|
|
The background to the transcription of the Charter and Title Deeds for the |
|
|||
|
|
It all began in the autumn of 1999 when the well was discovered during the refurbishment of the "Laird & Dog". The well aroused much interest and in particular it raised the question whether it could be dated. Howard Turner searched records of Lasswade in various Edinburgh libraries and in Register House, but to no avail. Iona Roberts confirmed that there was nothing about a well in those places. Fred Mehlsen acquired all the title deeds and other legal documents from his solicitor to search for clues there. All that could be confirmed was that the well existed in the 1780’s. Howard Turner offered to transcribe this document, but Fred suggested beginning at the beginning in 1709. These two documents are on vellum which has been folded several times. They are, of course, hand written, difficult to read and the language is archaic legalese. Howard did what he could with the Charter, but there were many gaps and it had to be taken to Marion Richardson at Loanhead Local Studies Library for her expert help before it could be completed. The Title Deeds were far more difficult to transcribe and are entirely Marion’s work. The gaps in the Title Deeds are mainly where the folds in the vellum have entirely obliterated the handwriting. |
|
|||
|
|
|
||||