so an elopement was arranged. Alas for
the best-laid plans, the lovers were caught and the
daughter carried back to her home. A second
attempt met with no better success. It was followed
by a third. The pursuers were armed, and it was
only by a fortunate chance that the would-be bride-
groom escaped death at the hands of his lady's
brother. For a time the pair seemed to acquiesce;
but still waters run deep, and the fourth attempt
was planned with care and skill, as well as deter-
mination. A devoted maid assisted the lady while
Pat went off to Gretna, arranged with "priest" and
innkeeper, and made all preparations "on the road."
On his return the lady and maid were ready, and
all set off. At a stage where several roads led in
different directions another post-chaise was ready;
in got the maid and off to lead a wrong scent.
Bribed post-boys joined gladly in the fun, and when
the old merchant appeared sent him off on a wild-
goose chase. The lovers had a long way to go, and
Pat feared they might still be overtaken. At Carlisle
they left the main road and made for Solway Firth.
With an ebbing tide and darkness they made a slow
and difficult passage. On the Scots side the bride
had to be carried over a mile through Solway mud,
with quicksands to trap unwary feet. At length she
was set down on solid ground, exhausted, wet and
bedraggled, with her clothes in disarray from the
rough handling. She must have felt in despair. Not
so Pat; off he set for Springfield, returning shortly
with a chaise-and-pair. He rushed his lady-love to
Elliot, married her in a few minutes, and tended her
while she was warmed and fed. The couple spent
a peaceful night - prelude to the storm. Next day
arrived the father, having quartered half Yorkshire
in search of his daughter. When he found that the
marriage was an accomplished fact his rage knew
no bounds. He declared that two of his daughters
had married foreigners - one an Irish, the other a
Scots rogue: the evil consequences of their dis-
obedience would cleave to them for life. They might
have married his own clerks, as they had been
Englishmen. He stamped and raved, turned upon
the "priest" in his ungovernable fury, and prayed
that Elliot's house might tumble about his ears and
bury his wife and family in its ruins. Such were the
excitements of Gretna Green !
In 1841 Elliot is described as an "old man"
who had left the marriage trade. He appears to
have been one of those who "break up" some
years before death. He removed to Carlisle, died
there in March 1847, and is buried in West Walls,
St. Cuthbert's Parish.
71
Sarah Reveley
THE THREE LANGS, 1827 - 1896
GRETNA "priests" were averse to regular employ-
ment of any kind; but they all had three traits in
common: a very human appreciation of the many
characters they met; a distinct sense of humour at
life in general, and their own trade in particular;
and an excellent capacity for really good Scotch
whisky ! If the reader wishes, he may add one other
-- a true appreciation of the value of the coin of
the realm.
David Lang [1.] was born in 1755, his mother
being a sister of Joe Pasley. [l. Lang, not Laing, as it
is often spelt.] Agricultural labour had no
attraction for him, and he became that visitor so
well known in Scotland, a pedlar - one who travels
upon his feet. When shops were few and far be-
tween, means of communication slow and dangerous,
and commercial "vans" non-existent, the arrival
of a draper's pedlar, carrying buttons, reels, tapes,
needles, and what he could manage in the way of
heavier goods, was welcome to the housewife. Such
a man, if clean and civil, was sure of a welcome,
often of free bed and board. So David "peddled"
away to Lancashire, and there the press-gang caught
him, and sent him off to sea. Lang served for some
years in the Navy, until his ship was captured by
Paul Jones, the pirate. This rascal realized that
David was an able-bodied trained sailor, and in-
cluded him in the piratical crew. Lang found himself
in opposition to his former messmates of the King's
Navy ! Paul Jones knew well the west coast, and
particularly the Solway shore, where many of his
exploits took place. Lang also was familiar with
Solway-side and favoured by circumstances and a
dark night he left the pirate and slipped away to his
native Springfield. Here, at the age of thirty-eight,
he settled down as rival "priest" to Robert Elliot.
At this time David must have been a fine-looking
man. His picture shows a large, full face, with wide,
dark, intelligent eyes. His appearance was enhanced
by the broad-brimmed hat usually worn; altogether
it is a more agreeable type of countenance than the
somewhat crafty and domineering expression of
Elliot. The marriage trade was on the increase - was,
in fact, at its maximum during the next forty years.
Later there were so many "priests" and touts that
the little dignity which Lang, Elliot and Linton had
bestowed upon "the trade" was completely lost,
and disgraceful scenes of scrambling and snatching
at people who alighted from coach or train were
daily witnessed.
The marriage of Lord Erskine, former Chancellor
of England, is often alluded to. It took place in
October 1818, but was kept secret until early in 1819,
when the local Press published the story. Robert
Elliot claims to have performed the marriage, and
the date is often quoted as 1819. The ceremony
was really conducted by David Lang (see photograph
of note [1.] given by Lord Erskine to D. Lang.)
