Bleachfield Papermill - Ayton

[Jim Greig]

Does anybody know any of the history of the Bleachfield Papermill in Ayton, Berwickshire...when founded, owners, operations, employees etc.

My ancestors worked there for a number of generations during the 1800's...as it appears did most of Ayton!

I am also curious to know if the Bleachfield Mill had any associations with any mills in the Penicuik area (Ladykirk?) as one ancestor appears to have spent his time living between Ayton and Penicuik but always working in a papermill.

[excel]

Haven't found much online about this but here are pages where it is mentioned.

http://www.ayton-village.org/Ayton_history_ramsay_turner%27s%20notes.htm

Cambridge County Geographies Berwickshire and Roxburghshire

Pigot and co.'s national commercial directory of Scotland, 1837 mentions the then owner of the mill that made paper and pasteboard - Ebeenezer Martin

[Jim Greig]

Thanks excel

I had already found the Ayton site and will check on the others to see if there is anything of interest.

I did visit the site of the mill a few years back. There's not much left to see and what is there is very overgrown.

It appears that the manufacture of paper was a big business in Scotland during the 1700's and 1800's.

Thanks again for your interest.

[pamela124]

Hi Jim
I think we are related, my 3 times great grandfather was Alexander Greig who married Margaret Symington from Ayton. They were papermakers and lived at Bleachfield on 1851 census, Blackfield House on 1861 census ( could be a transcription error). I visited Ayton last week but couldn't find the house or mill. I have contacted Ayton history society for information. I'll let you know if I hear anything.
Pamela

[terribynoe]

C

[aitchscot]

I am looking for any one who know the where abouts of the family that lived here.Theyre surname was Martin.

Ayton Cemetery is choca block with Martins.
Likewise Eyemouth.

Aitch

[Jim Greig]

Hi Terribynoe

What is your interests in the Martin's of Bleachfield?

There were two unrelated Martin families in Ayton in the 1800's. The Bleachfield Martin's had a long history in the papermaking industry which originated in Ireland.

Have you followed your Martin interests in the census returns? I could help if you would like?

There is a book of monument inscriptions for the Ayton cemetery. I don't know where you can get a copy but if you contact the Berwickshire Family History Scociety I am sure they will be able to help.

Do you have any connections with the Greig family of Ayton?

Regards

Jim

[terribynoe]

C