Press gangs affected Fishermen and Gypsies in 1815 Scotland

Please note that I use the word Gypsy in this article to acknowledge their assignment as an actual demographic category in the UK. Which unfortunately didn’t happen until 2011. Along with additional changes in 2021.

On the whole, the early 19th century was a tumultuous time in Scotland. It was marked by the end of the Napoleonic Wars and significant social and economic changes. Among the many stories from this period, those related to the lives of fishermen, gypsies, and the dreaded press gangs stand out. In this blog post, we will explore the unique experiences of these groups. With a focus on 1815 Scotland, and how their lives intertwined in the face of adversity.

The Fishermen

To illustrate this, fishing was a vital industry in 19th-century Scotland. Providing sustenance and employment for many coastal communities. Fishermen faced the harsh realities of the sea, braving dangerous conditions to bring in their catch.

The fisherfolk were known for their resilience and strong sense of community. They relied on each other for support, whether it was mending nets, preparing bait, or sharing the day’s catch. The women played a crucial role in this industry; often working alongside the men and managing the household in their absence.¹

The Gypsies

Without a doubt, gypsies is a term that does not capture the diversity of different traditions. Gypsies have a long and complex history in Scotland and the UK. By 1815, they had been present in the country for several centuries, often living on the fringes of society. They were known for their nomadic lifestyle, traveling from place to place in search of work and opportunities².

Unfortunately, such people faced significant prejudice and discrimination, often being viewed with suspicion and mistrust by the settled population. Despite these challenges, they maintained a rich cultural heritage, with their own language, traditions, and customs. Their skills in various trades, such as metalworking, horse trading, and fortune-telling, made them valuable members of the communities they interacted with².

The Press Gangs

The press gangs were a notorious aspect of life in early 19th-century Scotland. These groups, sanctioned by the Royal Navy, were tasked with forcibly recruiting men into naval service. Although, some voluntarily entered paid service also. The practice of impressment, as it was known, was a legal but highly unpopular method of bolstering the navy’s ranks during times of war³.

Press gangs would often target coastal communities. Basically, there they could find experienced seamen and fishermen. They used various tactics to capture their victims. From outright kidnapping to more subtle methods like plying men with alcohol, and tricking them into “volunteering” for service. The fear of being pressed into service was a constant threat for many men, leading some to go into hiding or flee their homes³.

The Intersection of Fishermen, Gypsies, and Press Gangs

Fishermen, with their valuable seafaring skills, were prime targets for press gangs. They could be abducted whilst at sea. The constant threat of impressment added to the already challenging lives of these coastal communities³.

Whereas Gypsies, with their nomadic lifestyle, were sometimes able to evade the press gangs more effectively than the settled population. However, they too faced the risk of being forcibly recruited. Especially, if they were found in coastal areas. The shared experience of living under the threat of impressment created a sense of solidarity between these two marginalized groups².

A fascinating glimpse into history

In summary, the stories of fishermen, gypsies, and press gangs in 1815 Scotland offer a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent period of history. These groups, had their own unique challenges and experiences. They navigated a world marked by uncertainty and change. Their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity continue to inspire and captivate us today.

¹: VisitScotland ²: Claire Gebben ³: Historic UK

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An enchanting world … unsurprisingly Scotland is a land steeped in history, mystery, and magic. Its rich cultural heritage is woven with enchanting folktales, mythical creatures, and the enduring presence of fairies. Therefore, these stories have been passed down through generations, shaping the identity and traditions of the Scottish people, and this culture continues today in the books being written and stories told. So, following tradition, we will explore the captivating world of Scottish folktales, the role of fairies in Scottish culture, and specifically how these elements continue to influence modern Scotland.

Scottish Folktales: A Tapestry of Myths and Legends

Scottish folktales are a blend of Celtic, Norse, and Christian influences, resulting in a diverse and fascinating collection of myths and legends¹. Hence, reflect how these stories often reflect the landscape, history, and values of Scotland, providing insight into the beliefs and fears of its people. Some of the most famous Scottish folktales include:

• The Loch Ness Monster: One of Scotland’s most famous legends, the Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie,” is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Sightings of this mysterious creature date back nearly 1,500 years². I haven’t seen her yet, to be honest.

• Kelpies: These supernatural water horses are said to haunt Scotland’s lochs and rivers. Kelpies can appear as horses or humans and are known for luring people to a watery grave². So beware!

• Selkies: Mythical creatures that can transform from seals to humans and back again. Selkies are often featured in tales of love and tragedy².

The Role of Fairies in Scottish Culture

they are known by various names, including “fair folk” and “gude neighbours”. Fairies are believed to inhabit the natural world, from forests and fields to waterways and lochs³. They are often depicted as mischievous and magical beings, capable of good and evil.

