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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Midlothian => Topic started by: srdy on Wednesday 14 January 09 08:50 GMT (UK)
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Looking for information about Harvieston, Midlothian?
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Can I ask where you found the name "Harvieston"?
Are you sure of the spelling?
Sorry only questions, no answers :(
Best wishes
Jean
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Hi srdy etc,
Harvieston is a large estate near Gorebridge, Midlothian seems to have been offerered for auction around 1917 to 1922 in the scotsman, I can see an advert for Harvieston House Temperance Hotel in 1938, so it seems to have been many things to many people. I think the council opened a cemetry at Harvieston about 1943 etc.
Tom
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Hi
Harvieston House was in use as a private residence until sometime in the 1920s then passed from private ownership.
I understand first as a hotel and later as a 'home' for disadvantaged people - -I can't be mre precise- run by a religious group.
In the 1960s it was divided into a number of flats, and is still remaining in the ownership of that family.
Thank you for your info re Temerance hotel.
srdy
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Hi jean jeanie
I am certain of the spelling. I live in the area. There is Harvieston House and the once associated farm, as well as a number of other local uses of the word - the cemetry mentioned lies nearby.
srdy
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What a pleasant surprise to find Harvieston listed here as a topic.
Harvieston, an estate, with an old, thick walled mansion, greatly enlarged in 1869. The estate was sold in 1919 and brought to an end the connection to an old Midlothian family of Trotter-Cranstoun.
George Cranstoun, Laird of Dewar, Heriot Water, secured Harvieston by purchase in 1770. Prior to that date the property of Harvieston appears to have previously belonged to a family of the name of Campbell. Since 1770, there have been six lairds of Harvieston.
The stone curtain wall surrounding the estate was built between 1830 and 1840, when much was done to make the grounds a delightful place by planting shrubs and trees.
I have traced my ancestors back to the 1770s with at least two or three generations servants at Harvieston. Alexander Smith, servant to Mr Cranstoun in Harvieston married Isabel Chisholm and six of their issue were baptised at Harvieston. Another, William Smith, Coachman at Harvieston married Isabella MacKay on 7 Nov 1806 at Harvieston.
Family oral history: The Cranstouns of Dewar, farmers who once reside at Borthwick Hall thought so much of their servant Alexander Smith that they brought him to Harvieston when they relocated there. This I yet to prove.
I have made two visits to the estate over the years, retracing my roots so to speak and found it be an attractive place. Yes, it was then run down, but you could still feel the majestic nature of the old place especially as I drove along its tree lined approach rode.
I will gladly share any knowledge I have of Harvieston and its inhabitants, hope this is of some use to you.
Best regards
Roy [from a long line of Smiths]
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PS
Further to the preceeding post I forgot to mention if you go to the website below you will find there are developement plans to build housing. Roy
www.zoopla.co.uk/property/6-harvieston-villas/gorebridge/eh23-4jy/8231230 - 64k -
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You may also be interested in this:
Deposited in the National Archives are accounts & memorandum books plus family papers relating to Thomas & George Cranstoun ex farmers of Heriot who purchased and moved to Harvieston House, nr Gorebridge taking with them my ancestor Alexander Smith, servant and other family members. Would anyone be prepared to help by reading the records (GB/NNAF/B24635) for reference to any Smiths.
It is a topic I submitted in April 07 but unfortunately no offers so will have to wait until I next visit Scotland.
Regards
Roy
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Hallo Roy
( your posts are getting through!)
It is fascinating to read of your family's connection with the house.
It is currently in use as flats as it has been for the last 30 or so years.
No new building has begun yet but it won't be long before the tree lined driveway is no more and is swallowed into a housing development.
My own lookups into the place brought up the name Smith in the 1841 and 1851 census returns.
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Hello Srdy
Glad to hear my posts are getting through. You mentioned in your opening post "looking for information about Harvieston" what kind of information are you looking for? If I can help in anyway please get in touch I'm more than willing to share my findings. It is nice to be able to correspond with someone with the same interest and with first hand knowledge of the area.