[1. The original is in the hands of Messrs Wright, Brown
& Strong, Carlisle, who kindly permitted this photograph
to be taken.] Lord Erskine's career is a lesson of triumph
over poverty and adverse circumstances. At the age of
twenty-five he had been a sailor and soldier, seen consid-
erable service abroad, and had married, in 1770, Miss
Frances Mary Moore, and now began to study law.
Hampered by a young family, years of great poverty
and struggle followed. In 1778 his chance came --
in a day he was famous, in a week wealthy. Mrs.
Erskine died in 1805: by her he had eight children.
In his later years he became enamoured of a Miss
Sarah Buck, York Buildings, London, and by her
had several children. He resolved to legitimatize
these by marrying their mother [2.] [2. In Scotland
then, as now in England, a subsequent marriage
legitimatizes children born before the ceremony.]
Erskine was famous for his love of jokes, and un-
fortunately made a disreputable spectacle of the
business. He arrived dressed in women's clothes,
with a large Leghorn bonnet and long veil. He was
accompanied by Miss Buck and several youngsters,
so that the party appeared to consist of two adult
women and some children. The older of the two
"ladies" began to question one of the "priests" about
the marriage ceremony: but the disguise was pene-
trated and the "priest" commenced to reply in a dif-
ferent tone. Lord Erskine perceived that the decep-
tion was ended, threw off his dress, and was married
in his own clothes.
Miss Buck went through the ceremony
covering her children under her cloak [1.]
[1. There was an old superstition that, if illegitimate
children were to be legitimatized by the subsequent
marriage of their parents, they must during the
ceremony be held "under the mother's apron-string";
it had no foundation in fact, and may be the survival
of an expression meaning "unborn."]
She behaved like a virago, and disgusted the villagers.
Lord Erskine dressed again in women's garments, became
much excited, and pranced about in his petticoats,
fussing and talking away at a great rate. Just as the
newly married couple were about to depart, his son,
the Honourable Thomas Erskine, drove up, but he
was too late to interfere. Some time later Erskine's
family tried to induce their father to dissolve the
marriage, but it was proved to be valid and binding.
He died in 1723, in his seventy-third year, leaving his
Sarah with many children and little money. Such
are the follies of senility in a clever man.
Sarah Reveley
'The Times' of 1803 apparently had a correspondent at Gretna Green, to whom we are indebted for the following tale. The young son of a Mr S. of Crookholm, near Brampton, resolved to wed. The father, equally firm, resolved that no wedding should take place. The son was a minor, so a special licence was unobtainable. Mr S., tired of the young man's importunate solicitations, locked him into a room. This was not to be endured. Only one method of escape was apparent, and that a black one. Up the chimney went the bridegroom, off the roof, and away to the house of Scarr where his lady-love dwelt. Impatiently he attracted Miss W.'s attention, Alas, when she appeared she did not recognize her own dear love under his covering of soot! In a husky voice he begged for soap and water. After some demur, cleansing materials were quietly provided. Overjoyed, Miss. W. beheld her own true love in recognizable form. Plans were quickly made and as rapidly carried out. Success attended their efforts and the two were married at Gretna Green, December 1803 (Particular "priest" is unknown).
*******
In 1809 a lady came to Gretna who appeared to think she should have as many husbands as fancy might dictate. In 1807 Sarah Dunn Gardner had married the third Marquis of Townshend. The following year she tried unsuccessfully to obtain a decree of nullity. Next year she appeared at Gretna Green with John Margetts of St. Ives - and went through a form of marriage with him. History does not mention the "priest". The unfortunate Marquis hating the whole thing, lived and died abroad, in 1855. Ten days later this extraordinary woman again married. There can be little doubt that the reputation at Gretna, together with a poor understanding of the law of irregular marriage in Scotland contributed to this eccentric conduct, which caused much misery.
Taken from Carlisle Journal, 2nd September 1815:
A BRIDE = £7, 7s. 0d.
The previous Saturday was the Autumn "hiring fair" in Carlisle. Weather being fine, hundreds of young folk from the neighbouring villages attended.
Some came "seeking to hire" others only for the fun of the fair. A farm-lad carried off two lassies to a dancing-room in Rickergate. Before this he had courted one of these young women but now she thought he bestowed more attention than was right her companions, and vented her indignant feelings in no unequivocal terms. The storm attracted attention, and another young man who evidently liked angry women made considerable advances to her. Before night fell they were off to Gretna, found someone to act as "priest" and were united in matrimony. Next morning the young husband left his wife with her parents to prepare his own house for her home-coming. Meantime the lady changed her mind! Her former lover came to enquire how matters stood - the newly-wed hsuband returned and was called in as a party to an extraordinary treaty. For the sum of seven guineas he consented to yield up the wife of a night! She and her former lover were duly married in the City of Carlisle on the last Wednesday of August 1815. Many queer bargains were made and unmade with the words "Gretna Green" as a valid excuse. The marriage in Carlisle was of course quite illegal and the woman could have been convicted of bigamy.
