Peterhead, Aberdeenshire One Place Study
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Peterhead, Aberdeenshire One Place Study
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Name
Peterhead, Aberdeenshire - Scottish Gaelic: Ceann Phàdraig, Scots: Peterheid
Geography
- Continent: Europe
- Sovereign State: United Kingdom
- Country: Scotland
- County: Aberdeenshire
- GPS Coordinates: 57.5091, -1.7832
Peterhead sits at the easternmost point in mainland Scotland.
Population
1801 - 3,264
2020 - 19,060
Overview
Peterhead was originally known as Peterugie, or Inverugie of St Peter, and is Aberdeenshire's biggest settlement dating back to 1593.
Sitting 30 miles or so from the major town of Aberdeen, Peterhead's name origin came from St. Peter's church dating back to the 12th century.
Originally being a burgh town of Aberdeen, it bacme it's own burgh in the 1930's. It later became a district of Banff and Buchan within the Grampian area. It then reverted back to being under the authority of Aberdeenshire once again in 1996.
It's harbor layout is unique in that it consists of three smaller harbors all connected together, and is now a major fishing port on the coast. It also is a service area for the North Sea oil industry.
The locals are referred to as 'Bloo Touners' which is a spinoff from the town's adopted name of 'Bloo Toun'.
Peterhead's 'Sister City' is Ålesund, Norway
Archaeology
The town and the area have been researched and found to date back to the Bronze, Mesolithic and Neolithic Ages as well.
Historical Highlights Timeline
1219 - 'Deer Abbey', a Cistertian Monastery founded by William Comyn (1163-1233) Lord of Badenoch and Earl of Buchan.
1560 - The village granted to Robert Keith (abt.1539-1596) by Mary Queen of Scots.
1593 - Peterhead founded by George Keith (1553-1623), 5th Earl Marischal .
1593 - Port Henry harbor is built by landowner Henry Middleton.
1593 - Peterhead becomes a fishing and trading port.
1715 - James Francis Edward Stuart (188-1766), Prince of Wales visits Peterhead.
1715-1745 - Peterhead was a safe haven and support town for the jacobite's.
1739 - Harbour Street built as the basis for the new town's development.
1775-1781 - The West pier was constructed.
1788 - The town tollbooth is replaced by the new Town House.
1788 - The port developed for whaling. It eventually became Britain's largest whaling port.
1805 - Queen Street developed.
1812-1822 - North Harbour built by Rennie and Thomas Telford .
1813 - The West pier added onto.
1832 - Reform Tower erected at Meethill by the Whigs.
1833 - Reform Monument erected on Broad Street by the Conservatives.
1833 - South Breakwater lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson.
1849 - The junction canal was built.
1849 - Harbour South lighthouse built in a new location by original builder Thomas Stevenson.
1850 - New swing bridge is opened connecting Keith Inch and Greenhill to the mainland.
1855 - The South and West piers of North Harbour were built by David Stevenson.
1865 - New lifeboat station established.
1886 - The Admiralty Backwater was built by Sir John Coode using convict labor.
1888 - HMP Peterhead (prison) was opened and operated up until 2013.
1888 - Peterhead was made a head port.
1892-1912 - The South breakwater was constructed using convict labor.
1894 - Peterhead Harbours Act was passed which included the building of a fish market and to acquire a short line of railway.
1906-1908 - South harbor dredged.
1908 - North lighthouse built.
1912-1956 - The north breakwater long was constructed.
1954 - 'Queenie Bridge' is opened and connects Bridge Street and Greenhill Road.
1970's- Peterhead became a major oil industry service centre with the completion of the nearby St Fergus gas terminal.
Landmarks
Buchan Ness lighthouse c.1827
Location: Boddam, Peterhead
In 1819, the need for a lighthouse came up for discussion and planning was started, but it was not built until 1827. Robert Stevenson, grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson, surveyed the area and decided on the present position of Boddam village.
John Gibb of Aberdeen was the contractor responsible for building the lighthouse. The red bands were added In 1907 to distinguish it as a day mark.
Several upgrades to the light itself have been made over the years. In 1910 it was replaced with an improved dioptic (refraction) version. then in 1978, the light was enlarged from 6,500 to 786,000 candlepower. And in 1978, it was converted to electrical power with a 2,000,000 candlepower light.
In 1988, the lighthouse was automated.
Fish House, aka the Salmon House, c.1585
Location: Golf Road in the Buchanhaven area of Peterhead
Being the oldest building in Peterhead, it was a storehouse for the Keith family, and today is the Ugie Salmon smokehouse.
Old Parish Church, aka Muckle Kirk, c.1805
Location: 51 Maiden Street at Erroll Street, Peterhead
Height: 118 feet (36-metres)
Built on site of earlier church, the original 1771 parish church was found to be unsafe in 1779 and by 1795 was also inadequate for the increasing population.
