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| Snippets & Photos About Old Innerleithen |
He’s dipped into other publications about
Innerleithen, some of which are long out of print, gleaned pieces from the
local newspaper, St Ronan’s Standard,
but he’s also talked to local people and I know from experience that can be a
rich source of information if only you can get them to start talking.
Innerleithen Shops showed that in the 19th and
early 20th centuries, Innerleithen was a busy place for commerce,
however, this new book shows that it was a busy place in many more ways.
Mr
Richardson covers the history of Innerleithen as well as churches, schools, old
towers, mills, rivers and pools and associated constructions, roads, bridges,
inns, hotels, a curling rink, the post office, the library, a few shops, two
political clubs, the gas works, sports clubs and sporting occasions, slaughter
houses, blacksmiths, the plague, the Masonic Lodge, the town hall, shooting
ranges, telephone exchanges and laundries.
There’s also a timeline, mainly from 1825 to 1975, a list of
Innerleithen place names and their locations; descriptions of two walks, one along
Leithen Road in 1900, the other up The Strip (date not stated); and an index.
The 56 page paperback has 18 colour illustrations, including one on the front
cover.
I’m astonished by the number of schools that there were in
Innerleithen and especially that the parish school (which later became
Leithenside School) was established in 1737.
Even more surprising was that another school, Innerleithen
Academy, charged fees of £35 per pupil in 1846, more than a farm hind and his
family could expect to earn in a year. I’m enthralled by the descriptions of the
walks, partly because although you can see on old maps where the buildings were
and using valuation rolls (after 1855) see who the occupants were, there’s no
way to get the local colour unless it’s been recorded.
Of course, in 56 pages, you can’t expect a comprehensive
history of Innerleithen, on the other hand, books that set out to be
comprehensive are often boring. This book isn’t at all boring and for me, an
occasional day visitor to Innerleithen, it’s fascinating to read and see how
the town has changed over the years. There’s something for every interest here
and it’s a “must have” for every St Ronanite, no matter where they’re currently
living.
The book is priced at £5 plus postage and can be purchased at our premises or by choosing the appropriate delivery option and pressing the button below.
Please note: World Zone 2 includes Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Oceania.
Europe includes Eire and Russia.
World Zone 1 comprises all other countries.
Please note: World Zone 2 includes Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Oceania.
Europe includes Eire and Russia.
World Zone 1 comprises all other countries.
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