From the National Archives of Scotland
Document of the Month
A baby boy was abandoned in the town of Inverurie in
Aberdeenshire on Christmas Eve 1721.
His parents are unknown and his name is not
recorded.
The local Kirk Session provided for the orphan as he
grew up. They followed the general arrangements for poor
relief laid down by a 1579 Act of the Scottish Parliament
which made allowance for children who were "exposed"
(abandoned) within the boundaries of a rural parish.
The shame of unmarried motherhood, as well as the
economic difficulties of supporting a child in the 18
th century, meant that many illegitimate
children were, like this boy, left to be brought up by "the
parish".
But Christian charity has its limits. In May 1728, the
Rev William Watt and the Kirk Session were asked to decide
on what should be done with the boy who was now six and a
half years old.
In a judgement that seems inordinately harsh to modern
sensibilities, they decided that since the boy was old
enough to beg for his food they need no longer pay for his
upkeep, other than a small sum to be paid to a local woman
to look out for him.
The hand-written note in the parish records says the
meeting ended with prayer.
Transcription
The Session considering that the orphan is now in such
case as that he can seek his meat in the town, and the
neighbouring places, agree that they will no more pay for
him as hitherto they have done, but that he shall goe a
begging. Only they will give some small sum to Elspet Grig
to encourage her to notice of him, and for washing his
cloaths; as also they agree to give him cloaths before ye
(the) next winter. And its recommended to minister to
intimate this to Elspet Grig.
Session Closed with prayer.
Previous Documents of the Month
May
Treaty of Perpetual Peace
June
Register of Sasines
July
Architectural sketch of seaside shelter
August
The shirt with a message in Hindustani
September
Letter to Charles II in 1664
October
18th century map of Africa
November
Murder in Appin 1752
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