When is a moat not a moat?

[dragonlady403]

Hi there - I am very pleased to be at this stage of my genealogical research i.e. figuring out where and how the folks actually lived rather than just trying to identify names

Some of my ancestors were farmers and in business directories have listed their address in Moat, Roslin (1850's-70's).  I am trying to figure out exactly what that was.  Was there an old moat nearby?  Was the farm called Moat Farm? Was there a village called Moat?

Any assistance, as always, will be appreciated.  I am heading up to Scotland next week (soooo excited) and would like to visit some of the ancestral homes and graveyards (working on the latter bit!).

Regards, Carol

[Flattybasher9]

Carol, a few pointers here :-

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Old+place+name%2C+%22Moat%2C+Roslin%22

Regards

Malky

[Kay99]

The property? http://maps.nls.uk/view/74426712#zoom=5&lat=6887&lon=12060&layers=BT

Edit - Looks at though it  is no longer there http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/sidebyside.cfm#zoom=17&lat=55.8612&lon=-3.1770&layers=5&right=BingHyb

[dragonlady403]

So Moat was a hamlet?  One map shows an intersection with what could be a farmhouse on one corner... I wonder if that would have been my relatives (Ainslie's) place? Nothing there now but a copse of trees by the look of it, but at least I could possibly swing by the actual location. 

Malky was that link to download the Directories?

Thanks!
Regards, Carol

[Kay99]

I think it was a farm with outbuildings rather than a hamlet http://canmore.org.uk/site/51817/moat-farm-roslin

This 1892 map  shows the house more clearly and it had kennels at the time http://maps.nls.uk/view/82878003#zoom=4&lat=3104&lon=6202&layers=BT   To the south is the start of the Roslin Colliery and Brickworks.

[Forfarian]

When is a moat not a moat?

When it's a motte, perhaps? Is there any sign of a mound anywhere nearby that might have been a fortification a few hundred years ago?

Also, it isn't safe to assume that a place name that looks like 'moat' originated from the existence of a moat (water-filled surrounding earthwork) or a motte (artificial mound). It could have an entirely different origin.

[suzilad]

There was a lot of coal mining industry in this area and at one time there was one referred to as "The Moat"


suzilad

[dragonlady403]

Kay99 - thanks for that additional link.  It does indeed provide a clearer picture of the old place and what is going on today.  Technology is an amazing thing!!!

Forfarian - yes I assumed the word Moat might have more than the generally assumed connotation, hence my subject line.  Thanks for the clarification on the other options e.g mound/fortification.

Suzilad, as far as I know our folks were farmers and "publicans" not miners, but the presence of the mine nearby certainly might be a clue to the farm name.  I will see if I can find anything else out about the mine itself (just for general interest sake really)

I must say - I am "stoked" to be going to Midlothian on this trip.  When I started the genealogy from Canada almost three years ago everything seemed so remote and obscure.  The fact I now have family names, lodgings, businesses etc. and will be able to visit the area in person is so very rewarding!

I am so grateful to so many people for all the help I have received over the years.

[IMBER]

Make a point of visiting Roslin Chapel while you have the opportunity.

Imber