Today's church was built by local brothers Robert and John Mitchell between 1804 and 1806, to a design by Alexander Laing, of Edinburgh and seats approximately 2000 people..
Its Burgerhuys bell dates to 1647.
Old St Peter's Church aka 'St Peter's on the Links' , c.11th Century
Location: South Road, Peterhead
Formerly Peterhead Parish Church of Peterugie, held by the Bishop of Dunkeld, it transferred to Deer Abbey in 1218.
This not a working church and is classified more as a memorial site instead.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church c.1798
Location: Merchant St, Peterhead
Founded in 1814, today's structure was built on the site of a 1798 church and was consecrated in 1857 by a Bishop Suther.
Royal Hotel / Waverley Hotel c.1800
Location: 8-10 Merchant St, Peterhead
Dating to around 1800, the building became the ten-room Waverley Hotel in 1886. It was originally the Royal Hotel, and is constructed of ashlar stone.
Memorials and Statues
Peterhead War Memorial (World War I) c.1922
Location: South Rd, Peterhead
An obelisk memorial to the 367 military, and 1 civilian from the local community lost in World War I (1914-1918).
Designed and built by Charles MacDonald Ltd.
Inscription reads as follows:
1914-1918/ (Names)/ TO THE GLORY OF ALMIGHTY GOD / AND IN HONOUR OF / THE MEN OF THIS TOWN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES / FOR FREEDOM IN THE GREAT WAR OF / 1914-1918 / SO THEY PASSED OVER AND ALL THE TRUMPETS / SOUNDED FOR THEM ON THE OTHER SIDE. UNVEILED 6TH AUGUST / 1922 / AND HANDED OVER TO THE CUSTODY OF / THE PROVOST MAGISTRATES & COUNCILLORS / OF THE BURGH OF PETERHEAD.
Peterhead War Memorial (World War II) c.1948
Location: South Rd, Peterhead
The memorial commemorates the 144 lives lost in World War II, those being 114 military and 37 civilians.
Inscription reads as follows:
Left hand column, front face: 1939 1945/ THEY WERE HONOURED/ IN THEIR GENERATIONS/ AND WERE THE GLORY/ OF THEIR TIMES/(Names) Left hand column, 3 o'clock face: 1939-1945/ (Names) Right hand column, front face: 1939-1945 (Names)/ Right hand column, 9 o'clock face: (Names)/ DIED AS A RESULT OF/ WAR SERVICE/ (Names)
Statue of Field Marshal Keith c.1868
Location: Tolbooth Wynd at Broad Street, Peterhead (Front of Peterhead Town House)
Dedicated to James Keith, a Scottish soldier and General Field Marshal of the Royal Prussian Army, gifted from William 1st, King of Prussia. It was unveiled by the Earl of Kintore.
It's a metal replica of that in the William Platz (Plaza) in Berlin.
RAF Peterhead Memorial Cairn
Location: Longside Road
Commemorates the local RAF lads killed or missing in World War I.
Reform Monument c.1833
Location: Broad Street and Longate
Commemorates the Reform Bill (June 4, 1832) and erected by the Tories (Conservative Party).
The Reform Act of 1832 resulted in Peterhead becoming a 'Parliamentary' burgh.
Reform Tower c.1832
Location Meethill, Peterhead
Again, this other monument commemorates the Reform Bill (June 4, 1832) but was erected by the Whigs (Liberal Party).
It was originally intended as an observatory, but this was not completed. The foundation stone was laid by George Mudie of Meethill in August 1832.
War Memorial 5th Battalion Gordon Highlanders
Location: Kirk Street, Peterhead
Commemorates the local 5th Battalion lads killed or missing in World War I.
Notable People
Thomas Abernethy (1803-1860) Explorer
Born: Longside, Scotland
Died: Peterhead, Scotland
Resting Place: Old Kirkyard, South Street, Peterhead
Bio Summary: Made five polar expeditions, and received the 'Arctic medal' in 1857.
Parents: James Abernethy (XXXX-XXXX) and Isabella Robertson (XXXX-XXXX).