In 1821 a young English lawyer on the Northern Circuit seized the opportunity to visit Scotland and later recounted hs amusing adventures in The Scots Magazine of which the following is an extract:
On the way from Dumfries to Carlisle, we passed through Gretna and then was met by a chaise-and-four, the horses all in form, the postillions whipping and spurring like the very devil, and a gentleman of interesting and manly appearance on the box
cheering them on to still greater exertions and more unmerciful flagellations. They had cleared the winning post (River Stark) and it was now neck or nothing. The pursuit had been conducted with such animation and perseverance that the gallant lad had not started a minute and a half from the Bush Inn at Carlisle when the father of the fair fugitive drove up to the door. Horses were shifted in less than three minutes so that the advantage of time in favour of the fugitives might be estimated at less than 180 seconds. When we met them the race had reached the very acme of interest, the pursuers were already in sight. It was impossible to remain passive, something must be done and that instantly! Prompted by a spirit of sympathy I seized the reins from the hands of the coachman and with the aid of a spruce young blood, who entered into the joke toto corde, we instantly descended and turned the horses and coach right across the road behind the racing lovers. We commenced to fumble with the harness as though it were misplaced or broken, - at the point where our coach was turned, the road was so narrow that it was impossible to pass with any degree of safety. In a trice the pursuers were at us, and a scene ensued, which beggars all attempts at description - roaring -- imprecating curses -- blows -- confusion -- blasphemy -- entreaty-- all commingled in strange wise, and all, for a little, to no purpose. Old crusty was in such a towering passion, and the postillions were in such a pother, that they did nothing but run about knocking their dunderheads against one another. During the melee, however, I noticed that the postillions were by no means so hearty in the cause of the father as I had seen those who were in that of his daughter. They made a world of noise, swore dreadful oaths, ran about yelling like drunken demons, but did nothing! At length, after delaying them for about eight minutes, we got our ponderous vehicle turned once more in the line of march, and off we set, accompanied by a volley of oaths which "could curses kill" would have ended our mortal
lives.
Our interference however, had done the gallant good service, for before that father and his myrmidons arrived at "Johnson's Tavern", the "priest" always on the alert, and the law of Scotland ever kind to lovers in haste, had rendered at further efforts on the part of the father to recover his fugitive child perfectly fruitless: she had become -- a wife. Johnson's tavern - this is evidently the ale-house, tippling house or inn described in Chapter II., under "Pasley". Probably Elliot or some other "marriage monger", would remain near such an elligible spot ready for emergencies. The present incident occured in 1822. It will be recollected that the tavern was pulled down about 1830 and the site destroyed by the Caledonian railway in 1848.
"ANGLO-SCOTUS"
"Anglo-Scotus" was Coltman, afterwards a Judge of the Common Pleas.
The best known of all Gretna Green elopements is the abduction of Miss. Turner and her marriage to Edward Gibbon Wakefield*. The flight to Calais
*Edward Gibbon Wakefield was of good Quaker stock, and had considerable mental ability. His first wife was Elia Susan Pattle: He was only 20 and it was a runaway match. Miss Pattle was a Ward in Chancery, but Wakefield managed to get round both the Lord Chancellor and the young lady's mother. The young people were a devoted couple. Two childen were born: Susan Priscilla, 4th December 1817; Edward Jerningham, 25th June 1920, his mother died 10 days after his birth and Miss Susan Priscilla died of consumption in 1835. During his imprisonment, Wakefield studied methods of colonization, and on his release emigrated to Australia. He did excellent work in connection with the colonization of that country and New Zealand, and was acknowledged one of the prominent men in these young countries. He became private secretary to Lord Durham, in Canada, in 1838. Miss Turner married on 15th January 1829, Thomas Legh, esq., of Lyne Park, Chester, and other properties in Lancashire. In 1831 she died in childbirh. This only child, a daughter, Jane Ellen, survived. The last member of the family of Mr. Turner, Shrighley Park, was Miss Mary Jane Janett Turner, who died in 1899.
