Shandon People and History

The Commodore visits Robert Napier

GREENOCK ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 19TH APRIL 1844

THE COMMODORE STEAM-SHIP

This favourite vessel, plying betwixt Glasgow and Liverpool, and belonging to that spirited concern, the City of Glasgow Steam Packet Company, has been undergoing a thorough repair during the last six months – her old engines being replaced by new ones, with new cylinders and boilers, and all the recent improvements added to her machinery.

Both out and inside the Commodore has been vastly improved, and she now stands is one of the most handsome vessels afloat. The state cabin is newly furnished, the seats being covered with crimson-coloured velvet. The decorations are also exceedingly chaste and beautiful, in the Elizabethan style. The vessel is ventilated in the best possible manner, and the sleeping cabin forward is fitted up into separate staterooms, on the same plan as the after-cabin was formerly, which gave such general satisfaction. The saloon is also enlarged; and, amongst other conveniences, there are a few family state cabins of two berths, at the same moderate charges as the others. Another improvement is made in the entrance to the cabin, where, in place of a common companion, the passenger enters a sort of covered vestibule, where he may sit and enjoy himself in wet weather or during a breeze, without going down to the cabin at all.

On Friday morning the Commodore sailed from the Broomielaw for a trial trip, and it is no more than justice to say, that, in the one thing needful – pleasant and quick willing – she came fully up to the expectations which had been former of her. The day was wet and squally, but she went through the water like a duck, and with so steady a motion as to be scarcely perceptible. Amongst her other exploits, the Commodore had an amicable run with the Admiral for a mile or two below the Cloch, and the result satisfied all present that both vessels could do their duty well.

The Commodore afterwards looked into the Holy Loch, and up the Gareloch to Shandon, the beautiful villa of Mr Robert Napier – a man whose name is known and respected wherever science and steam-boats have penetrated. Here there were salutes passed betwixt the vessel and the shore, and a visit of respect was paid to the great engineer by the gentlemen who were on board After a hearty reception and much hospitality from the worthy inmates of Shandon, an inspection of the grounds and of the exquisite collection of gems in the splendid picture gallery – every thing in and around the house displaying a philosophical and correct taste – the party returned to the vessel, exceedingly delighted with their visit, amidst loud cheering from the shore, returned by the people on board, and the Commodore then left for Glasgow.

As she passed the quay of Greenock, we heard an old sailor calling out to his companion, ‘I say, Jack, that is a clipper. I would go round the world in her any day, with Captain Hardy, for by grub – not forgetting my pay and grog! Ha, ha!’.

A Drowning

CALEDONIAN MERCURY, SATURDAY 1 JULY 1837.

MELANCHOLY EVENT

On Monday evening, two individuals, a male and a female, lost their lives on the Gairloch, at Shandon, near Helensburgh, under the following painful circumstances:- it appears that two or three of a gentleman’s family residing in that neighbourhood, having been out in a boat fishing on the loch, on their return the boat was given in charge of one of the servants, whose duty it was to take of it, and have it moored a little distance from the shore during the night.

In mooring the boat, he was on this occasion accompanied by three of his fellow-servants, among whom were two girls, and two boys unconnected with the family. Having accomplished their object, the party imprudently entered a small punt, with the view of getting ashore; but, from the smallness of the boat, and it being over-crowded, it swamped, and the whole were precipitated into the water, at about 100 yards from the shore, and a man and one of the girls perished.

One of the men, who is an expert swimmer, succeeding in saving the lives of the remaining three – a girl and the two boys. The punt – a thing not much larger than a tub – in which the party endeavoured to return, was only calculated to carry one or two individuals.

Robert Napier and his Art Collection

STIRLING OBSERVER, THURSDAY 19 MARCH 1846

THE FINE ARTS IN SCOTLAND (FROM THE LITERARY GAZETTE).

In a late trip to Scotland, I was much gratified to find that a number of rich and eminent inhabitants of Glasgow and its neighbourhood had devoted much time and money to the collection of fine original paintings by the old masters. Most of these recently formed collections I have seen, and must say they exhibit very correct taste and judgement.

The villa and grounds of West Shandon, in the Gareloch, the residence of Robert Napier, Esq, form a delightful retreat, that Macaenas might envy. The gallery and music-room was in the true Italian style; the ceiling is rich in arabesque and gilding, and harmonises well with the pictures and articles of vertu contained in this truly superb salon.