Siblings: Ann Abernethy (1801-XXXX, and twin brothers, James and William Abernethy (1816-XXXX) both
SpouseNumber 1: Barbara Fiddes (XXXX-XXXX) Married 1829–1854
Issue: None
Spouse Number 2: Rebecca Young (XXXX-XXXX) Married 1857–1860
Issue: None
Thomas Arbuthnot Jr. (bef. 1792 - 1872) Provost, Landowner, Ship owner
Born: Peterhead, Scotland
Died: Peterhead, Scotland
Resting Place: Unknown
Bio Summary: Well known in town as a landowner, he served as Provost from 1834-1843
Parents: Thomas (Arbuthnot) Arbuthnot of Innervidie and Nether Kinmundy (1739-1829) and Jane (Buchan) (1754-XXXX)
Siblings: Nicola Arbuthnot (1787-1860), Elizabeth Arbuthnot (1789-1819), James Arbuthnot (bef. 1790-1872), Mary Arbuthnot (1794-XXXX), John Arbuthnot (1797-1830), Alexander Arbuthnot (1800-1809), Jean Arbuthnot (1802-1869)
Spouse: Unknown
Issue: Margaret Allan Arbuthnot (1844-1902) (out of wedlock), Samuel Arbuthnot (1846-XXXX) (out of wedlock)
For more information see Wikitree profile Arbuthnot-1782
Margaret Jope (Birth Name: Henrietta Margaret Halliday) (1913-2004) Biochemist, Archaeologist
Born: Peterhead, Scotland
Died: Oxfordshire, England
Resting Place: Unknown
Bio Summary: She carried out research into brachiopods (animals that live in shells).
Earned her degree in chemistry at the University of Aberdeen, and her DPhil at Somerville College, Oxford.
Parents: Unknown
Siblings: Unknown
Spouse: Edward Martyn Jope (1915-1996)
Issue: Unknown
George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal (c.1549–1623) Scottish nobleman and Earl Marischal.
Born: Dunnottar, Kincardineshire, Scotland
Died: Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
Resting Place: Dunnottar, Kincardineshire, Scotland
Bio Summary: Founded Peterhead in the 1560's with his brother Robert.
George Keith became 5th Earl Marischal on the death of his grandfather (4th Earl) in 1581.
Founded the Marischal College in Aberdeen in 1593 and in 1609 George Keith was appointed to the position of Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland, acting as the King's personal representative to the Scottish Parliament.
He also built harbors at Stonehaven and Peterhead.
Parents: William Keith, 4th Earl of Marischal (abt. 1510-1581), and Lady Elizabeth Hay (1534-1594)
Siblings: Elizabeth Keith (1535-1604), Robert Keith, 1st Lord of Altrie (c1539-XXXX), Margaret Keith (1549-1624), Rebecca Keith (1550-1610), Barbara Keith (1550-XXXX), Johanna Keith (1558-XXXX), Jean Keith (XXXX-XXXX), William Keith (XXXX-XXXX), John Keith (XXXX-XXXX), Christian Keith (XXXX-XXXX), Mary Keith (XXXX-1619)
Spouse Number 1: Margaret Home (XXXX-1598)
Issue: William Keith, 6th Earl Marischal (1585-1635), Anne Keith (1586-1648), Margaret Keith (XXXX-XXXX), Mary Keith (XXXX-XXXX), Gilbert Keith of Benholm (XXXX-XXXX)
Spouse Number 2: Margaret Ogilvy (1565-1598)
Issue: James Keith of Benholm (XXXX-XXXX), Sir John Alexander Keith (1611-1639)
for more information see Wikitree profile Keith-5971
James Francis Edward Keith (1696-1758) Military Solider
Born: Inverugie Castle near Peterhead.
Died: Hochkirch or Bukecy, a municipality in the district of Bautzen, in Saxony, Germany.
Resting Place: Berlin, Germany
Bio Summary: Was involved in both the 1715 and 1719 Jacobite rebellions.
His military career was short however, as a member of the Russian Army, he fought in the Russion-Swedish War from 1741 to 1743. A few years later he joined the Prussian Army as an officer in the Seven Years War. He fought in other battles as well and died in service in 1758.
Parents: William Keith, 8th Earl Marischal of Scotland (1664-1712) and Mary Drummond (1675–1729) Married 1690
Siblings: George Keith (1693-1778), Mary Keith (1695-1721), Anne Keith (1699-1728)
de facto Spouse (the two never married): Eva Merthen (1723-1811) aka "The Duchess of Finland"
Issue: 7 children (all out of wedlock)
For more information see Wikitree profile Keith-3865
Sources
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Britannica; https://www.britannica.com
- ↑ Visit UK; http://www.visitoruk.com/Peterhead
- ↑ National Library of Scotland; https://nls.uk
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Visit UK; http://www.visitoruk.com/Peterhead
- ↑ National Library of Scotland; https://nls.uk
- ↑ Aberdeen Council; https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- ↑ Northern Lighthouse board; https://www.nlb.org.uk
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Northern Lighthouse board; https://www.nlb.org.uk
- ↑ Google maps; https://www.google.com/maps
- ↑ Aberdeen Council; https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- ↑ Imperial War Museums; https://www.iwm.org.uk
- ↑ Google maps; https://www.google.com/maps
- ↑ University of Aberdeen; https://www.abdn.ac.uk
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Aberdeen Council; https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
- ↑ Undiscovered Scotland; https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
- ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
- ↑ Geni; https://www.geni.com
- ↑ Wikitree; https://www.wikitree.com
- ↑ Family Search; https://www.familysearch.org
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