If you’ve been on our Worst of the Worthies tour, you will already have been introduced to one of Dundee’s worthies in the form of Blind Bob, who was a poor soul, originally having hailed from Aberdeen but had lost everything he ever cherished over the years and fell into a spiral of alcoholism and […]
In 1870, Margaret Murphy ended up in Dundee Police Court after throwing a bucket of dirty water over an auctioneer who kept turning up at her shop asking for money, then allegedly taking a swing at him with a poker when he still wouldnae leave. The best part is half the courtroom could barely keep a […]
On Friday 7th June 1878, The Dundee Evening Telegraph reported on a man from whom, they felt, had fallen foul of a hasty marriage: “A HASTY MARRIAGE AND ITS RESULTS. AN UNHAPPY HONEYMOON. A young man named William Ballantyne, described as a chemist or commercial traveller, residing in Thorter Row, Dundee, was brought before Baillie […]
Saturday 23rd September 1893 had been a beautiful day, warm but not too warm; a great day to sit out in the garden all afternoon, which is exactly what Mrs Tolmie had been doing with her 7-year-old daughter, Bella at their home at Links Cottages, Broughty Ferry. Mr Tolmie, a gardener, had been away all […]
Retiree John Crow and his wife Annie were enjoying a day at home on 25th December 1878, when John decided that he was going to go out for a walk. His wife insisted he stay at home, as the weather was awful and it was already dark outside despite it being only 3pm. Now, before […]
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to honour the incredible dads in our lives. As we reflect on the importance of paternal love, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience the joy of a loving father figure. Heartbreaking stories like those of David Urquhart […]
Davina Brown and the vitriol attack, 5th December 1924 Davina Brown was in her mid-twenties, slogging away in the jute mills like so many other young women in the 1920s when she met Thomas Crombie. He owned his own cooping business, ooh fancy, cooping is making barrels and casks, but hey, he owned his own […]
Under the scorching sun of a sweltering Saturday in July 1889, David Anderson, a 74-year-old retired weaver, found himself amidst the throngs of passengers cramming into the train departing from Perth to Broughty Ferry. Every July, during Perth’s midsummer break, those fortunate enough would flee the town in pursuit of a summer getaway. The allure […]
This awful incident took place on Walton Street, at the Larchfield Jute Works, the building is now demolished and has been replaced with new housing. Dundee Courier, Monday 18th May 1896 SHOCKING AFFAIR IN DUNDEE. man scalded to death. MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. Yesterday morning a shocking discovery was made at Walton Street Jute Works. Dundee (Messrs […]
This short tale from the Dundee Courier is about a typical Dundee criminal incident- involving drink, and theiving. In fact, the victim was so drunk he didn’t even realise he’d been robbed at first! Dundee Courier, Sat 5th October 1878 Nymphs Fighting Over the Spoil. Jane Brown and Catherine Chalmers or Morrison were placed at […]