Inventory

Dep.240

Messrs Russel and

Stored at CB, Phase 1, Level2

Dep.240/1-31 is at GB

National Library of Manuscripts Division George IV Bridge EH1 1EW Tel: 0131-466 2812 Fax: 0131-466 2811 E-mail: [email protected]

© Trustees of the National Library of Scotland Papers from the archives of Messrs Russel and Aitken, Writers, .

This deposit is a selection made from the archives of Russel and Aitken in Falkirk. It consists of material gathered by the firm while acting as executors, trustees, or liquidators in the course of its normal legal business, and of material brought together by James Russel sen, (1787-1858), James Russel jun (d.1860), and Henry Aitken (d.ca.1900), partners in the firm, in connection with their various mining and industrial undertakings. In the former category the papers relating to the Falkirk Gas Co and its successors, the Midland Junction Railway, and the whaler ‘Juno’ are the most important, while in the latter the large series of bore journals and mine plans give a clear view of the geological knowledge of central Scotland (particularly of the south of ) in the mid 19th century. Also included are miscellaneous early charters, several business account books, and the papers of Dr John Aitken FRS, the meteorologist.

The general arrangement is as follows:

1. Bore journals of Henry Aitken of Darroch (ca.1860-80), numbered series:

1. Armadale and others, including Polkemmet, Bridgecastle, and Hilderston (with some discussion of the silver deposits there). At the end is an analysis of Boghead Parrot.

2. and Drumbowie.

3. Couston, Wallhouse, Bridgehouse, Birkinshaw, Avoncrook.

4. Candie, Greyrig.

5. Auchinvale, Barr, Allanfauld, Twechar.

6. Tippetcraig, Springwall, Sauchierig.

7. Candie and others including Heatherfield, Hardhill, Boghead, Torbanehill.

8. Sauchierig.

9. Inzievair.

10. Boghead, Torbanehill, Westerinch, Tomfyne, Blackbraes, Tippetcraig, Southdrum, Candie, Greyrig and others.

11. Boghead.

12. Boghead, Torbanehill, Westermiddlerig, and others.

13. Westerinch, Cathlaw, Boghead, Gateside, Torbanehill, and others. 14. Easter and Wester Causewayend, Morton, Harburn.

15. Drumbroider, Standhill, Auchengray, Woodside, Inch, Falside, Boghead.

16. Missing.

17. Sauchierig.

18. .

19. Greenhill, Craigend, and others including Bogo and Baukhead.

20. Torbanehill, and others including East , Hindlairs, and Blaefaulds.

21. Bankhead, Tippetcraig, Torbanchill.

2. Numbered series of bore journals, cont:

22. Boghead, Torbanehill, and others including Windyyett, Cartnavel, Little Raith.

23. Sauchierig, Drum, and others including Bonnyhill, Tomfyne, and Beam.

24. Spittal, Grangmouth, Pitenchar, Carriber, Harburn, and others.

25. Armadale.

26. Whitehill, Denny, , Dullater.

27. Blackbraes.

28. Wester Burnhead.

29. Ballencreiff.

30. Boghead, Torbanehill, Inchcross.

31. High Parks, Cadzow.

32. Heatherfield, Boghead.

33. Harburn, Easter Causewayend.

34. Crofthead, Eastfield, Stonehead, Bridgecastle. 35. Easter and Wester Causewayend, Harburn, Morton.

36. Westfield of .

37. Boghead, Whitelees, Inchcrop, Torbanehill.

38. Hatten Ben, Blackston.

39. Whitburn.

40. Chartershall, Burnside, and others including .

41. Greenrig, Burnside.

42. Windyyett, Bankhead, Benny, and others including Airdrie, and Canglour.

43. Todsboughts.

44. Hopetoun, Boghead, Heatherfield.

45. Bridge Castle, Bridge House, Callendar.

46. Hopetoun.

47. Hopetoun.

48. Snab.

49. Sauchierig.

50. Polkemuiet.

51. Torbanehill, Boghead.

Four other notebooks on mineralogical subjects, particularly limestone.

3. Nine miscellaneous cashbooks and notebooks, 1844-78, of James Russel jun and Henry Aitken, connected with mining afairs.

Letterbook of James Russel sen apparently as bank agent in Falkirk, 1840-53.

Letterbook of James Russel sen concerning his lease of the Lochgelly mines from the Earl of Minto, 1847-53. Financial papers of James Russel and Son concerning mining affairs in Stirlingshire and West Lothian, 1855-78.

