The Galloway Glens Scheme consists of 35 projects being supported up and down the Ken/Dee valley in the Stewartry. The ‘Crossmichael Heritage & Living History’ project will highlight and show off the history of the Crossmichael area to residents and visitors, with information in the Church Hall and the recently acquired historic Hearse-House. Work is nearly finished, with a formal opening due in September 2019.
The Crossmichael Heritage & Living History Project builds on previous activities by making a permanent display in the village. The information is hosted in the Church Hall, adjacent to the Church and in the neighbouring Old Hearse-House, where visitors can see another part of the exhibition – a Crossmichael Timeline.
With the co-operation of the church congregation, a visual display of the area’s colourful history has been created, with an audio-visual Living History feature and further ‘In depth’ information. Other events to highlight our history will follow.
Crossmichael is home to some fascinating stories from our past, including:
- Evidence shows that an Iron-age chariot had an accident near the ford at the Spearford burn. Speeding in the parish is perhaps not a new phenomenon.
- When King James laid siege to Threave castle in 1455, his huge cannon, Mons Meg with its large wheels, trundled through Crossmichael Parish; Local legend states that Mons Meg was made in Crossmichael Parish near the ‘Three Thorns’ at Carlingwark by a local blacksmith called McKim.
- The Whippet tank named ‘Crossmichael’ had a short and disastrous career. It overturned in a shell-hole and burst into flames. The officer in command rescued ‘Crossmichael’s’ crew but minutes later was fatally wounded. He was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for the rescue. The crew sheltered in the shell-hole and returned to their lines after dusk.
- On a lighter note: – Around 1925 an enterprising Crossmichael farmer was pictured turning his hay using an open topped tourer car.
John Nelson, Crossmichael resident and leader of the project, said:
“We have an extensive archive of photographs of olden days in Crossmichael but we need many more. If you have a picture of anything connected to the village or parish, please let us know and we will have it copied and the original returned to you. We would particularly like to see photos of the hearse or hearse-house. Material can be left at the village shop or contact John Nelson, Spearford, Crossmichael DG7 3BG on 01556670595.”
The Project has been funded by the Galloway Glens Scheme and D&G LEADER funding, with huge effort by volunteers from the Parish. Nick Chisholm, Galloway Glens Project Officer, said:
“Our absolute congratulations go to John and his team of committed volunteers who are working so hard on this project. This will allow residents and visitors to get a better understanding of the history associated with the Crossmichael parish.
This project ties in excellently with the Galloway Glens Scheme as it reinvigorates the buildings in the village, while also allowing people to learn more about their heritage. It is our intention that this project will form part of a bigger trail of similar heritage information points, encouraging visitors to travel up the river valley during their stay. We all look forward to the launch of the project in September.”
Four people who are interested in Crossmichael Heritage have given us their thoughts on our project.
Anne Phillpotts from London is the granddaughter of a railwayman at our station; she comments:
“A permanent exhibition at the Crossmichael Heritage Centre will be of tremendous benefit to visitors and locals alike. Tourists can glean information and ideas for exploring their chosen holiday destination. Local folks will be brought together whilst learning about the lives of their predecessors and by sharing memories such as “My grandfather kept bees at No 12 and worked as a signalman at the station.”
Carole Greaves from Ferngrove cottage has recently arrived in Crossmichael:
“I think that when the Crossmichael Heritage Centre is completed it will be an important asset to the community. Being in the tourist industry, we regularly have visitors from America and Canada who are interested in the history of the village and often come to search their family history. The graveyard has many notable gravestones including a Commonwealth war Grave and that of a Covenanter martyr. I look forward to the opening of the centre and to being involved in the exhibition. Crossmichael is a village worthy of note: well done to you all for your efforts so far in collecting and collating those fascinating facts and photographs.”
Eleanor Hex is a student studying History and English Lit. Eleanor was so fascinated by our history when helping as a guide at previous exhibitions that she chose to study history at Glasgow University:
“A few years ago, I had the absolute privilege of serving at the Historical Tours and Victorian tearoom in Crossmichael Church. As a young budding historian, this enhanced my desire to study the subject: being able to immerse myself in history which directly impacted the village I call home, was fascinating. Covenanters, war heroes, pirates, all lying at rest in the graveyard outside my bedroom window. What a treat. It is for this reason that I am so excited about the curation of the Crossmichael Heritage Centre! Having a place for people to come and learn about our village, to contribute, share and learn, will hopefully inspire even more young people to pursue history, to understand the land and the people we come from. To add their knowledge and opinions to the mix. To root themselves within the village story, a story that will engage the minds of future generations”.
Janice Henderson, a retired History and English teacher, has lived in the parish for many years.
“Being a relative newcomer to Crossmichael (44yrs) and having my origins elsewhere, it is a pleasure and an education to examine the history of the area in which we chose to live and put down roots. To have a window on past times and a glimpse of the varied lives of the parishioners then, gives us a sense of our present-day community. Explaining to grandchildren what a hearse-house was, why there are Commonwealth graves and why this road is called Station Road makes history REAL.
The informative displays and personal stories that Crossmichael Heritage Centre have produced will help up and coming generations to feel rooted in their unique community. Congratulations to all involved.”