I had a very good friend who helped me a lot but sadly he died, you may have heard of him, Alasdair Anderson, lived in Huntersfield and was the mainstay of the Gorebridge Historical Society.
Best regards
Roy
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I have become interested in the house because I live in the area.
I have heard many local stories attached to it and its various uses during the 20th century.
I have walked around its grounds and found the remains of pathways and also a long ruined and overgrown bridge over the Gore.
Having long lived in the area - I simply felt it was time to 'check out' the big house so hidden amongst the trees.
I remember Alastair Anderson well - in fact 20 or more years ago I worked as a supply (relief) teacher) in the area and on more than one occasion I took Alastair's class when he was unwell. I have been an occasional attender at Gorebridge History Society meetigs and have their publications.
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good evening,
what a fascinating post...
Srdy, could you share any of the stories you have heard attached to harvieston and its uses, I have always been fascinated by the house since a friend of mine lived there for a short while and I visited, mostly we walked the grounds, a lovely place, but neglected to ask the history of the house.
It would be tragic to see the tree lined avenue gone and so many houses on the fields, as a large part of Harvieston's charm is its peace and quiet, are these plans still to go ahead as far as you know?
Any tales or information you have heard would be much appreciated, I have searched for information on the house before, and found nothing.
Thank You
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Hi
Over the years I have collected the names and trades of people [attached] associated with Harvieston and thought it may be of interest to you. Will post more when I find items of interest.
Regards
Roy
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On the 1881 census the occupants of Harvieston House were Adam Weir, domestic servant, John Brown, coachman and farm servant, Margaret Henry, domestic servant, Agnes Henry, domestic servant, and Isabella Henry, domestic servant. The owners of the house were not in residence. On the 1891 census the occupants were Margaret Henry, housekeeper, Agnes Henry, laundry maid and Isabella Henry, housemaid. Again the owners are not in residence. Finally on the 1901 census the occupants are Margaret Henry, cook (domestic), Agnes Henry. housemaid , and Isabella Henry, tablemaid. Again no owners, but this time there is a note after Margaret Henry's name which reads 'Family absent'.
These three Henry ladies are sisters and my first cousins, three times removed. Their grandfather William Henry is my third great grandfather. On the 1861 census Margaret, the oldest sister was in service with G. C. T. Cranstoun, a paper manufacturer in Chirnside, Berwickshire. Would this be a relation of the George Cranston, Laird of Dewar, mentioned by Roy?
The Henry sisters were apparently well looked after as on their death certificates Margaret Henry and Isabella Henry are both described as annuitants despite a lifetime in domestic service. Margaret died in 1930, age 89, and Isabella also died in 1930, age 79. Agnes died in 1920, age 72, but she was described as 'formarly domestic servant' with no mention of annuitant on her death certificate.
Any comments on the continual absence of the owners of the house, and were they still Cranstouns at that time>
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I read that Harvieston means Market Place and at one time was land belonging to the Knights Templar.
" Ton " means Farm.
Best.
Archie.
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Hi
I have an ancient notice dated Harvieston, 22d Sept 1817 concerning the Shooting of Pigeons and starting
Whereas Mr Cranston has for some time past suffered great inconvenience and prejudice by idle and disorderly people Shooting at and Destroying his PIGEONS .................................
Will try to post an image of it if anyone is interested.
Hoping to visit Harvieston on our way back from Perthsire on 8 or 9 Sept
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Yes please do.
Regards.
Archie
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I would love a copy, collecting anything to do with Harvieston,
Kind Regards, Roy
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Yes please do.
Regards.
Archie
Hello Archie
Did you receive my message via PM regarding Alexander Smith and Isabel Chisholm?
Roy
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Here is the scan - with 1 mm. off top and bottom because it is on a sheet of paper larger than the scanner.
It feels like old paper, though whether it is actually the original I can't be certain. But it probably is,
since it came down to me through a Macfie who married my great-grandfather.
