I wrote an article for the BFHS journal in 2011 about my Stewart ancestors in Kelso, some of whom were involved in running the Dispensary.
I have a lot of material about Grahamslaws in the past. In 1493 William Grymyslaw of Minto treasonably brought in the English of Tynedale who stole 100 head of cows and oxen, 100 sheep, 20 horses and mares and sundry utensils furth of Minto.
In 1502 Thomas Grymislaw and his accomplices, the King's rebels, were named in connection with the murder of David Henrisoune at Maxton and the stealing of livestock. And a David Oliver is accused of "art and part" with Thomas and Andrew Grymislaw in their "theftuous deeds".
It's a wonder there are any Grahamslaws left today as in 1604 a band of Turnbulls were indicted for the slaughter of William, James, John, Robert, Andrew and Thomas Grahamslaw of Little Newton, in what looks like an attempted genocide. Margaret Sanderson mentions this family, who lived in a peel tower, in her book "Mary Stewart's People" (Mercat Press, 1987).
In 1710 Alexander Graemslaw of Maxwellheugh was "dilated for bringing in cabbage to his house the last Lord's Day between sermons", his excuse being that he had had to work late at the corn mill on Saturday night and didn't have time to bring in his cabbages then.
Harry