...... and rescue there, followed by the trial and condemnation with a special act of Parliament to annul the marriage, make a most romantic story. Wakefield was thirty years of age and a widower with a young family. He held an appointment at the British Legation and was living in Paris, where Society chatter spoke of a beautiful heiress sixteen years of age. Miss Ellen Turner, still at school in Liverpool, was reputed the future heiress of an immense fortune. Wakefield seems to have discussed this piece of news with his brother, William, and also with their stepmother, Mrs Wakefield, known for some obscure reason by her maiden name of Miss David. Another person who joined in the discussion was a friend called Miss Bathurst. Ultimately a real scheme -- or conspiracy -- was formed to obtain some part at least of this young lady's money. The conspirators took into their confidence a favourite French servant named Edouard Thevenot. The plot was hatched in Paris; its fulfillment commenced in England, and was completed in Scotland. On Tuesday, 7th March, 1826 a private barouche, driven by Thevenot, arrived at the door of Miss. Danby's school. The coachman delivered a letter, to which he was to await a reply. At once all was bustle and distress. The letter
was signed by a physician, John Ainsworth M.D., and stated that Miss Turner had been seized with a sudden and
dangerous attack of paralysis. M. Turner was unfortunately in London, but had been sent for. The doctor wrote that " he is sending his carriage and a steady servant"; that Miss Turner is not to be told how very ill her mother is, because she would then be afraid to travel alone. The house Shrigley park is so full and confused that there is no room in which to put up a travelling companion of Miss Turner's. The doctor has directed that the horses be driven slowly because Miss Turner is nervous in a carriage. In about twenty minutes Miss Turner was ready; and off they set. They paused at Warrington; but Thevenot, finding that the brothers Wakefield had missed each other and were busy trying to meet, pushed on to Manchester with his charge. At the inn, there the brothers appeared, and made themselves known to the poor girl. Edward G. Wakefield then informed her that her father had suddenly lost a great part of his fortune and was pressed by creditors. Wakefield stated that he had left her father in some place in Yorkshire and suggested that they should go to him. She assented and they arrived at six a.m. next morning at Kendal (which is not in Yorkshire) -- there she was told that a letter had arrived from her father, saying he would meet them at Carlisle. The Wakefields now felt it necessary to push matters further, and they told Miss Turner that their uncle a rich banker had lent Mr Turner £60,000 to extricate him from his difficulties; that these had been caused by the failure of Ryle and Daintry's Bank at Macclesfield. They amplified their story relating that the failure of a Blackburn bank had increased Mr Turner's difficulties enormously so that he might be turned out of Shrigley any day. The young men stated that their uncle now required a security for his money and that Mr Grimsditch (her father's confidential advisor) had suggested that if Miss Turner married E.G. Wakefield the property would be hers. Edward urged his suit saying" "Then our uncle will settle us in life handsomely and prevent your father from being turned out of doors in his present circumstances." Miss Turner replied that she must see her father first, and to that the Wakefields agreed, saying that he would meet them at Carlisle. They pushed on to that city. When the two men went into the Bush Inn they left the lady in the carriage. The Wakefields came back quickly and said they would explain matters as soon as they were out of the town. They they proceeded to retail a wonderful story. These two wicked brothers told this schoolgirl that they had seen her father and Mr Grimsditch at the Bush Inn; that the place was surrounded by bailiffs so that her father could not come out to speak to her; but that he desired her to get a certificate of her marriage in Scotland as quickly as possible -- because it would relieve him of all his present miseries. In this way these two men persuaded and cajoled this girl, so that she might give her hand freely and with every appearance of spontaneous desire. Whatever she thought or felt the young lady gave no evidence of fear or dislike of the expedition. She heard the chaise ordered to go to Grtena, and one of the Wakefields asked the post-boy (William Graham) where the marriage place was. Grahamdrove them to Linton's (Gretna Hall) - see Gretna Hall register -- and Lang quickly made them man and wife (8th March 1826). Then comes the return to Carlisle -- again Ellen is on the lookout for her father, but is appeased by the tale that having heard of her mariage from the post-boys, Mr. Turner has returned either to Shrigley Park or London and that they are to follow him. That night they stopped at Penrith and two days later arrived at the Brunswick Hotel, Hanover Square London. Here Wakefield received the news that the hunt was up, and his only hope was to quit the country. Accordingly he told his wife that Mr. Turner had gone to Calais and they followed him there the next day.
Some notice appeared in the London papers which alarmed the schoolmistress. She set off to Shrigley Park with the forged letter from Dr Ainsworth and it was at once seen that an abduction had taken place. The family lawyer (Mr Grimsditch) saw an advertisement of the marriage in the newspapeer of Saturday, 11th March. He received the full particulars on the 14th and at once went to the Secretary of State and procured warrants. Her arrived at Calais during the afternoon of Wednesday 15th March, accompanied by an officer from Bow Street. Wakefield thought himself safe, and was surprised to find that France would not protect him. Within a few hours he was on his way to prison and Miss Turner to her father. The actual trial commenced on 26th March 1827 at Lancaster when it appeared as: "The King v Edward Gibbon Wakefield and WilliamWakefield." The brothers had been out on bail and William absconded in January 1827, but returned to stand his trial. There were three indicments - "conspiracy", "carrying away" and "forcing to marry". Mr Serjeant Cross asked for the judgement of the Court on the "conspiracy" charges only. There were two statutes of English law bearing on this case -- the one enacted five years imprisonment and a heavy fine as punishment for carrying away a female under sixteen years of age; the other made such an offence punishable by death. To convict under either of these statutes it was necessary that the offence should have been carried out on English ground; as it was only commenced in England, and consummated in Scotland, the general law could not touch them. They were consequently brought up for trial not for committing these atrocities, but for conspiring to do so. The sentence of the court was that Edward Gibbon Wakefield be confined to Newgate Prison for three years, and that William Wakefield be confined in Lancaster Castle Prison for the same period. The third indicment was not proceeded with, as there was no evidence that force had been used. The next day, Saturday, there was a special meeting of the Court to consider the second indicment. The Wakefields now pleaded guilty to this charge of abduction and were ordered to stand committed in Lancaster Castle. The account of this trial is taken mainly from The Times report.