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Many thanks for posting the image, it is much appreciated, I have at least two generations of my Smith ancestors at Harvieston, servants to Mr Cranstoun so I very grateful for your kindness.
Best Regards
Roy
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We visited Harvieston on 9 Sep and took this picture.
It is all a bit sad really, the house appeared to be rather poorly maintained, and we met someone on the way out who told us that the house was now split into 9 flats, and that the grounds between the house and the main road have been sold to Wimpey for housing development.
Such is progress!@
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Many thanks for posting the image of Harvieston. It is in much the same condition as when I visited several years ago. What a shame such a lovely home isn't lived in as it meant to be.
I could close my eyes and envisage the horse and carriage slowly making its way along the meandering approach, on board Thomas Cranstoun, keeping a watchful eye on my ancestors working in the fields. What a beautiful peacful valley or should I say glen the house is situated.
Regards
Roy
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yes, sadly the house is in poor condition - but none the less it is still a special place for those of us fortunate enough to live here!
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Hi,what an interesting post! I have no family history connection with this place (apart from a relative who lives in Gorebridge) but I thought perhaps someone could look up the Valuation Rolls for the area.This will give the name of the owners & or,tenants of a property. If you are lucky enough to find one after the sale in 1919 this will give you the name of the new owners. Also local newspapers will have reported on the sale of the estate.
flst
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I believe that Harvieston means " Market Place " though " Ton " at the end means Farm. Going back to the mid 1600's it is named Hervistoun.
Archie.
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Folks, there is a sheepfarm called Harvieston away up the Strath of Kildonan,Sutherland, so named by a family named Trotter who leased it from the Duke of Sutherland. Midlothian connection?....Skoosh.
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I have been searching for more information on Alexander Smith and Isobel Chisholm (married 15 May 1773 in Borthwick). Looking specifically for Isobel's parents. Noticed that there was a post here with their names.
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Hi
Just read your message, will check my records and get back to you. In the mean time I wonder could you tell me your interest. Are researching the Smith line or the Chisholm line; it will help me what files etc to get out.
Roy
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My initial goal is to find Isabel Chisholm's parents. But I don't have Alexander's parents either so whatever you have would be great.
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Hi
First I should explain who I am. My name is Royston Smith, retired and in my 65th year with a great passion for family history. I live in Caerphilly, South Wales with my wife Jennifer whom I married in 1966. My father Robert Smith was born in Gorebridge, Midlothian and luckily his family remained in the same locality so I have been able to trace generations in the Stobsmill area and on the Harvieston Estate, Gorebridge I am a direct descendent of Alexander Smith and Isabel Chisholm having researched my family line back through generations of Smiths to the marriage of Alexander Smith & Isabel Chisholm in 1773. Alexander Smith of Borthwick parish and Isabel Chisholm of Heriot parish made their proclamation to marriage on the 15th and 16th May, 1773 in both parishes.
Alexander Smith, a servant to Thomas and George Cranstoun who were farmers of Heriot by Crookston. The Cranstoun’s bought the Harvieston estate and on relocating, thought so much of Alexander brought him to Harvieston [family oral history]. Via the Old Parish Records I have successfully traced the baptisms of Alexander & Isabel’s six children and via National Records have details of all other generations descending down to me.
On researching Isabel Chisholm I found that there were very few Chisolms in Heriot parish – An Isobel Chisholm [the only one I found] was christened in Heriot on October 1, 1761, to John Chisholm and Jean Cleugh, who had married on 17.6.1749. I have not yet proved that this is the Isobel that married Alexander in 1773 but I do believe this is a very good possible. If this Isobel was baptised as a baby, she would have been just 12 years of age when she married Alexander but this is not uncommon for the period.
There is one source yet to be explored for details on Alexander & Isabel and that is the papers of Thomas and George Cranstoun held at the National Archives of Scotland which unfortunately is on hold until I am next in Scotland.