Among the many fine pictures in the gallery may be particularly noticed a splendid specimen by Bernardo Lanini; it represents the Virgin and Child surrounded with saints. The works of this artist have seldom left the churches for which they were originally painted, being held in the very highest estimation throughout Italy, and generally considered equal to the works of Le Da Vinci. There are also several fine examples by Murillo and Titian; the principal Dutch picture is a waterfall of large dimensions, by J Ruysdael, in his very best manner; the roar of the torrent, as it dashes amongst the rocks, crowned by lofty pines and a ruined castle, comes vividly to the mind, while viewing this superb work of art. This picture was brought to England by Col. Knight about sixty years ago, and remained in that gentleman’s mansion till very lately.

There is also a rare example of art in the truly magnificent sea-piece, by L Backhuysen, lately purchased at the sale of Cardinal Feschi’s pictures at Rome; the subject is a sudden squall, during which two brigs ran foul of each other, a gleam of sunshine shoots out of the lowering sky, and falling upon the yellow sails of a Dutch barge in the foreground, gives a charming effect to the picture.

The remaining portion of this small collection is of uniform good quality, and in high preservation.

Hatches Matches and Dispatches Part 5

Dear blog reader

This is the fifth part in a series of Shandon hatches, matches and dispatches that have appeared in the newspapers.

I always find such finds very exciting in my own 30 years of family history research and I hope this helps anyone doing similar Shandon-based research.

(Glossary: inst/instant means of the present month, relict means widow, ult/ultimo means of last month)

BIRTHS

GLASGOW COURIER, SATURDAY 8 APRIL 1848

At West Shandon, on the 1st inst, Mrs James Dunlop, of a son.

MARRIAGES

GLASGOW COURIER, THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 1844

At 58 Renfield Street, on the 12th inst, by the Rev N Brodie of Shandon, Peter Walker, Esq, Rockbank, Helensburgh, to Margaret, daughter of the late Duncan McMurrich, Esq.

GREENOCK ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 24 JULY 1846

At Faslane, Dumbartonshire, on the 21st instant, by the Rev Mr Brodie, Shandon, Duncan Mitchell, Esq, Blairvockie, Stirlingshire, to Robina, daughter of Parian MacFarlane, Esq.

GREENOCK ADVERTISER, FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER 1846

At Shandon, on the 20th instant, by the Rev John Lawrie, of Row, Charles Wilsone Brown, Esq, to Ellen, daughter of Walter Buchanan, Esq, of Shandon, Dumbartonshire.

GLASGOW HERALD, MONDAY 12 JUNE 1848

At Rossburnlane, Blairdrummond, on the 9th instant, by the Rev Peter Sawers, Gargunnock, Mr Donald McLean, gardener at West Shandon, Gareloch, to Janet, youngest daughter of Mr Daniel McNie, farmer, Blairdrummond

NORTH BRITISH DAILY MAIL, SATURDAY 23 JUNE 1849

At 17, Fitzroy Place, Glasgow, on the 14th inst, by the Rev Neil Brodie of Shandon, Row, Dumbertonshire, Allan Cuthbertson, Esq, to Isabella, daughter of the late David Lillie, Esq.

GLASGOW CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST 1849

At West Shandon, Dumbartonshire, on the 22nd instant, by the Rev Dr Napier, William Rigby, Esq, of Portsmouth, to Jane, second daughter of Robert Napier, Esq, of Shandon, engineer, Glasgow.

DEATHS

CALEDONIAN MERCURY, MONDAY 9 MAY 1842

At Shandon, Gareloch, Dumbartonshire, on the 2nd current, Mr Walter Buchanan.

GLASGOW COURIER, SATURDAY 7 AUGUST 1847

At Shandon, on the 4th inst, Mr Robert Kilgour, Free Church schoolmaster, Shandon, aged fifty-eight.

NATIONAL ADVERTISER AND EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW GAZETTE, SATURDAY 27 MAY 1848

Robert Napier, jun; at West Shandon on the 25th instant, in his twentieth year.

New Railway

GLASGOW HERALD. FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST 1882.

PROPOSED GARELOCH DISTRICT RAILWAY.

We understand that arrangements are in progress for the formation of a railway between Helensburgh, Garelochhead, and Portincaple on Loch Long. The undertaking is being promoted under influential auspices, and if carried into execution cannot fail to have an important effect in still further developing the picturesque districts bordering the Gareloch and Loch Long.

The new line starts from a junction with the North British Railway at a point near the new pier at Craigendoran, and sweeping round the high ground on the north-east of Helensburgh, it passes immediately behind the village of Row. Thence it proceeds past Shandon to Garelochhead, and crossing the narrow neck of land between the two lochs, it terminates at Portincaple.

The entire length of the line is about eleven and a quarter miles, and it is intended to have stations at Upper Helensburgh, Row, Shandon, and Garelochhead, while there will be a landing stage at Portincaple, forming a connection with the steamers which ply on Loch Long. To the residents on the Gareloch the new railway will be of inestimable benefit, bringing them, as it will do, into direct communication with Glasgow.