The marriage was annulled by Act of Parliament April 1827. At this trial the validity of such a marriage in Scotland had to be established to the satisfaction of the English judge. There was present in court a Mr McNeil, who in his younger days had been apprenticed to a Writer of the Signet and was then Sherriff-Depute of Perthshire. He was able to assure the court upon his point. However, it was necessary to bring Old David Lang and his register witness that the marriage had taken place. He was examined and cross-examined by Messrs Scarlet and Coleman. They desired to upset and confuse the countryman as well as to show off their own cleverness and sparkling wit. A favourite method on such occasions is to address a witness by sobriquet to which he can be persuaded to answer. In this case Mr David Lang was addressed as "Mr Blacksmith", so repeatedly, that the reporters became uncertain whether it were the man's true name or not, and wrote it without inverted commas. It always seems rather questionable whether witnesses so addressed are obliged to reply. Newspaper correspondants often inquire if Lang was not a blacksmith because they have read a portion of the trial in which he is so addressed by counsel. However that may be, David Lang was neither confused or annoyed. Linton relates that the was able to retaliate with considerable effect. Mr Brougham asked him: "I say, you fellow, how long is it since you were an ostler?" David looked earnestly at the learned counsel's face and then replied gravely: "I never was an ostler; were'e ever ane?" David Lang was an old man and not in very good health. He caught a chill travelling as an outside coach passengerin the trying weather of early spring. He returned to his home in Springfield, and conducted marriages at Gretna Hall until 21st June, but he never again enjoyed normal health, and died on 2nd July 1827.
Some queer marriage bargains were made during this period, and there are many.many tales of runaways. A few may be of interest and given here:
TWO PHLEGMATIC COUPLES
In 1788 Mr West, the King's Page, by his musical abilities gained the entree of a ladies' school at Chelsea. Mr Perry an immesnely rich West Indian Merchant had placed his daughter there as a parlour boarder. The young people believed themselves in love and planned an elopement. Mr West took the young lady to a friend's house, where he thought she might stay until he could arrange for the journey to Scotland. However, Miss Perry considered it highly imprudent to remain under his protection in a stranger's house. So they secured the help of a groom, who had previously travelled the road, and set off on a post-chaise going one hundred and eighty miles before stopping for refreshment! Arrived at Gretna Green, Mr West could only afford £10 for a marriage fee. "The Tinker" considered it too little, and there was a long and heated argument, which threw poor Miss Perry into a great state of agitation, as she feared the ceremony would not be performed after all the fatigues she had undergone. There was no pursuit; but on Mr West applying for Miss Perry's forgiveness it was refused, and the old gentleman retired to bed, where he remained without food or drink for four days. He then drove off to Hereforshire. The young couple settled in a small lodging and prepared to enjoy themselves with music until better times.
About thirty years later a couple wandered up from London on their way to Gretna Green. Arrived at the Bush Inn, Carlisle, they engaged Jock Ainslie, a famous post-boy, to take them the rest of the way. However, arriving at Longtown, they decided to stay there, and sent Jock back to Carlisle, despite his protests. Soon after his return to the Bush, Ainslie saw the mother of the lady arrive, accompanied by a Bow Street officer. He took a saddle horse out of the stable and galloped to Longtown. Hastily the lovers got into a chaise, with Ainslie on the box. Dusk was falling, but the pursuit was close, and soon the sound of wheels was heard. Jock quickly turned down a by-road and, safe behind a thick hedge, let "Mamma" hurry past. While she continued her quest to Annan, Jock took his couple safely to Springfield, and had them married at once, with no more delay. The bridegroom was killed at Waterloo the following year.
In the same year, 1815, in the merry month of May, Captain Bontein of the Guards, a widower aged forty-four was married to Miss Stanley, aged thirteen, the daughter of Sir John Stanley, an Indian Chief Justice. The parties were pursued by Lady Stanley, but the marriage had been accomplished and consummated before her ladyship came up with the runaways. The parties were afterwardsreconciled at the Bush Hotel, Carlisle. The main objection was the age of the gentleman compared with the tender years of the lady.