I am curious as to your connection to Isabel Chisholm and wondered if you would be so kind as to write me with your details. If I can help further please get in touch.
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Thank you so much for responding. I am a young mother of four children and so my time is so limited but I have been able to do a little bit of research lately. I live in the United States-- in Idaho. My g-g-g-g-g grandmother is Janet Smith, daughter to Alexander and Isabel. Janet married James Riddel (18 Jun 1802 in Borthwick). I have been researching the Riddel line for a while and came to a dead end so I decided to see what I could find out about Janet. I also came across Isabel's parents as possibly John Chisholm and Jean Cleugh but there's also another possibility of Isabel with parents John Chisholm and Janet Grieve with Isobel born 21 Oct 1742 in Borthwick. I conversed with a lady in Australia a few years ago who also shares this line and she really thinks it is John and Jean even though like you pointed out, it puts Isabel really young to marry. I have been searching on scotlandspeople.gov.uk on the death records for Isobel to see if I could find her and any possible leads that way but I haven't been able to find her death record. I don't know how else to go about confirming her parents.
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Hi
From what you are saying we could be distantly related and if that is the case, great, its always nice to converse with another searching the same line.
I wrote a little of the mountain of information I have collected over 35 years of researching the Smith family and although I have hit my genealogy brick wall with Alexander & Isabel, I have not given up the hunt, and will carry on for as long as it takes.
If you could spend the time to send me copies of your findings then I will cross refer to my files and will send you information and copies of any details I have extra to yours.
I look forward to a long and rewarding friendship
Best Regards
Roy
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I would be happy to pass along what I have, just let me know what information you would like and where I could send it. If it's just the Smith line, I could type up the information and send the few images via e-mail. just let me know. Thanks
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hi
I have replied by PM which you should have received by now.
Regards, Roy
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Re Harvieston.
I am directly related to Walter Stoddart, Weaver in 1785 as listed in the 'Trades in Harvieston" page.
This through one of he (1745-? ) and his wife Jennet Stoethart's children, John Stoddart ,"Weaver at Catcune Mill", (1772-1830), born in "Lasswade" (area?) from "Scotlandspeople".
Catcune Mill is/was close by Harvieston from old maps.
There were other earlier Stoddarts in Harvieston and area.
Walter Stoddart (Weaver), born Abt 1690 in "Dalkeith" (area?) from "Scotlandspeople" is also directly related from what I have found.
"Family Lore" said my Stoddarts were Tailors and earlier Weavers and I have found this to be correct.
I have information to share on this line and wonder if anyone has further information as to Stoddart names, dates, and trades.
The OPR Records (Births, Marriages and Deaths) for "Dalkeith" as an area are good on Scotlandspeople but there are gaps.
John Stoddart
Canada.
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Hi John
Gosh this topic is growing since I added by initial bit on the trades in Harvieston. I would be interested in anything related to the estate so if you do not mind sharing your details then I for one would be very interested in reading informtion about Harvieston. It all helps to paint a picture of our ancestors time.
Best Regards
Roy
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Roy.
I have no specific information regarding Harviston as in the House.
I have a feeling that all the people listed in the "Trades in Harvieston", did not actually live and work in the house.
It is very probable that there were a few cottages close by, where people such as perhaps "Walter Stoddart Weaver 1785" lived.
He was I believe employed at Catcune Mill quite close to the house.
The record keeping of the times lumped them all together under "Harvieston"
Certainly Peter Chisholm, James Bell, Alexander Smith, William Smith and John Smith and others may well have lived in the "Big House".
I have other Stoddart relations from that area, some of whom were born in "Gardners Cottage" (from Scotlandspeople) in a location near Lasswade.
No doubt adjacent to a different "Big House"
What do you think?
John Stoddart
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John
Sorry I am not able to help further but if you scroll back to the begin of this topic, somewhere you will find reference to estate books and letters of the 'Granstoun brothers' onetime farmers and owners of Harvieston which are held at the national records office.