It will, in addition, be found a great convenience to passengers for Arrochar, Lochgoilhead and Inverarary, having the effect of shortening the time required for the journey between each of these places and Glasgow by upwards of an hour. It will also form a valuable link in various popular excursion routes – as, for example, to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, and Lochgoilhead and Inverarary.

Messrs Stuart & Philip, writers, Glasgow, represent the promoters, and the line has been surveyed by Mr T O Niven, CE, Glasgow, who has prepared plans and has certified that there are no engineering difficulties to prevent it being constructed at a very moderate cost.

Shandon Hydropathic Hotel Visitors

HELENSBURGH NEWS, THURSDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 1880

SHANDON. SHANDON HYDROPATHIC. LIST OF VISTORS.

Mr and Mrs Perrin, Dublin
Mr and Mrs Reid, Mr J Reid, Glasgow
Mr J Kidd, Broughty Ferry
Mr and Mrs Nimmo, Castle Eden
Mr and Mrs Turnbull, M Turnbull, Edinburgh
Mr Charles Scott, Dundee
Mr J Scanlan, Pollokshields
Mr and Mrs Cannent, Edinburgh
Mr and Mrs George Green, Leicester
Mr and Mrs Henderson, Falkirk
Mrs Warden, Yorkshire
Mrs Pringle, Clynder,
Mr and Mrs Livingstone, Edinburgh
Mrs Sime, Masters Sime
Mr and Mrs Cooper, Edinburgh
Dr Carpenter, C B, Mrs Carpenter, R Davies, E Davies, London

Mrs Jones, E J Jones, Olinda, Rhyl, N.W.
Mrs Pretsell, Miss Lindsay, Peebleshire
Miss M Lindsay, Selkirkshire
Mr Fulton, Miss Fulton, Edinburgh
Mr and Mrs Hayes, London
Mr and Mrs J B McIntosh, Edinburgh
Mrs and Miss G Darlot, Kent
Mr and Mrs Brodie, Coupar-Angus
Mr A D Tolmie, Mr A B Glashan, Glasgow
Mrs Jolly, Stevenston
Mrs L Thomson, Frank L Thomson and Mabel L Thomson, Edinburgh
Mrs Stokes, Barrow-in-Furness
Captain and Mrs Stokes, Dublin,
Mr R Pirrie, Mr D E Outram, Mr E Hill, Glasgow
Mr Frank Fellows, Mr Dunn, London
Mr Lindsay, Edinburgh
Mr J Porteous, Miss and Master Porteous, Alva
Mr Richard Lees, Hawick
Mrs Burns and maid
Mr Arthur Becksmith, London
Mrs Barney and maid
Sir R and Lady Stephenson, Miss Truiddle, London
Mr Thomas Crossley, Mr William Robb, Paisley
Mr, Mrs and Miss Greenlees, Campbeltown
Mr S Greenlees, London
Mrs and Master Fraser, Partick
Mr, Mrs and Master J L Henderson, Partick
Mr and Mrs F H McLeod, Mr J McLeod, Glasgow
Mr R H Hood, Mr Gilbert Hume, Kirkcaldy
Mr and Mrs W R Ritchie, Newport
Mr G A Thomson, Mr E A Tennant, Mr P W Sime, Mr Peter McLellan, Mr G B Lowe, Glasgow
Mr J Bradshaw, Oban
Mrs and Miss Lambie, Glasgow
Rev J Keith, Skelmorlie
Mr W Alexander, Partick
Mr and Mrs W Schulze, Galashiels
Mr G Graham, Mr Munro, Mr T Menzies, Mr W Menzies, Mr J Leggatt, M H Fraser, Glasgow
Mr R Rintoul, Kinross
Mrs and Miss J Darling, Edinburgh
Mr Cullough, Mr Mutter, Mr P Brodie, Glasgow
Mr Muir, Beith
Mr T H Fraser, Dunbar
Mr John Hendry, Kirkcaldy

Christmas at Shandon Hydro Part 2

DUNDEE EVENING TELEGRAPH, FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER 1904

CHRISTMAS AT THE HYDROPATHICS

Spending Christmas at a hydropathic is now such a favourite mode of enjoyment that every year more and more people avail themselves of it as a relief from business and housekeeping cares. In spite of dull trade, there seems no falling off this year in the fashion, for advices from the hydros, with their Christmas programmes, give cheery news of good bookings. In some cases the house is fully booked for the festive season, and, indeed, there seems to be a brisk demand for accommodation. Entertainments vary from outdoor sports like golf or curling, which is largely dependent on weather conditions, to whist and badminton and billiards indoors, with music and dancing to fill in the intervals and make the weary hours speed lightly. Below will be found an outline of the programmes performed for visitors at the principal Scottish hydropathics.