Gretna was busy in 1811; on the 22nd May, Charles Ewan Low arrived in hot haste with Elizabeth Sophia, daughter of Sir Edward Nightingale. They were safely married and entered upon a long and happy life. Many honours were bestowed upon this able man. They had a large family, and their son succeeded his Uncle as Lord Ellenborough.
In November 1811, the scions of two noble houses visited Gretna Green. George William, the eighth Earl of coventry married Mary Beauclerk a daughter of the Duke of St. Albans. His first wife had died the previous year, leaving him with a young son. Presumably the families were at variance, and opposed the match, hence a runaway to Gretna Green. The Earl was only twenty-seven.
Another wintry night (15th December 1803) was that of Lord MacDonald of the Isles who eloped with Miss Farley, otherwise Louisa Maria la Coasta. It was a well kept secret for many years, but the relentless limelight of the Law Courts revealed it in a peerage claim made early in the present century. At a more convenient time the usual religious ceremony in church was performed.
On New Years Day of 1812 appeared Mr John George Lambton. desirous to wed Miss Harriet Cholmondeley. He afterwards succeeded to the earldom of Durham. His Gretna bride and her three daughters all died before the Earl, who married a second time, Lady Louisa Elizabeth Grey.
In 1806 a postillion named "Joe" forgot to put on his nightcap, and tragic were the results of his carelessness. The "cold" which attacked him injured his hearing. Soon he was quite deaf, able to follow his calling only by lip-reading familiar questions from his fares; but quite well aware of the fact that 19s. 6d. 22s. was the price of a drive to Gretna Green. On 1st June 1806 a chaise-and-four drove up to the Bush Inn at a first-rate Gretna gallop; the post-boys were calling for two pairs of fresh horses as they dahed up to the door. Alas there was only one pair in the stables, and only deaf Joe to drive. The four horses in the chaise had already done a double job, and the lads refused to ride them through so heavy a stage as the "lang dour" to Gretna. "How exceedingly provoking!" exclaimed the gentleman passenger. "I am certain our pursuers are not far behind; the bare idea of having such a cup of bliss dashed from my lips of such beauty and affluence being snatched from me, drives me frantic!". "A Gretna Green affair I assume Sir?" queried the inquisitive landlord. The gallant adventurer made no scruple of admitting that he had run away with the fair young creature who accompanied him, and that she was entitled to a fortune of twenty thousand pounds - "one half of which I would give it I had it to be at this instant behind four horses scampering away north." The landlord praised the single pair available; the gallant was fain to accept, as there was no choice -- all the while exclaiming that the pursuit was close behind. The horses were in and off they set, slowly at first, but quicker as the horses got into their stride. The gentleman became more at ease; he ceased to put his head out of the window; maybe he even anticipated a triumph; when -- crack! a crash! a shriek from the lady and a sudden pause! For a moment the world seemed fallen, and the gallant was deprived of his presence of mind. Then he scrambled onto the road, only to see postillion, horses and front wheels of the chaise rapidly disappearing. The linchpin had broken. In vain were shouts and cries -- the deaf postillion heard nothing, and rode quickly on, eyes front! Joe was delighted at the speed his horses were making -- success seemed assured. It was customary to dash up to the inn door at Springfield, and Joe's horses came at a spanking pace, with all the lads and lasses hallooing in the rear! Only when he allighted from his saddle did Joe perceive the disaster that had befallen him. Petrified, he gazed at the place where the chaise, hind wheels and his passengers ought to have been. Then off down the road on foot. He got onto a hillock where he could see about three miles of road -- nothing. Dismayed beyond expression, poor Joe ran into a hayloft and hid for three days. The young couple were never more seen, and it was three months before Joe could be persuaded to return to work (taken from The Republic of Letters edited by A. Whitelaw, vol. i 1832: Tullie House Scrap Book, p 63).
Simon Lang was born in Springfield, in 1702 and was the only "priest" of importance native to this village of many marriages. On his father's death, in 1827, he took up the trade. Adventurous enterprises had no attractions for Simon. A douce man, he followed the steady occupation of a weaver, though like the rest of the population his purse was sometimes heavier after a successful "run" of whisky or tea! Lang was sparely built, about five feet seven inches in height, and Morrison (Morrison's Border Sketches) says he showed off well at a funeral when wearing blacks. He was a friend of Linton's, was popular and was known as "Old Sim" for many years. He had a grave countenance but a quick eye, and so keen a sense of humour that he could take practical jokes against himself in good part. When strangers came seeking a "priest" and asked for Lang, a favourite reply was "deid, deid, and buried" -- referring of course to David Lang. Sometimes the "joke" overcame the speakers veracity, and on being further asked "But young Lang, the son?" "Deid an' a' - deid's a door-nail." Sim was quite able to reciprocate. Did he see an amorous couple glancing at the commanding figure of "tom the Piper" he would call aloud: "Don't ye heed that big man there, he's just out of the asylum last week -- you'll be wrong if ye go near him." Tom's retort lost nothing in vigour -- the fun and rivalry provided many a laugh.