I made enquiries about copies but unfortunately the cost is way out of my reach [£100] so I will have to wait until I can visit Scotland to view the documents. There may be details which could help knock down a few brick walls.
In the meantime there must be others out there whose ancestors had a connection with Harvieston in one form or another and wouldn't it be great if they would share their knowledge and details which could help us all build a picture of the times our ancestors worked there.
Regards, Roy
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Roy, can you email me? re: Alasdair Anderson
Thanks x
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Hello everyone,
Im a newbie to this site and came across the Harvieston House enquiries.
I thought everyone involved with this search would be interested in knowing that Harvieston House is up for sale, sign went up today.
queenbee69
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It saddens me to know the home where my ancestors worked is going to be, I suspect, another housing estate. What a shame the house couldn’t have been brought back to former glory and made into a local museum or some other venue for the community. With the ancient Borthwick Castle close by, Temple Village and its ancient church, Aniston House, Vogrie House and others, the area has witnessed much in Scotland’s history.
I am so glad I visited the estate many years ago and although the house itself was in a run-down state then, it was so easy to conjure up images of workers in the fields as I drove along the tree lined roadway leading up to the house.
Regards, Roy
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I lived in Harvieston House from 1956 to 1960. At that time it was owned by the Catholic Church and was a retreat centre. My parents were the caretakers.
One major change made to the house while I was there was that in the main hall, there used to be an elevated platform at the end oppposite the front door with curving stairs on either side. The right hand stair was removed and the area was closed off to form a room.
When we first went there, the house was heated by steam radiators fed from a basement boiler which ran on coke. It was all hands to the shovels when coke came (4 ton at a time). Later the boiler was changed to oil fired.
The farm at the time was run by the Quigleys.
Just across the stream there was a pile of old stones, and we always understood that that had been Catcune Castle.
There is a stone spiral staircase near the kitchen with windows and mirrors so that from the kitchen, you could tell if the light was on in the "bad boys room" - my bedroom at the time. The house was previously an orphanage, and boys who mis-behaved were put into that room (Above the front door). The light switch was outside of the room, and there were bars on the window.
Writing this brings back memories of lots of great times, I was aged 6 when we went there.
No doubt more will come to me later, but I will leave my post at that.
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Hello KiwiMartin
First off let me say welcome to the topic that is 'Harvieston' and a big thank you for contributing with your memories. I have a great personal interest in the estate with generations of my ancestors employed there as servants to the Cranstouns of Harvieston. From a selfish point of view I sincerely hope you will come back with more memories; it all helps to put flesh on the bones. I wonder if you have any photographs to share also?, it would be great to see what the inside of the house looked like.
Best Regards
Roy [Dannemois]
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You mentioned the farm?, where is the farm in relation to the house and has the farm a name?
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The driveway from Birkenside leads up to and past the house on the west side. It then continues down past the formal lawn, past the farm and down to another gate. I don't remember the name of the place, but there used to be derelict houses on the other side of the main road just past there. At the bottom of the formal lawn, there was a walled garden with potting sheds and a large greenhouse inside the walls on the house side of the garden. The farm buildings were on the west side of the garden with some of the buildings backing on to the wall.
I have just looked at the satellite view on Google maps, and there seem to be a lot more trees on the formal lawn now than there were back in the 50s. There were only a couple there then. There used to be pathways dividing the lawn. I learned to ride a bike there. A bit softer if I fell off. There was one big tree near the top and a hollly tree at the side. There were several trees on the side sloping down towards the burn. Especially a huge horse chestnut.
In front of the house there was a gravelled square and in front of that was stone terracing leading down to lawn tennis courts. That seems to be all trees now too. West of the house there was a football field. I remember two big oaks by the drive a little in front of the house.
When you come in the front door, there was the big hall I mentioned before, and to the right was a dining room. It had a door to the little room jutting out on the corner of the house. It was literaly a "little room". There was access to it also from our sitting room. The south east corner of the house also had a huge wash room which seems to be gone. It dated from the orphanage days. I note the highest room in the house is stilll there. You can see it jutting up on the roof. There was a big water tank next to it.