Undeniably, fairies, or faeries, or fae, are deeply embedded in Scottish rituals and beliefs. Besides, they are thought to be responsible for failing crops, illnesses. And other misfortunes when angered. Conversely, they can also bring good fortune and protection to those who respect them³. Some of the well-known fairies in Scottish folklore include:

• Seelie Court: These fairies are generally benevolent and helpful to humans. They are often associated with positive outcomes and good luck⁴.

• Unseelie Court: In contrast, the Unseelie Court consists of malevolent fairies who delight in causing harm and mischief to humans⁴.

• Brownies: Helpful household fairies that assist with chores and bring good luck to the homes they inhabit³.

The Cultural Impact of Folktales and Fairies

Basically, Scottish folktales and fae have had a profound impact on the country’s culture and identity. These stories have inspired writers, artists, and poets for centuries. For example, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson both drew upon the tales of ghosts, magic, and witches they heard as children². And more recently, A Gypsy’s Curse. Also check out Scottish Folklore: A Remarkable Legacy in Today’s Tantalizing Fantasy – Bookstr.

The influence of Scottish folklore extends beyond literature. It is also evident in the country’s festivals, traditions, and even its tourism industry. The allure of Scotland’s mythical creatures and enchanting landscapes continues to attract visitors from around the world. Eager to experience the magic for themselves, and stand in a standing stone or two, whispering… Jamie?². (That’s the only Outlander reference you’re going to get!)

Generations of identity

Accordingly, the enchanting world of Scottish folktales, fairies, and culture is a testament to the rich and diverse heritage of Scotland. These stories, passed down through generations, continue to shape the identity and traditions of the Scottish people. Scottish folklore remains an integral part of the country’s cultural fabric. Whether through the tales of the Loch Ness Monster. The mischievous antics of fairies. Or the timeless love stories of selkies.

²: Scotland.org ¹: The Enlightenment Journey ³: Scotland.com ⁴: Museums and Galleries Edinburgh

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The Lives of Black People in Early 19th Century Scotland

Beyond slavery … ? The history of Black people in Scotland is often overshadowed by the narrative of slavery.Aand this is an important part of history that should not be forgotten. For example, as evidenced by the interesting exhibition at Broderick Castle, Arran, Scotland. However, archival records also reveal a more nuanced and diverse story. One that questions any one-dimensional assumption that Black people in historical novels should be only slaves or servants. In early 19th century Scotland, Black individuals were not only slaves but also soldiers, students, and members of the royal court. This blog post aims to shed light on the varied experiences of Black people in Scotland during this period. I will highlight their contributions and presence beyond the confines of slavery and service.

Black People in Early 19th Century Scotland

While it is true that some Black individuals in Scotland were enslaved, many others lived as free people and contributed significantly to Scottish society. For instance, it was not uncommon for Black soldiers to serve in the British Army. One notable example is Arthur Roberts, a soldier who survived World War I and spent his later years in Glasgow¹.

High-Status Individuals and Servants

In the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was fashionable for the Scottish upper class to have Black servants. These individuals were often brought to Scotland by plantation owners returning from the Caribbean. While some of these servants had been slaves, others were free and held positions of relative status within their households¹.

Black Students in Scottish Universities

By the mid-19th century, Scottish universities began to see an increase in Black students, primarily from abroad.

Although these students were mostly men, as women of any ethnicity were barred from attending university until the 1890s, their presence marked a significant step towards educational inclusivity².

Paving the way for later progress.

Africans at the Royal Court

The presence of Black individuals at the Scottish royal court dates back to the early 16th century. Records from the court of James IV mention an African drummer who travelled with the king and was part of the royal entourage. This drummer, along with other Africans, held high-status positions and were integral to the cultural life of the court³.

The Complexity of Black Scottish Identity

The identity of Black Scottish people has evolved over centuries, with significant numbers arriving in the 20th century after World War II. However, the roots of Black presence in Scotland go much deeper. The development of a cohesive Black Scottish identity has been shaped by various factors, including migration, cultural exchange, and the fight against prejudice¹.

With this history in mind, in my book I created the character of Lewis, a research assistant. The history of Black people in early 19th century Scotland is rich and multifaceted. While the narrative of slavery is an important part of this history, it is crucial to recognize the diverse roles and contributions of Black individuals during this period. From soldiers and students to high-status members of the royal court, Black people in Scotland have a long and varied history that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.

¹: John Gray Centre ³: National Trust for Scotland ²: Scotland with Hannah

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Creating A Gypsy’s Curse

After chatting about the book and going over the idea of having Mairead and Lachland in a boat on the cover. O began to draw and sent me this amazing preview.

Then she got out her paints and produced the first colour draft, well we made a few tweaks with Mairead’s dress, and this was the final colour.

Time to make it into a book cover!

Voila! Now you have to meet the artist cause she did such an amazing job.

