Gunsgreen House in Eyemouth, Berwickshire, was built in the 1750s by a smuggler, John Nisbet. In 1787 he was made bankrupt by the well established merchants, Robert Robertson and Son. After a two year struggle, Gunsgreen House was sold and purchased by Robert’s son Alexander. Thus began a 90 year association with the Robertsons and their close relations, the Homes. Derek’s talk will cover the story of the two families, including Alexander’s daughter Mary, the grandmother of Field Marshal Douglas Haig; her brother, Robert junior, who had an affair with the famous French writer, Madame de Stael; his son Robert, a university friend of Tennyson; and Margaret Hay Home who, although described as “a little dotty”, was a friend of General Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, who once stayed at the House.
Derek will also demonstrate how the resources of family history research can aid the academic historian in his/her work.
I think you'll find this a very interesting talk whether you're interested in Eyemouth, family history, the Humes, Homes, Robertsons or smuggling.
I warmly invite you to attend the talk whether you are a member or not. Doors open at 2pm; the talk begins at 2.30pm.
We'll have a range of family history publications available to buy, and there’ll be light refreshments (donation expected) available after the talk.
If you have a problem with your family history, please discuss it (no charge) with one of our volunteers.
