Photograph of three farm workers at Lauriston Farm

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

51521

Title

Photograph of three farm workers at Lauriston Farm

Description

One black and white photograph of three farm workers shearing a sheep at Lauriston Farm. In the background there are two stone farm buildings and a low wooden fence. The two older men in the photograph are likely two brothers, William and Alexander Allinson.

Date

1913

Location

Lauriston Castle

Copyright

The City of Edinburgh Council Museums and Galleries

Lauriston Castle and its grounds were purchased by William Robert Reid and his wife Margaret at the end of 1902. They lived at Lauriston from the summer of 1903 until Mr Reid’s death in 1919, and Mrs Reid’s death in 1926 after which the Castle was gifted to the nation. Next door to the castle was Lauriston Farm, part of the wider estate until 1859. This photograph shows three farm workers shearing sheep there in early summer.

According to the 1911 census the farm was run by two brothers, William and Alexander Allinson, aged 27 and 26 years. This photograph was probably taken sometime between 1913 and 1918, so the two men could well be William and Alexander, but we don’t know the identity of the young boy.

In the early 20th century much of the area along this stretch of coast would still have been fields and estate lands, until new housing estates were built from the 1930s and 1950s. Today the golf course and fields between Lauriston and the shore remain as open ground on the east side of the River Almond.

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Related subjects

Agriculture and fisheries

Agriculture and fisheries > Agricultural and fisheries facilities > Farm outbuildings

People > Adults > Men

People > Agriculture and fisheries > Agricultural labourers

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Lauriston Castle

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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