I did cycle out there in the late sixties, and the kitchen had had a false ceiling installed. That used to be a huge room with a terrazo floor, and had a big modern coal range.
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I was until recently a tenant at Harvieston House ... the oaks still stand; there are indeed many more trees surrounding the housa - - an 'arboretum' was planted in the 70s andf 80s to the front of the house...; the building on the outside of the house side of the walled garden has become a cottage .
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My father was a joiner who lived in nearby Birkenside. In the 70's and 80's he did a lot of work in Harviestoun House and worked on the renovations to turn the house into flats. - I know this because I used to help (hinder?) him at weekends. - it was walking distance to our house. I have been in the house many times but it was a long time ago. My father also built the wooden treehouse - I have also been in this. He was very proud of having done this - it was a bit of a local attraction for all the kids who used to play 'down the burn' which was nearby. There was also a huge chestnut tree in the grounds which the local kids used to get conkers from.
At this time I believe the house was owned by a man called Tom Mitchell - if he didn't own it then he was certainly the man who did the renovations - but the way my dad talked about him I think he was the owner. This would be around the period 1975-1985.
My dad used to do a lot of work for him on other properties especially in Edinburgh so he must have been a property developer.
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I lived at Harvieston House from 1973 to 1976. The owner was Tom Mitchell who rescued the house from falling down in the early 1970's. He used to drive past when Harvieston was derelict, with cattle wandering in and out of the rooms and was determined to save it. He divided the house into flats which were all unique and personally vetted all the occupants. He was a Cumbrian farmer who lived at Calva farm near Workington.He was very involved in Rugby being the chairman of Workington RLFC for many years. Other than that he was a bit of a mystery man, he helped found the off-beat Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and had connections with the Foreign Office as he travelled abroad a lot. He also had properties in Malta and Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus which he lost when the Turks invaded in 1974!
He had a wonderful collection of vintage cars and was a real character. A book has been written about his life called "The Memoirs and Sporting life of Tom Mitchell" Here is the link to see a picture of him -http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/richmedia/images/cover.gif If it doesn't work google him on Amazon. I can't find any mention of Harvieston in it so I think it must have been a private "bolt hole"
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Harvieston House For Sale (May 2011)
After seeing this beautiful house for sale today in the Scotsman, I thought I would do a search online and found this forum. It seems a bargain at just £250K!
Selling agents are Smith Gore:
http://www.smithsgore.co.uk/property-for-sale-gorebridge-1498302
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Hi follyfoot,
just looked at your post I think around 2 years ago Middleton House was going for 8 million pounds and eventually the price went down to 4 million pounds, so the price for this one is a snip.
Cheers.
Archie.
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The farm at the time was run by the Quigleys.
Newbie here, just as an FYI, the farm is still run by the Quigleys.
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Hi, newb here. Stayed up at Harvieston house for many years in the top of the house (yes with the water tank) and had something of an interest in the history of the place whilst there. From my reading about it, the place once had quite extensive grounds. Something like 100 acres in fact were at one time laid out. They were modelled (as was the fashion in the 18th Century) upon the idea of a Grecian Arcadia. In fact at one point in the course of the Gore river, down from the weir but heading into sunny Gorebrig on the Harvieston side of it, there were carved stone statues. Presumably of gods or who knows? These were held in a stone niche. Whilst the statuary has long since gone (tumbled into the river possibly?) the niche was still to be found. At least in 2001 or something when I lived up there.
I did have extensive notes on Harvieston but have since lost them. I only have vague memories now. Possibly George Cranstoun? stated in reference to the vast amount of money he had spent upon landscaping,"that he may as well have covered the grounds in banknotes." Architecturally the house is interesting. I have a scan from a photocopy from a book called:
The Castles and Mansions of the Lothians. J. Small. 1883.
