Durham: 1872 Consett Directory
Isle of Lewis: The Torquils of Point, Lewis The MacLeods of Garrabost Revisited Family Traditions: John Macleod, 11 Melbost
Directory: 1872 Consett, etc (Paperback, A5)
This facsimile local Directory (1872) covers Consett, Blackhill, Shotley Bridge, Leadgate, Annfield Plain, Stanley, Lanchester, Dipton, Ebchester, Tanfield, Castleside, Tow Law and the surrounding area.
This high quality A5 reproduction (the original being slightly smaller) has 116 high quality pages. Some generic pages (such as a calendar, how to write a will, a comment upon the National Debt, etc) have been omitted.
ISBN: 9781918615005
Cost: £13
The Torquils of Point, Lewis (PDF, A4)
“Torquil” is an English spelling of the Gaelic name Torcall/Torcul, which derived from the Norse name Thorkell, which is, in turn, an abbreviated form of the name Thorketill (signifying ‘Thor’s kettle’, or ‘Thor’s cauldron’). The Lewis branch of Clan MacLeod has long been known as Siol Torcaill, and many men from the chiefly line were given the name before the family was dispersed in the early 17th century. One 1868 tradition relates that: “Torquil Oighre was a handsome man – Torcall Oighre of the ruddy cheeks. This was the first of the Lewis MacLeod. His heir is Torquil MacLeod in Melbost.” This assertion that a legitimate descendant of the MacLeods of Lewis could be found in Melbost some 250 years after the Mackenzies took control of Lewis is remarkable. This publication considers every documented individual named Torquil from the 18th and 19th centuries (and some from the early 20th century) from the area east of Stornoway. Each family using the name is contemplated, as are any possible links between families.
Cost: £7
The MacLeods of Garrabost Revisited (PDF, A5)
Rev. William Matheson, writing under the pseudonym Mac Gille Chaluim, contributed an article to the Stornoway Gazette entitled “MacLeods of Garrabost”. This was part of his long-running “Families of Lewis” series, with the family in question being one of the few MacLeod families who had found some way to remain in favour with the Mackenzies during the 17th century.
This booklet is an attempt to synthesise Matheson’s research with more recently discovered material, which includes a previously unknown generation, as well as a probable link to the Scots Brigade in Holland.
Cost: £7
Family Traditions: John Macleod, 11 Melbost (PDF, A4)
The vast majority of the material contained within this work is courtesy of the grand-daughter of John Macleod of 11 Melbost. She has preserved his writings over the decades. I am indebted to her for permitting me to make this information generally available.
Cost: £7
