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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Aberdeenshire => Topic started by: Thommo1 on Friday 24 January 14 22:04 GMT (UK)
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I am trying find if there might be information, even a photograph of ancester Thomas Kennedy (1833-1917) who was head gamekeeper at 'Wardhouse' in Aberdeenshire for 40 years. Spouse Ann McDonald.
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a marriage for them 31 may 1856 Huntley aberdeen
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have you seen this page about wardhouse where he was game keeper .if you go to
www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk/ref_no/1851
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How sad, it must have been a lovely building :'(
You could try the Aberdeen archives, perhaps they have old photos :-\
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Lots of plans to redevelop the Wardhouse Estate which is good news.
See links like www.aspc.co.uk/search/property/304732/Walled-Garden-Site--Wardhouse-Estate/Insch/ and also www.scalan.co.uk/wardhouserestored.htm (a number more...).
Monica
PS: I wonder if that drawing of Tom's cottage relates to your Thomas. Might just be wishful thinking for you...but you never know! On the first link, there an area on the map which shows a 'Keeper's Cottage'. Doran54 has also included a more modern map reference for this.
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;)...It is Tom's Cottage!
Unfortunately, José Maria told nothing of indoor life at Wardhouse. Mostly, his reminiscences were of the gamekeeper, Tom Kennedy, while Tom’s black pipe and black twist tobacco were pungent memories. Once Mr Forrest has restored the game-keeper’s cottage, it will look from the front just as it did in Tom’s time, with white walls and cast iron gutters. Inside the old cottage will be two double bedrooms, while a glazed corridor installed at the rear will lead to a new extension including an open-plan living area, warmed by a wood-burning stove, with large glass sliding doors offering a view to the south.
www.scalan.co.uk/wardhouserestored.htm
Not quite a photo (that may still be there to be found in local archives) but at least a reference to his cottage and description.
With its fascinating history and connections with Spain, you also have:
Alphonso shook hands with the head gardener and the gamekeeper, Tom Kennedy, whose son was to become a cabinet minister in Ramsay MacDonald’s government.
www.scalan.co.uk/Spanish_Gordons.htm
My father decided that it would be better for me to get a little knowledge of the English language before he sent me to school, so that I might be able to look after myself when there. I was handed over to the care of the head gamekeeper, Thomas Kennedy. Dear Tom died three years ago, at a very old age; rather surprising he lived so long, as he had for years to look after me. To him, from the start, I was “Master Joseph,” and “Master Joseph” I remained until I embraced the old chap the last time I saw him before he died. It was from Tom Kennedy that I first learnt English, mixed with the broad Aberdeen-Scots, which when combined with my Spanish accent was practically a language of my own.......It was from Tom Kennedy that I also learnt to shoot, fish, ride and drink, for Tom always had a little flask of whisky to warm us up when we were sitting in the snow and waiting for the rabbits to bolt, or—what often took a great deal longer time—waiting for the ferrets to come out. And—last but not least—he taught me to smoke. I well remember Tom’s short black pipe and his old black twist tobacco. I shall never forget the times I had and the physical and mental agonies I endured in trying to enjoy that pipe.
www.gutenberg.org/files/27362/27362-h/27362-h.htm
Monica
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What a fantastic find, Monica. Well done! For me, I think that reading these articles is an even better find than a photo. You get a sense of what kind of man he was. Wish he was one of my ancestors :)
flst
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I'd a look in findmypast & Thomas Kennedy's name crops up a few times. On one ocassion the King of Spain, King Alfonso visited Wardhouse. When told of the long service of Thomas & another employee the king asked for them to be presented to him He shook their hands! I haven't found any photos yet but I'm sure some will turn up.
flst
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I agree, flst. What a fantastic life Tom Kennedy must have lived. There is so much description in those passages. Like you, wish he was one of mine ;D
Monica
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Thank you so much for your replies. I had come cross the Gordon's book which spoke of Tom and his pipe only this last week! As I said, I grew up with so many stories of Wardhouse. Tom's daughter Margaret (my Dad's grandmother) migrated here in 1911. She always said her bad legs were the result of climbing the stairs endlessly at Wardhouse! She and her sisters were maids in 'the big house' as she used to refer to Wardhouse. Margaret's simple cottage in Australia was named 'Wardhouse'. I will continue to follow up on the leads you have given me. I wonder whether I will be able to unearth a photo of Tom. It is hard being on the other side of the planet but you never know!
Thanks again
Andy Thomson
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You are in Australia :)
Joy suggested www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/education_learning/local_history/archives/loc_searchablecollections.asp - a good place to start in respect of collections etc. flst may be able to advise further in this respect.
Alphonso shook hands with the head gardener and the gamekeeper, Tom Kennedy, whose son was to become a cabinet minister in Ramsay MacDonald’s government.
www.scalan.co.uk/Spanish_Gordons.htm
Is this another son who left for Australia?
Monica
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Hi,
The Keepers Cottage at Wardhouse is where Tom Kennedy and family stayed at Wardhouse.My wifes great grandmother was one of Toms daughters Justina.One of his sons also Tom was a labour MP and chief whip in Ramsay MacDonalds second government.
We recently went to Wardhouse and although the big house is a ruin the Keepers Cottage has been done up and is habited.We have found out a few things about the family so please get in touch if you would like any more detaila.
Which sibling are you descended down from?
Best Regards,
Kevin.