Oeindrilla A Gypsy’s Curse Illustrator

This is O. Oeindrilla is a graphic designer and illustrator based out of India. Her style revolves around blending different media, integrating elements to create visually stunning compositions. Print media, Wes Anderson films and anything whimsical are some of her inspirations. You can find her on Instagram at oeindrilla.cmyk

She has the heart of an artist.

Here’s the final book info. for A Gypsy’s Curse

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Cover update! I commissioned a new one for A Friendship of Thistles and have updated the description on Amazon to help people find it. Seems to be working as immediately had six sales and a new review. I shared news on Facebook about the new 4-star book review.

October has been a great month, writing-wise. First, I won second place in the Just Imagine Short Story Competition with A Traveller’s Daughter. You can read it for free if you sign up to my mailing list here. I was impressed by the entries in the children’s and young adult category, enjoyed reading out an extract of my story, and chatting to the winner, Angela, afterwards for the refreshments portion of the evening.

Second, I won first place in a beta-reading contest from @everything.writing on Instagram for my forthcoming book Clashmaeclavers and Fisherlassies.

Here is the blurb for my new book

Can you tell lies from truths? We’ll see.

Scotland, 1815. After her mother’s arrest and father’s abandonment Mairead, a Traveller’s daughter, only has one choice: to marry. She can wed the Gypsy lad, Ned, who’s been courting her, or Lachlan a Scottish fisherman she meets by the campfire.

Impatient to grow roots Mairead agrees to be the fisherman’s bride. She arrives at the village as a Gypsy, a storyteller, and as her in-laws soon make clear an outsider.

Two years later a pair of hands drowns her. Who did it? And why?

Wife, daughter, sister, witch, whore … as the gossip of the village begins to steer her life towards ostracization there are plenty of potential suspects.

 Writing grant

I was awarded a writing grant from Curtis Brown, for a free place on one of their creative writing courses.

Lastly, I had the pleasure of chatting to Pranika Sharma and Aakriti Patni the founders of Saga Fiction about future works and the possibility of republishing my book A Friendship of Thistles with them.

 Beta-reading

So, full of motivation I recommence the edits on my forthcoming work while awaiting @everything.writing’s comments. I am also working on the structure of the book after that, which will be based in a miner’s community in Scotland.

And, if the publisher works out I should probably move this website to a proper one, as blogger keeps introducing different fonts in the same post and getting on my nerves. But, you know us writers, too busy writing to do any social media thingies … or at least that’s my preference.

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Women of Scotland by Helen Susan Swift is my most recent read. Who wouldn’t want to know more about the historical importance of women? I bought it expecting a polished piece and I was disappointed, in places. Mainly because it wasn’t proofread. Up to the point where it became a readability issue. I think the context with a little polishing would have been easier to read. Mostly due to the typos. For instance, full stops were missed off sentences, weird paragraph spacing confused me as a reader, and misspelt words gave me a little chuckle.

Consequentally, it felt, sadly, too much like work to me. As I spend my days spotting mistakes I expected this historical book to have been checked over by a copyeditor. I wanted to relax and be informed. Instead, I spent the entire time cringing at typos and formatting issues. Checking Goodreads revealed mixed reviews from people having trouble with the writing style and some phrases that imitated the Scottish accent.

Reviews

Writing is uneven making it hard to get through in spots. Definitely worth a read and gives a good overall description of the tenacity of Scottish women! (Lynn)

An Italian review stated:-

What a pity, what a wasted opportunity. I was expecting a book that talked about great Scottish women in an organic way, with geographical and historical contextualizations, to make everything accessible even to those who are not Scottish. Instead, I found in my hands a very long list of women who, in terms of weddings, places and deeds, were liquidated in a few lines, leaving my ignorance on the subject perfectly intact. (K115987)

For example, I too, despite living in Scotland, was dissapointed by the lack of a map. Of course there is also some great content in there that readers will enjoy. I loved the references to the tenacity of Scottish women, although the phrasing of it was repetitive.

Is it worth reading? Yes, it definitely is if you are interested in Scottish history.

Also, for those who write non-fiction, it’s always worth running your writing through beta-readers if you can’t afford a proofreader. Something I am doing currently, impatiently waiting for their feedback for my latest book A Friendship of Thistles while working on The Fisherwives of Auchmithie for which I have been conducting my own historical research.

Some writing tips

History is not an easy subject to portray. Here are some quick structural tips for history writers:

• Are your facts correct?
• Is it readable for a general audience in terms of phrasing, pacing, and geographical or other historical knowledge?
• Before starting, consider the narrative arc and how to structure the chapters for the reader to follow you through logically.
• Are the chapters well balanced, of a similiar length?
• Have you hired a proofreader? 😉

About Emma

Author of A Friendship of Thistles (on Amazon). Emma when not writing can be found walking in the woods, gardening, or hiding at storytelling festivals.