Published by J. Paterson,
Edinburgh.
(http://i.imgur.com/OtoKJoq.jpg?1)
Forgive the quality of the picture, it is just off a photocopy. The original is much better! But it clearly shows some development of the house. Perhaps the oldest part of the house (born out by the thickness of walls) is where the entrance now is. Not the formal entrance but around the side. The first thing that is noticeable is that the line of the approach to the drive has changed. There is an absence of castellations or battlement-type crenellated features. A stone relief-type carving of a crane can be seen today. It commemorates a date. "1901". Thus dating the castellations to then. The crane motif is a, "Cranstoun" emblem. I cannot now recall exactly how the family name of, "Cranstoun" came to be associated with "Trotter." This may help:
http://www.ancestor-links.com/chart_images/Family-Links-Broomhouse-Chirnside-Bridge-Mills.htm
Above the exterior of one of the windows where the Dormitorium II kitchen is at the front upon the first floor, there is a carved monogram of, "TC." I believe (but am not certain of this) that the owners before the days of the Temperance hotel in the twenties moved to South Africa. This was following the loss of close family members during the First World War. Curiously the place-name, "Harvieston" can also be found in Zimbabwe which may bear this out. There is a modest dwelling house also called, "Harvieston" in Elie, Fife! I cannot believe that this anything but the MLO place-name of the Harvieston estate growing some legs.
I think internally it would take a genuine house detective to work out all stages of development. As any ex Harviestonian knows - the place is a bit of a rambling warren. Going up the turnpike spiral stairs in the dark was a very scary and disorientating experience during power cuts.
The crows steps upon the gable end of the roof of the house were added in 1869. Again, I don't have a source and quote, it is just my memory from the book. Around 1900 the gardens at Harvieston had got themselves a good reputation for being well kept. Again, sorry no source. Different book.
Best Wishes to you all!
Chris.
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Now place-names, not wishing to ruffle any feathers, here concerning the meaning of Harvieston, it seems most likely that rather than it being "a market," as one contributor stated the place-name, "Harvieston" is simply derived from a possessive and a personal name. Thus:
Hervie + tun.
Hervie's tun.
I retrieved this information from an unpublished PH.d thesis that sat upon the shelves of the School of Scottish studies at Edinburgh University and which I consulted whist an undergraduate in my final year at Uni whilst living at Harvieston. Here's the source:
"The place names of Midlothian"
Norman Dixon.
1947.
(If anybody wishes to consult Dixon's work it is available to download as a fully searchable pdf here).
http://www.spns.org.uk/PNsMIDLOTHIANv3.pdf
Note: The earliest recorded entry for the pn. is 13th Century and is recorded in the Bannatyne Club which was founded by Sir Walter Scott, to print rare works of Scottish interest. Though nowadays one is cautioned against using the Bann CL as a primary source. Second reference is in the Calendar of Charters contained in H.M. General Register House, Edinburgh. 13 vols. 1142-1591. On page 51, Dixon deals with the pn. Here's what Dixon wrote:
"HARVIESTON
Herviistun 13 th Cent. Bann. Cl. 69.
Herwyngistoun 1354 Reg.Ho.Ch.
Heruystone 1336-7 Bain.
Herviston 1354 Reg.Ho.Ch.
Hervi(e)stoun 1449 Bann. Cl. 109 1517 1537 1544 RSS 1627 R on P. 1656 RMS.
Harv(i)(e)stoun 1510 RSS 1773 Arm.
Harwestoun 1614 LC.
‘Hervey’s farm’ v. t
ū
n; Hervey is a M.E. surname.
Note
: Harvieston had three pendicles, now lost, mentioned in 1627 R on P:
Bogend is
Boigend v. Gael. now Scots bog OE ende;
Mochhollie is thus
; probably ‘moth-eaten (place)’ or ‘maggot-ridden field’ v. Scots moch SDD 363 ‘moth, maggot’
hollie SDD 268 adj. ‘having holes, holed’; cf. moch-eaten SDD 363; Feidlaw is thus;
probably ‘small field’ v. Scots feedlie SDD 16"
I hope this helps and is of interest. The upshot of these place name references and dates is that we can track settlement here for a very long time. An older house could indeed too have stood upon the site of the current property with a settlement cluster and a big hoose growing up around it. Though this is speculation.