Memoranda relating to collieries in (Foulford, 1876-7, Kingsmuir etc) n.d.; (Harthill), n.d.; Mid Lothian (Harburn), 1875; Stirlingshire (Redding, , Tippetcraig, ), 1840, 1852, 1863, 1865; West Lothian (Bridgecastle, Torbanehill, Wallhouse, Durhamtoun), 1824, 1864, 1868, 1876, n.d.; Zetland (Sandlodge copper), 1877; miscellaneous, 1855, 1875.

Correspondence, mostly of Henry Aitken, on mineral matters, 1840, 1844, 1850, 1852, 1861-6, 1869-70, 1876-85, 1899. Many of the letters in the 1880s are from foremen of squads engaged on mineral bores, particularly at Stenhouse.

4. Miscellaneous loose bore journals for investigations in the counties of Clackmannan, Dunbarton, Fife, Kinross, Lanark, Mid Lothian, , and West Lothian.

Printed papers relating to mineral law cases, particularly the Torbanehill case, 1853-9.

5. Papers and accounts connected with Henry Aitken’s mining ventures for gold, silver, and copper in Galicia, 1888-97.

6. Correspondence, papers, and plans (including a mine plan), relating to the lands of Milnquarter near Falkirk, 1737-1939, mainly concerning the mining of fireclay.

7. Volumes containing abstracts of royalties from Colliery, 1843-81.

8. Volumes containing abstracts of royalties from Grangemouth Colliery, 1885- 1912.

9. Rental book of Callendar Colliery, 1835-58.

Rental book of Cowdenbeath Coal Co, 1873-7.

Inventory of Machinery and Plant at the Almond Iron Works, 1885.

Falkirk Post Office Account Book, 1823-34, with correspondence relating to alledged embezzlement by a former post office employee.

10. Papers connected with the Falkirk Gas Co, 1829-79, including the company minute book, 1862-79, plans of the works, 1829, 1837, miscellaneous reports and correspondence, the papers relating to the winding up of the company, 1878-9, and an example of machine made gas piping.

11. Falkirk Gas Company transfer book, from 1829. 12. Falkirk Lighting Company (successors to the Falkirk Gas Co) legal papers, minutes, balances, accounts, share papers, and correspondence leading to its winding up, 1879-88.

13. Falkirk Lighting Company, correspondence concerning Young’s ‘scrubber- washer’, 1884-7, miscellaneous cash and bank books, 1879-88; and papers concerning its take over by the Falkirk Joint Gas Co, 1887-8.

Miscellaneous papers relating to the Falkirk Joint Stock Gas Co, 1887-8.

14. Papers relating to the Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway, 1836-55. This is the line which runs from to , and the papers deal with all the legal aspects of its construction, particularly the agreement of compensation due to landowners, and the obtaining of the necessary acts of Parliament. Both the James Russels and Henry Aitken were large shareholders. The papers include the subscription list, minutes, accounts, correspondence, legal and parliamentary papers, and a few technical reports and plans.

15. Minute book of the Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway, 1845-7.

16. Papers of Dr John Aitken FRS, (1839-1919). These include detailed engine drawings probably from Aitken’s time as an apprentice with R Napier and Co, marine engineers, , ca.1865, the plans for his dust particle counting machine for the Ben Nevis Observatory, 1889, highly detailed meteorological records taken at his house, Ardenlea, Falkirk, 1887-94, 1899-1915, and miscellaneous notebooks of weather and gardening observations.

17. Dr John Aitken, miscellaneous correspondence and draft articles on various scientific subjects, ca.1901-7.

Miscellaneous domestic cash books, 1890-1919.

18. Writs concerning the lands of Myethill in the partish of Denny, 1569-1773.

Writs concerning waste land at the East Port of Falkirk, 1589-1736.

Writs concerning lands in the High Street and Cross of Falkirk, 1606-1756.

Instrument of Sasine in favour of John, brother of James Wardlaw of Riccartoun, of the lands of Kilbaberton in , 10 Feb 1492/3.

Royal Grant under the great seal of the barony of Callendar to Alexander, Lord Livingston, 1600. Disposition by James Laurence in Bothkennar to James Bruce of Powfoulis of an oxgang of land in Bothkennar, 1605.

Charter by John Fleming, 4th Earl of Wigtown, in favour of John, son of William Aitken in Castlerankin of a quarter part of the twenty-two and eightpenny land of Castlerankin in Stirlingshire (but not of the coal), 1665, with seal.

19. Correspondence relating to the operations and ultimate sale of the whaler ‘Juno’, of Grangemouth, 1821-7. This includes a detailed list of the fittings and contents of the boat.