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Book research is the name of this article. Based on the initial research I have done into the lives of gypsies in the UK and fisherfolk in Auchmithie, to get a sense of their lives and challenges, I have begun to draft my early scenes in my new noval (The Fisherwomen of Auchmithie). I can’t wait till the museums reopen to visit the local area and the Lighthouse Museum again. Thanks to the website Auchmithie Roots, and their historians, I found mention of Auchmithie in The Country of Scott. Including the following description of the inside of one of the fisherman’s cottages.

He let me take a photograph of the interior of the cottage, where a single room served for bedroom, breakfast-room, kitchen, and numerous other purposes. (p.157)

So not adding much information to what I had already guessed or discovered, though I’d love to chat to an expert in working-class women’s lives in the early 1800s. The text also mentions policemen referred to as constables and ‘a picturesque old fishwife’:

A picturesque old fishwife, carrying two large empty pails in each hand, came out of her house, all unconscious of the awful presence of a loaded camera and I quickly stepped out and pressed the bulb. ‘That’s Coffee Betz you got then,’ laughed the constable. ‘She wouldn’t let you take her picture, but she’s one of the Cargills.’

The ethics of snapping shots without permission aside, the last quote I came across about wives managing the family money (silver) is cited in this book too and the phrase ‘Them that sell the goods guide the purse – them that guide the purse rule the house’ (p.158).

Historical context

And there is some useful historical context of the French-British conflicts in the early 19th century (1800s) relevant for life in Auchmithie:-

the people of England and Scotland were kept in a state of nervous dread by the expectation of an invasion by the French. Beacons were erected all along the coast ready to give instant alarm, and militia organizations were everywhere kept in a state of readiness. (p.158).

Relevant for a fishy context too; though perhaps only interesting to me … For instance, there’s a mention of bannock-fluke and cock-paddle in the book, which some additional research revealed are turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) which is great to know as my main characters include fishermen and women.

What’s next?

There is plenty more writing and research to go. So for now, I’ll concentrate on the writing side, building my characters and making notes on the side about facts to check. These are but little details to weave into the narrative as I try to capture the lives of the people living back then on the east coast of Scotland. 

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On conducting research for my current book The Fisherwomen of Auchmithie, it’s been tough going finding information on the lives of fisherfolk in the 19th century. I began to read The Antiquary (Walter Scott), as cited on some websites. However, there’s but one description of the inside of a fisherman’s cottage. So from his descriptions I have learnt about the humble Scottish fisherman’s cottage that:

·      * there is a fireplace/hearth inside (possibly coal lit, but this was from other description in another class of housing so might be incorrect) which is for heat, light and cooking;

·     * wooden trenchers are used to prepare food;

·     * which is fried, broiled and smoked fish, plus bannocks (Scottish cake made from oatmeal) and car-cakes (crumpets);

·      * mugs of beer (other sources mention ale);

·      * grandmother is found by the fire in a chair spinning wool (spindle and distaff method);

·     * the door of the cottage closes with a latch.

Yet here is some nice commentary on the importance of the fisherwives taking care of the home when the men were fishing up and down the coast which I had read via other sources.

fisher-wives ken better – they keep the man and keep the house, and keep the siller [silver] too

As soon as the boat touches the sand, the fishermen work, but the wives take the fish ashore, carry the fish in creeils to the next town and sell them.

As sune as the keel o’ the coble touches  the sand, deil a bit mair will the lazy fisher loons work, but the wives maun kilt their coats, and wade into the surf to tak the fish ashore. And then the man casts aff the wat [wet] and puts on the dry, and sits down wi’ his pipe and his gill-stoup ahint the ingle, like any auld houdie, […] the wife, she maun get the scull [creel] on her back, and awa wi’ the fish to the next burrows-town, and scauld and ban wi’ther till it’s sauld [sold]

I have provided some translations for those unfamiliar with the Scots language. I hope this brief post is helpful.

The book wasn’t easy to read, as it rambled, emphasising the importance of the upper classes in my opinion. While I thought this would be a book about the working class, hardworking folk. I have read plenty of nineteenth century literature that is more readable. So unsure now why he is so famous an author. Sometimes we just don’t get into a piece of work, when others might love it. So feel disapointed not to have gotten into the book. And that it wasn’t more useful for contextual information I was searching for.

Who is Emma Parfitt?

Emma Parfitt is a proofreader with 18 years of writing experience with businesses, academics and creative writers. She obtained a Creative Writing MA (St Andrews University) and a PhD in Storytelling (Warwick University). Then set up her own proofreading business and became a published author of fiction, for example, A Friendship of Thistles as well as academic literature such as Young People, Learning & Storytelling (Palgrave Macmillan).

Get in touch!

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