On one occasion, a couple arrived at the railway station when no "priest" was touting for custom. Two young fellows offered to convoy them to the nearest official; on learning that economy must be observed, they decided to tell Sim that the couple had gone to Murray in the Sark Tollbar and could be made to come to him only if he (Sim) would accept a small fee; but Sim was not far away and heard the whole plot formed. On the young men coming to him, and commencing the tale, he stopped them with a poke in the ribs and the dry remark: "The truth gangs fathest James!" However he married the couple for the then regular fee of 1s 6d., a shilling was spent on whisky, and off they went to Carlisle.
Simon like all the best "priests" tried to conduct the cermony with dignity and decorum. Summoned from his loom, he slipped into a long-tailed black coat, gave his face a "dight", put on a tall "lum" hat and a grave expression of countenance, and quickly presented himself before his clients. He carried a large red bundle -- the marriage register wrapped in a red pocket-handkerchief. After the ceremony, Simon generally admonished the bridegroom: "Noo begin your duty Sir, by kissing the bride."
The increasing number of marriages, the rank of those who were united, and the fame of Gretna Hall as a hotel, cause both local and general interest in the village. The late Mrs. Murray, Lady Walker and their contemporaries used to relate that in driving through Springfield they not infrequently saw a post-chaise draw up and the "priest running out to meet the travellers, pulling down his shirt sleeves." The late Mr R.B. Carruthers, who became a landowner in the district, used to recount that when a schoolboy (the school at the time was where the Old Tollbooth once stood, not far from the present church), "the ostlers' and general servants' bell at the Hall was constantly announcing the arrival of some party. The sound of the bell I still remember, and the rush of schoolboys to witness the arrival of the runaways, with outriders, spurred and booted, and horses covered with foam." The excitement was frequently increased by parents of guardians in hot pursuit. They generally arrived "too late."
Distinguished visitors came to Gretna intent on describing what
customs and characters they found.
On a damp May morning an "Observant Gentleman" arrived at Gretna
Junction. He noticed the sharp
contest by "priests" touts for one amorous couple the train carried. Finally one man conducts the lady and
gentleman to a little red-brick hotel close by (Graham Arms Inn, rented by Mr
Murray). The O.G. continues: "This
little red brick hotel is the property of Mr Murray. Mr Murray also inhabits the famous
tollbar which is on the Scotch bank of the little stream that makes the borders
of the country. Thus this sagacious
tollkeeper pounces upon the couples at the station, removes them to his Gretna
hotel, and then drives them down a narrow lane and over the bridge to the
tollbar, where he marries them!"
Through a heavy shower, along muddy, slippery roads the O.G. walked to
Gretna Hall. He found it a dismal
square house, with bushes and trees dripping moisture around it. Reluctantly the door was unbarred and
the traveller permitted to enter; but hospitality and welcome came with the
appearance of Mrs Linton, now a widow.
Scanning his surroundings, the O.G. finds himself in a long, low room,
evidently been known when dresses and coats alike gave way and two very
dishevelled and ragged people requested the "priest" to marry them! Such
displays were indeed miserable pictures after the old scenes of flying horses,
shouting postillions and excited, well-dressed lovers. At Gretna Junction
station the then stationmaster, Mr Ward, used to make the "priests" stand in a
row behind the railings, about twelve yards from the trains, and when the fair
ones alighted they walked up to the railings and made their selection.
Their reverences were all dressed in black on these occasions, with grave faces;
and the inky cloak was not inappropriate, as an emblem of that buried happiness
which often resulted from such graceless matches. [From Morrison's Border
Sketches.]
Such scenes proved the undoing of the trade. Mr James
Wright, tailor, Longtown, was instrumental in arousing influential
opinion. The local Press announced a public meeting, in May 1856, to
obtain suppression of the Gretna Green marriages; the aid of Parliamentary
members was obtained and the Lord Brougham's Marriage Act ended runaway weddings
from England to Scotland.
[Lord Brougham was born at 21 St Andrew Square,
Edinburgh, 17th September 1778; died at Cannes on Thursday, 7th May 1868.