Papers relating to William Black, mason in Herbertshire, 174-6, 1785, including a letter written by him from Williamsburg, Virginia, 1774.

Articles of roup of the customs of for three trysts, 1810, with a table of customs payable at Falkirk Tryst, 1828.

Papers relating to the property of the Falkirk Bank Co, 1668-1840.

Papers relating to the realignment of the Edinburgh road at the East Port of Falkirk, 1833-8.

Papers relating to the Falkirk to Grangemouth railway line, 1880-81, and to the installation of a level crossing at lock sixteen, 1888.

Printed Information for Samuel Garbett … against the , 1778, and A Review of the State of Mr Samuel Garbett’s Affairs, 1777, with a note on the title page by Charles Gascoigne.

Indexed and annotated copy of the acts relating to the construction of the (57 George III Cap LVI, 59 George III Cap XXIX).

20. Larbet Parish Nursing Association, minute books, 1894-1934, loose minutes and annual reports, 1899-1950, lawyers’ accounts, 1919-50, miscellaneous financial papers, 1931-50, and correspondence, 1922-50.

21. Larbet Parish Nursing Association, annual balances, 1920-43, 1948, and legal papers, 1900-50.

22. Falkirk Female Society, treasurer’s cashbooks, 1914-44.

23. Erskine Church; Young Men and Women’s Guild, minute book, 1887-1910, cashbook, 1890-1921, and Church Renovation Committee minute book, 1873-5.

Relief Burial Ground, Falkirk, burial register, 1822-1909, and grave digger’s accounts, 1819-41, with notes of transfers, 1842-62. Plans of Relief Church, 1811, 1832.

24. Three cashbooks of Thomas Hardie, guano merchant, Hill of Kinnaird, showing details of dealings in guano at Grangemouth, Kennetpans, and Stirling, 1856-9.

Rent collector’s book, 1823-31.

Cash book of William Martin, farmer, Westfield, Falkirk.

25. Cashbook of John Ure, grocer, Falkirk, 1865-71.

26. Cashbook of John Graham, painter and decorator, Falkirk, 1898-1903.

27. Bill ledger, possibly of the Falkirk Bank Co, 1785-1822.

28. Bill book, possibly of the Falkirk Bank Co, 1787-91.

29. Bill book of the Falkirk Bank Co, 1800-01.

30. Daybook possibly of the Falkirk Bank Co, July-December, 1821.

31. Letterbook of John Selby, writer in Grangemouth concerning his work as executor for William Glen, 1810-17, and concerning his interest in trade with the Baltic, 1807-8.

PLANS

Mineral Plans:

1. Bantaskine, n.d.

2. Blackbraes, 1900.

2a. Blackbraes, section of pits 4-9, 1869.

2b. Blackbraes, plan and section of road in no.6 pit, 1874.

2c. Blackbraes, splint coal, 1875.

2d. Blackbraes, Coxrod coal, 1900.

2e. Blackbraes, splint coal, 1900.

2f. Blackbraes, splint coal, n.d. 3. Bridgecastle, 1826 (copy).

4. Wester and Easter Causewayend, n.d.

5. , 1851.

6. Comedie, after 1860.

7. Craigend, splint coal, n.d.

8. Foulford, 1876.

9. Greenfield, Raeburnshale workings, 1885.

10. Hindlairs, 1862.

11. Hindlairs, n.d.

12. Kinnaird, coxrodcoal, 1885.

13. Lodge, after 1857.

14. Reddingrig, 1850.

15. Easter Roughrig, splint coal, after 1901.

16. Easter Roughrig, coxrod coal, n.d.

17. Sauchierig, n.d.

18. Shieldhill, n.d.

19. Standhill, coxrod and splint, n.d.

20. Stenhouse, 1880.

20a. Stenhouse, 1885, showing position of bores.

20b. Stenhouse, upper coxrod coal, 1892.

21. Tarbrax, 1916.

22. Tippetcraig, 1853.

22a. Tippetcraig, n.d. 22b. Tippetcraig, n.d.

23. Tomfyne, ca.1853.

24. Wainrigg, splint coal, 1875.

24a. Wainrigg, splint coal, n.d.

25. Unnamed plan (?Blackbraes), 1900.

Transport Plans:

1. : cut from Carron to Forth, 1771.

2. Forth and Clyde Canal: branches, Loanhead to Denny, Chacefield Wood to Coxethill, Peathill to Bonnybridge, and Coxethill to Stirling, 1836.

