Entryfoot and Mosshouses, Torphichen

[TraceyK]

Does anyone know if the address "Entryfoot" or "Entryfoot Turnpike Road" for Torphichen refers to a row of cottages?  Would they still exist?  They are in the censuses right up to 1891.

There is also a farm that I would like to locate that was known as Mosshouses, Torphichen in the 1800s.  My Grahams were tenant farmers there, and it was
rented from Sir Thomas Livingstone.

Does any of this ring any bells?
Tracey

[apanderson]

Hi Tracey,

I have no personal knowledge of either of the places but I Googled "Entry foot, Torphichen and found two family websites, maybe you could try having a rake round each site and see if you come up with any leads.

I aslo Googled 'Mosshouses' and found nothing but then I tried 'Moss House Farm, Torphichen' and there's loads of listings.

I hope you find something amongst this lot.

Good Luck,

Anne

[TraceyK]

Hi Anne,
We must think alike as I did try the Google route...one of the families mentioned is ours!  That Arthur family of Torphichen website gave me some great birth/baptism info on my Grahams.

I was hoping to find someone familiar with the area who might have heard of the homes.  I'm going to keep sorting through all the "hits" and hope for the best.

Thanks again, Tracey

[etherdancer]

Hello Tracy,
I happened upon your post today.  I actually live in Entryfoot in West Lothian and there did exist a row of cottages here.  In fact two remain derelict at the end of the new buildings that are here now.

Unfortunately, I only have a scant knowledge of this place but maybe I can help with having a little root around.  There are a few residents who have lived here since before the second world war.

Regards

G

[TraceyK]

Thankyou G, for your post.  It's fantastic to find someone actually living there!

If you ever come across any old photos of the cottages (or even one of the derelict ones) from your long-time neighbors, would you be able to post them?  Do you know if the farm "Mosshouse" still exists nearby?  My ordnance Survey map puts it only about 1km east of you, on the south side of the A89.  If it's still there.  Also do you know if Bedlormie House would have been considered the "Manor House" in the area, or just another farm?

Thanks again, Tracey

[etherdancer]

Hello!   I have just been away chatting to my neighbour about the old cottage.

The derelict is on the land of the old gentleman who lives at the end of Entryfoot.  He has only lived there for just over fourty years so doesn't know much of the history.

I had to ask his permission before taking these photographs (see attached).

He did tell me that over the years he has had scores of Americans, Canadians etc. etc. at his door looking for information about relatives who have lived here in the past. 

He also told me there was an ancient buildings professor from Missouri who did a thesis on the buildings around this area.

I have also found out that there is a small museum in the village where I might be able to get more information about Entryfoot and the other places you mention.

Bedlormie House still exists and is currently occupied. The owners appear to be well-to-do and there is a huge electric gate at the entrance to the road leading up to the house.  I did see the house many years ago and remember that it was quite beautiful.

The other place names you mention are also very familiar to me.  Torphican is currently an exclusive dwelling area.  Thats all I know for now.

As I said, maybe I will get more info from the little village museum (where I hope to find some old photos for you too).

[etherdancer]

Oh one more thing - the old gentleman did tell me that the building was a weavers cottage at the turn of the century.

I also know that Entryfoot was a toll/staging post at in the old days where people had to get off their horse, carts etc. and 'enter by foot'...hence the name Entryfoot.

Kind Regards
Glennis

[TraceyK]

Hello Glennis,
The photos are fabulous!  And so are you for taking the time to talk to the old fellow for me.  Thankyou again!  My husband's Graham ancestors farmed Mosshouse Farm for a few generations and I've found a few of the married daughters living in the Entryfoot cottages in the mid-1800s.  One, Janet Graham Arthur, ran a small store out of one of them from the sounds of it.
Tracey

[etherdancer]

Yes that sound likely.  Where we live was a staging post on a main route between Glasgow and Edinburgh.  From what I have gathered, there was a real cottage industry at Entryfoot with weavers etc.  selling their wares to the people passing through.

I have no idea when Blackridge village museum is open but I will go along tomorrow. I now remember seeing a locally made booklet with some old pictures in it somewhere.  I'll see if I can get a hold of one for you.

Regards
Glennis