The Dictionary of National Biography states that Lord Brougham married in 1821:
but the long and comprehensive obituary notice in The Scotsman, 11th May 1868,
gives 1819 as the date, saying Lord Brougham was in his fortieth year. The
exact date and place of this marriage is omitted from the numerous biographical
notices consulted. The "tradition" that Lord Brougham was married in the
Newcastle Arms, Coldstream, may be correct. The absence of written
confirmation may be due to the illiteracy of the officiating priest (see under
"Coldstream," in Chapter I.), or to the marriage lines being at once "uplifted"
by the bridegroom. However this may be, Lord Brougham married Mary Anne
Spalding, widow of Mr John Spalding of Holm, New Galloway, and a daughter to Mr
Thomas Eden. Mrs Spalding had a family by her first husband, and she shore
two daughters, who both died young, to Mr Brougham. Brougham was a
mischievous, boisterous, teasing student and a young lawyer. He played
endless pranks on his dignified seniors, and plagued Lord Eskdale most
unmercifully at Jedburgh. In 1822 he was a barrister on the Northern
Circuit, retained in the interests of one Williams, against whom some clergy had
made a fallacious accusation. The evening previous to the trial of
Williams, Coltman saw Brougham pacing beside the river. Brougham looked
up, exclaiming: "Avaunt, depart! I am distilling venom for the Durham
clergy!" Coltman was the "Anglo-Scotus" who intervened on behalf of the
young couple, as just related. In 1856 Lord Brougham framed and carried
his famous Marriage Act, which became law 1st January 1857.]
"Old Sim" lived through it all -
the transition from road to railway (which we now witness in reverse), the
descent from the dignity which Linton and his compeers strove to maintain to the
vulgar scramble at the stations just mentioned. In these later years Lang
visited many British courts of law. His famous registers emerged from
their red pocket-handkerchief envelope: with stricter legislation, and increased
official admiration for "certificates," valuable inheritances of name, money and
estates depended upon the proof afforded by Old Sim's books. He retained
the amused respect of his neighbours till the last. What trade there was
after 1865 fell chiefly into his hands. "Sydney Gilpin," writing in The
Carlisle Journal, 7th May 1872, says that: About twelve months since he [Simon
Lang] went through probably the last marriage ceremony he ever performed, in
complete déshabillé, having nothing on but his shirt and drawers. The
parties had reached Gretna from Dumfries by the midnight train and would not
wait till morning." S. Gilpin goes on to describe Lang as extraordinarily
agile and alert even when eighty-one; but his occupation was gone, and he moved
to Felling-on-Tyne, Northumberland, where he died peacefully on 24th April
1872. He is buried in Gretna Churchyard.
William Lang succeeded his
father as the accepted "priest," but the trade in runaways was defunct.
His services were rarely required, except for some Scots lads and lassies about
the hiring terms. By reason of his descent and appearance, William
perpetuated the priesthood, but was chiefly interesting to visitors from his
Scots speech and possession of the marriage registers, heirlooms from his father
and grandfather. He inherited his father's spare figure, though a little
taller. With strongly marked features, and a whimsical, canny method of
speaking, he was looked upon as something of a character. In youth a
weaver, for a number of years he was the district postman, and acquired a
certain mysterious air, as of one who could tell many things "and he
would." There were some unscrupulous people who went through the marriage
ceremony at Gretna repeatedly, making it a means of getting money from simple
dupes. It is told of a schoolmaster in Longtown that he married no fewer
than seven women in this way. He is reported to have afterwards written a
history of Gretna Green marriages! There was also a woman, in Carlisle,
who brought five men at different times to the altar. When asked if she
was not afraid of being tried for bigamy, she replied that she was ready to take
a sixth if she could get any money with him. In fact, the evil was always there,
however covered by romantic glamour of genuine runaway love matches;
and, after they were repressed, immoral alliances persisted so far as the law
could be evaded.
"Auld Wullie" had a high if not exaggerated respect for
his books - the marriage registers - which was enhanced by his having
occasionally to produce them in court. The certificates were a bit of a
nuisance, and sometimes children played with them. One day a "chiel wi' a
notebook" came to learn what there was to relate about Gretna Green. He
described Willie Lang's cottage, spotless in cleanliness and neatness, with the
big four-poster, heavy chest-of-drawers and oak table, and the black pot hanging
over the fire. Soon the examination of the register began. Many
famous names were found, and the visitor became ever more interested.
After a time Lang remarked gently: "I dinna ken if ye happen to hae plenty o'
siller aboot ye? But I may as well tell ye that the charge for opening the
register is two-and-saxpence, and every additional page is a shillun'!"
The visitor's curiosity rapidly diminished after this explanation: but the story
got out, and "Auld Wullie" was teased for many a day about "playin' sic a
trick." [Partly taken from The Queen, 24th April 1897.]
Such echoes of an
exciting history were all that now remained, and the last of the Langs to
officiate as a "priest" died quietly, in Springfield, on 30th November 1896,
aged seventy-five.
Petra Mitchinson
Sarah Reveley
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Petra Mitchinson
Larry Mitchel
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Roseville, CA
Sarah Reveley
Reunions live or die by the volunteer work of a few. Thanks for your commitment, Sarah!! Our 50th was this year also. Monterey Bay Academy, south of Santa Cruz, CA.
On Sun, Jun 16, 2013 at 1:00 PM, Petra Mitchinson
Enjoy your reunion! I had my 40th last year...Petra