THE 'LOST' DUNCOW HOUSE (& its families)

 THE 'LOST' DUNCOW HOUSE (& its families)

Today we're revisiting a place described by Alice Howdle last year - it seeming of particular topicality in continuing the story of the Heron family (see yesterday's post re. Kirroughtree House) in the region.

My background research of Duncow reveals that is was a barony granted by Robert the Bruce to his supporter Sir Robert Boyd, soon after the victory of Bannockburn. In time it became a property of the Maxwells, and a tower here (exact location uncertain, but possibly at the nearby farm or hamlet) was twice burned by the Johnstones during the Maxwell-Johnstone feud spanning the approximate century c.1520-1620. King James V (d.1542) apparently stayed the night here! An old commemorative stone, also now disappeared  allegedly once marked the spot of the monarch's nocturnal visit (said in an account to have been in a humble 'cottage' - which, knowing James' weakness for local wenches on his travels, may well have been the case).  




The fine mansion shown was built for James Heron around 1860 - by the architect Alexander Crombie of Dumfries. However, Herons are listed at Duncow several decades prior to this date - and at present I am unaware of exactly when they acquired the land (or any previous house on, or near, the site). From what I can ascertain, James' only child, William, died in infancy in 1859 - with James himself passing away at Duncow in 1874.

Neither can I precisely date the original 'transaction' (I assume, sale) which would later see 'Colonel Sir John "Jock" Crabbe (c.1892-1961) HM Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire' (1950-61) regularly listed as owner of the house. Had his father (also John - see below) or more likely his grandfather obtained Duncow following the departure of the Herons? What is certain, however, is that the old place was demolished within a few years of Colonel Jock's death.

But of his life .... as a young officer (originally captain) "Jock" Crabbe served in the Royal Scots Greys during WW1 - during which time he was mentioned in dispatches 4 times and awarded the MC (Military Cross). In later years he received the OBE. Potentially confusing for the researcher, is that his father was also a Colonel John Crabbe (b.1861) and moreover also in the Royal Scots Greys - a Boer War veteran, known as "Jack". 

Interesting link from one of the two colonels' descendants (if focusing on a different son of "Jack", i.e. Archie) including a photograph taken with royalty: https://velocetoday.com/excerpts-from-the-thrill-of-the-chase/

Duncow's former lodges, stables, and kennels all survive - and are listed buildings.)

Today we're revisiting a place described by Alice Howdle last year - it seeming of particular topicality in continuing the story of the Heron family (see yesterday's post re. Kirroughtree House) in the region.

My background research of Duncow reveals that is was a barony granted by Robert the Bruce to his supporter Sir Robert Boyd, soon after the victory of Bannockburn. In time it became a property of the Maxwells, and a tower here (exact location uncertain, but possibly at the nearby farm or hamlet) was twice burned by the Johnstones during the Maxwell-Johnstone feud spanning the approximate century c.1520-1620. King James V (d.1542) apparently stayed the night here! An old commemorative stone, also now disappeared  allegedly once marked the spot of the monarch's nocturnal visit (said in an account to have been in a humble 'cottage' - which, knowing James' weakness for local wenches on his travels, may well have been the case).  

The fine mansion shown was built for James Heron around 1860 - by the architect Alexander Crombie of Dumfries. However, Herons are listed at Duncow several decades prior to this date - and at present I am unaware of exactly when they acquired the land (or any previous house on, or near, the site). From what I can ascertain, James' only child, William, died in infancy in 1859 - with James himself passing away at Duncow in 1874.

Neither can I precisely date the original 'transaction' (I assume, sale) which would later see 'Colonel Sir John "Jock" Crabbe (c.1892-1961) HM Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire' (1950-61) regularly listed as owner of the house. Had his father (also John - see below) or more likely his grandfather obtained Duncow following the departure of the Herons? What is certain, however, is that the old place was demolished within a few years of Colonel Jock's death.

But of his life .... as a young officer (originally captain) "Jock" Crabbe served in the Royal Scots Greys during WW1 - during which time he was mentioned in dispatches 4 times and awarded the MC (Military Cross). In later years he received the OBE. Potentially confusing for the researcher, is that his father was also a Colonel John Crabbe (b.1861) and moreover also in the Royal Scots Greys - a Boer War veteran, known as "Jack". 

Interesting link from one of the two colonels' descendants (if focusing on a different son of "Jack", i.e. Archie) including a photograph taken with royalty: https://velocetoday.com/excerpts-from-the-thrill-of-the-chase/

Duncow's former lodges, stables, and kennels all survive - and are listed buildings.

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