SHANDON HYDROPATHIC

The situation of Shandon Hydropathic on the lovely eastern shore of the Gareloch is sufficient alone to commend it to the visitor seeking a home for Xmas. In the grounds are lovely walks, extending to more than seventy acres, and there is a beautiful conservatory, which is an ideal lounge and promenade. A private golf course and tennis court are some of the outdoor attractions, and the baths are excellent and equipped in the most modern manner. As usual there is to be a splendid Xmas programme at Shandon, and the entertainments vary every evening.

Christmas at Shandon Hydro Part 1

DUNDEE COURIER, SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER 1903.

THE HYDROS AT CHRISTMASTIDE. THEIR HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS.

There are few pleasanter ways of spending a holiday than at a hydropathic, and nowadays it is quite a common thing for a whole family to betake itself at the Christmas season to one or of the establishments which abound on both sides of the border.

The utter freedom from household cares which such a holiday brings is not the least important factor in the pleasure of the older members of the household, while the young people are delighted to throw themselves into the gaieties and fund of hydro life. And now the question arises, ‘Which hydro will it be?’ With a view of assisting readers in their choice of a holiday resort, we give below a brief account of the attractions to be found at some of the leading hydropathic establishments.

SHANDON.

West Shandon House to give the hydro it’s proper title, has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful places of the kind in the country. The grounds are charming even in winter while the large conservatory forms a most delightful lounge and promenade in cold weather. Every hydro nowadays must have its own golf course, and that at Shandon is an excellent one, its picturesque situation making it a favourite resort even with those who do not golf. A very large number of applications have already been made for the Christmas holidays, during which period a bright and varied programme will be carried through. The ball masque arranged for December 31 should prove a great attraction, and among other entertainments there will be tableaux concerts, theatricals, progressive whist, and a pianoforte and vocal recital by Mr and Mrs Jean Walther.

Shandon in 1892

HELENSBURGH NEWS, THURSDAY 20TH OCTOBER 1892

SHANDON – MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY

The members of this association held their first meeting on Friday last in the Reading Room, when the following office-bearers were elected: Hon. president Mr Wm Gibson,Greenhill; president Rev Hugh Miller; vice-presidents Messrs Allan, Neaves and Whillans; secretary Mr Thomas Vallance; treasurer Mr Robert Vallance; librarians Messrs A Carswell jun. and Morgan; committee Messrs W Glen, MacLachlan, Wright, Munro, Whyte and R Keir.

HELENSBURGH NEWS, THURSDAY 17TH NOVEMBER 1892

SHANDON – THE SPIDER

This was the title of an interesting lecture delivered by the Rev Campbell Gullan, FGS, Glasgow, on Friday evening last.

The audience was a large one, and they were very much entertained by the admirable way in which the subject was treated, several microscopic views being shown to illustrate the lecture.

The chair was occupied by the Rev Mr Miller, who proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer at the close.

Shandon Property

GLASGOW COURIER, THURSDAY 7TH MARCH 1844

GARELOCH: TO BE SOLD OR LET.

Woodburn House, delightfully situated on Garelochside, near Shandon, and containing dining-room, parlour and five bedrooms, besides kitchen, laundry, water-closet, and cellars; with a very convenient set of offices. The grounds are tastefully laid out, and extend to about two acres. Feu duty, moderate.

If not sold soon, this property will be let, furnished, for such a term of years as may be agreed on.

Apply at No. 28, Glassford Street.

Glasgow, 6th March, 1844.

GLASGOW HERALD, FRIDAY 30TH MARCH 1855

COTTAGE AT GARELOCH

To let, near Shandon ferry, Gareloch, Woodside Cottage, containing five rooms and kitchen, with garden, green, washing house, and other conveniences. Rent, only £20 per annum.

Apply to Duncan MacKinlay, Shandon ferry, Gareloch; or to Mr John Dunn, House Agent, 11 Union Street, Glasgow.

THE SCOTSMAN, MONDAY 10TH MAY 1948

DUMBARTONSHIRE – BASHLEY, SHANDON

Attractive country residence overlooking the Gareloch (28 miles Glasgow), containing porch, hall, 3 public and 3 bedrooms, dressingroom, billiard-room, kitchen etc, maids’ bedrooms, garage, lodge, gardener’s and chauffeur’s houses; seen only by appointment.

Further particulars MacNeur & Bryden, property agents, or Ormond & Stanton, Solicitors, Helensburgh.