Best Wishes to you all.
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The TC may refer to Thomas Cranstoun who died in 1848?
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Just discovered this thread when trying to find a copy of the autobiography of my old landlord Tom Mitchell. I lived at Harvieston from 1979 to 1984, not in the main house but in the little lean to down by the walled garden, which was known as The Pottery. It was a pretty but ramshackle house that leaked like crazy and was freezing in the winter, though it had a woodburning stove that sweetened things a bit. One night during the winter of 1982-83 I recorded an outside night temperature of -20C. We had to make sure we kept the garden gate shut, otherwise Tom's cattle were liable to come in and browse in our herb garden. The last time I looked by, a few years ago now, the Pottery had undergone an expensive renovation, no doubt has central heating these days! My then partner and I were friendly with Pete Quigley at the neighbouring farm, and bought our milk from him straight from the cow. Tom himself enjoyed cultivating an air of mystery. He liked to see himself as the pater familias of a vaguely alternative community, and there was certainly an ever-changing cast of fascinating characters living at Harvieston. He was capable of getting quite shirty when from time to time any of them didn't see eye to eye with him. As well as the tree house, Tom built a sauna in the grounds, which I quite often made use of. He had an endearing habit of planting trees in his arboretum and adorning them with plaques dedicated to his various tenants. Ours was a weeping ash, no idea if it's still there. It would be some size 35 years later if it is. I'm no longer with my partner of that time, but I did meet my present partner and mother of our now grown up children there, so it remains a pretty special place. Much credit to Tom for having the imagination to set it up.
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What a shame Alasdair Anderson has passed on; I'm sure if he was around today he would have fought the idea tooth and nail. In his day he was the driving force behind the Gorebridge Historical Society and won the battle of saving the original Gorebridge Library going the same way. With so much history around the area in Borthwick and Temple, Harvieston House deserves to be saved. Shame on the local council and planning department for yet again thinking with the sledge-hammer and not their brains.
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Many of you may already be aware, but if not, please note that Taylor Wimpey's planning application to build 245 homes in the grounds of the house is currently in motion - see here (https://planning-applications.midlothian.gov.uk/OnlinePlanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=N7RQTLKV78000). More user friendly info here (https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/proposed-developments/scotland/midlothian/gorebridge/harvieston-gorebridge) on the Taylor Wimpey website
It's not too late to stop this. Please feel free to contact Midlothian Council and let them know your views!
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For what its worth my great grandparents lived at Harvieston in the 1920s .We have a photo somewhere if the entire family grouped in front of the house. My mother is probably about two when the photo was taken so it must date to about 1926. Hopefully I can find it when I return to Britain in october. I don't know if the house was owned or leased by them at that time and when they moved in or out. They lost most of their money in 1913 so Harvieston was where they retreated to. Poverty is a relative term!
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Regarding my previous posting I should add names. My great grandfather was James Harper Paterson, wife Katherine, formerly of Dalnaglar Castle, Perthshire, and Moray Place, Edinburgh.
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It would appear the old house has found a new lease of life
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1841 at Harvieston
There is a reference to a Lt Col Hugh Morrison at Harvieson on the 1841 census for Borthwick parish; any information on this gentleman would be appreciated.
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I have just found a death in 1819 for Alexander Smith shepherd Harvieston Northgate - I wonder if anyone have tell me if Harvieton Northgate was associated with th eHarvieston estate?
Thanks
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The map https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=55.83362&lon=-3.04365&layers=6&b=1 shows a lodge at the north gate to Harvieston House. (You may need to zoom in to see it.)
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Thanks of course North Gate lodge. ::)