3. Road from Callendar Wood to Falkirk High Street, ca.1828.

4. Road widening and bridge construction, Vicar Street, Falkirk, 1897.

5. Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway, ?1836.

6. Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway, 1845.

7. Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway, branch to Carron, 1855.

8. Combined view of Monkland and Kirkintilloch, Ballochney Wishaw and Coltness, and Wilsontown Morningside and Coltness Railways, 1842.

9. Slamannan Railway at Lodge, 1842.

10. Shieldhill branch of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, 1846.

11. North British Railway land at Grahamston, 1896.

Architectural Plans:

1. Alma Villa, Falkirk, alterations, 1953.

2. North Arnloss, steading alterations, n.d.

3. Bantaskine House, 1860, complete architectural drawings covering every aspect of the construction of the house.

4. Two houses at Blackbraes Colliery, 1845. 4a. Proposed buildings at Blackbraes Colliery, n.d.

5. Blairs farm, Glenbervie, n.d.

6. Campfield Street, feus, Falkirk, feu plan, 19th cent.

7. Tenement in Cow Wynd, Falkirk, for Mr Learmonth, 1862.

8. Crowbank Farm, n.d.

8a. Crowbank Farm, n.d.

9. House at Drum Farm, ca.1860.

10. Dundas House, printed sale brochure, 1874.

11. Falkirk Burgh School, 1873, complete architectural drawings.

12. Ferryfield print works, Vale of Leven, 1856.

13. Kepp Distillery, Arnprior, 1826.

13a. Kepp Distillery, Arnprior, 1829.

14. Loanrig Farm, n.d.

15. House at Meikle Canglour, 1863.

16. House in Maggie Wood Loan, Falkirk, 1877.

17. Parkhouse Works, Falkirk, alterations, ca.1950.

18. Roberts Wynd, Falkirk, ca.1854.

19. House for Mr Robert Turnbull, ca.1860.

19a. House for Mr Robert Turnbull, ca.1860.

Estate Plans: Stirlingshire:

1. Abbotshaugh and Dalderse, ca.1780.

1a. Abbotshaugh and Dalderse, ca.1850.

2. Airth, Miss Archibald’s property, 1849. 3. Almond Iron works, 1854.

4. Arnotdale, 1834.

5. Arnprior (Kepp distillery), 1827.

6. Auchengairnie, 1860.

7. Bankhead, ca.1828.

8. , 1888.

9. Binnyhill, 1840 (proposed new cut for the Callaghburn).

10. Blackbraes, 1844.

11. Blackston and Ballenbreich, 1862, with additions to 1896.

12. Boghead, 1822.

12a. Boghead, copy.

13. Bromage Mains, 1814.

14. : march of Mr Simpson’s and Mr Watt’s properties.

15. Campfield feus, 1849.

16. Canglour, 1800.

17. Carbrook, 1838, with an engraving of the house.

18. Carron, 1761 (copy).

19. Denovan, 1845.

20. Drumbroider, 1838.

20a. Drumbroider, n.d.

21. Duncarron Garden, 1862.

22. Dyke, before 1870.

23. Falkirk: sequestrated estate of Thomas Aitken, 1843. 23a. Falkirk: sequestrated estate of Thomas Aitken, 1845.

24. Glenbervie, 1830.

25. Grangemouth, proposed new streets at Powdrate, 1905.

26. Greensburn, 19th cent.

27. Kersie Mains, 1800 (cropping plan).

28. Kinnaird, 1810 (copy).

29. Larbert Churchyard, 1902.

30. Linns, 1853.

31. Lochgreen, 19th cent.

32. Milnquarter, 1860.

33. Muiravonside, 1846.

34. Mungall, 1827.

34a. Mungall, 1899.

35. Overton, 1809.

35a. Overton, 1853.

36. Parish of Slamannan, 1851.

37. Thornbank, 1863.

38. Tippetcraig, ca.1850.

39. Weedingshall, 1751.

West Lothian:

40. Blackridge, ca.1850.

41. Drumbowie, 1850.

42. Polkemmet, 1857. 43. Wallhouse, 1866.

44. Woodend and Burnhead, 1864.

Midlothian:

45. Harburn, n.d.

45a. Harburn, n.d.

Lanarkshire:

46. Greenfield and Easterhouse, 1880.

46a. Greenfield and Easterhouse, ca.1903 (cropping plan).

47. Standhill and Harthill, 19th cent.

Dunbartonshire:

48. Braes o’ Yetts, 1860.

Chart:

49. Admiralty Chart of the Forth from Carron to Stirling, 1898.