Glenbuchat Heritage

153 Sir Robert Harvey and John McNicol

Sir Robert Harvey and John McNicol

The pictures above show:
1 The book ‘The History of the Robins’ with Inscription
2 First pages of the book
3 Sir Robert Grenville Harvey
4 Glenbuchat Shooting Lodge

I am grateful to Nathaniel Cameron for bringing to my attention a book in his possession dedicated to John McNicol from Robert Grenville Harvey dated possibly 1862 (it looked like 1842 but neither person was born by then.)

Both John McNicol and Robert Grenville Harvey (Later Sir) were born in 1856 and were 6 at the time of the inscription. It had possibly been owned by Robert Harvey and then gifted to John as a suitable present for the gamekeeper’s son. The writing appears to have been done by an adult.

The Book
The book, entitled ‘Fabulous Histories’ has the subtitle ‘This History of the Robins’. Designed for the Instruction of Children, Respecting Their Treatment of Animals.” During the Victorian era, most people believed it was important to be kind and care for animals because they were a gift of God.

Fabulous Histories was Sarah Trimmer's most successful work, and Trimmer herself was one of the most successful children's authors of her age. The book was continuously in print from its first publication in 1786 until after the First World War. From about 1820 onwards it generally appeared under the name The History of the Robins or simply The Robins.

Sarah Trimmer (1741-1810) married in 1762, and, as she recounted, the inadequacies of the children's literature which she encountered while educating her own six sons and six daughters drove her to produce books of her own. She did not publish until 1780 when her Easy Introduction to the Knowledge of Nature appeared. This was followed by Easy Lessons for Young Children and her Fabulous Histories, which established her as a major children's author. A range of different kinds of publication appeared over the next two decades, including, The Charity School Spelling Book, a Concise History of England many sets of annotated prints depicting Roman, English and Scripture History

On the face of it, Trimmer's purpose in her Fabulous Histories was to teach children to behave with Christian benevolence towards all animals. Most of the book is spent inveighing against children and adults who torment animals, and also those who fall into the 'contrary fault of immoderate tenderness to them'. Both were common themes in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century children's (and adult's) literature. So too was the more overarching purpose of teaching the reader his or her place in the grand hierarchy of the universe. The reader learns that humans are at the head of creation, with power over all other living beings. Though this gives them the right to kill other animals and plants for food and to protect themselves, they may not without reason kill or hurt any creature without transgressing against the 'divine principle of Universal Benevolence'.


John McNicol

John Alexander McNicol was the son of Donald McNicol and they lived at Backies near the upper lodge at Glenbuchat

Click for more about Backies and the McNicol Family

Donald McNicol
(son of James McNicol and Isobel)
Born 1807 in Glen Orchy, Argyllshire,
Died November 13, 1894 in Sandside, Reay Caithness.
Married Martha Montgomerie on May 31, 1839 I Killin Perth, daughter of James Montgomerie and Margaret McKechnie. Martha Montgomery died in 1885
Burial: Unknown, Glenbuchat, Aberdeenshire.
Will states "gold watch" personal gift from the Duke of Buckingham.

Children of Donald McNicol and Martha Montgomerie are:
James McNicol,
b. August 01, 1840, Killin, Perthshire, d. October 10, 1909, Balvonie, Inshes, Inverness.
Alexander Montgomerie McNicol, He married Mary Sheed in 1866.
b. November 03, 1841, Killin, Perthshire, d. July 11, 1854, Glenbuchat. Diptheria epidemic killed 3 children in Glenbucket in 1854
Richard P.T.N.B.C.G. McNicol,
b. June 28, 1843, Killin, Perthshire, Scotland, d. December 08, 1894, Shurrery Lodge, Reay, Caithness.
Donald McNicol,
b. March 31, 1845, Killin, Perthshire, d. March 03, 1913, Lochee Park Lodge, Dundee, Angus,Scotland.
Mary Corrie McNicol,
b. January 13, 1847, d. July 25, 1854, Glenbuchat.
Martha McNicol,
b. February 23, 1849, d. July 17, 1854, Glenbuchat, Aberdeenshire.
William Skene McNicol,
b. February 16, 1851, North Knapdale, Argyllshire, d. July 07, 1935, Dorback Lodge, Revack Estate, Nethy Bridge.
Nicol McNicol,
b. February 16, 1854, Glenbuchat Lodge, Aberdeenshire, d. April 16, 1942, Sandside, Reay, Caithness.
John Alexander McNicol,
b. July 17, 1856, Glenbuchat Lodge, Aberdeenshire, d. January 11, 1923, North Carolina, U.S.A..

1861 Scotland Census for John Alexander McNicol is as follows.

Name: John Alexr McNicol Age:4
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1857
Relationship: Son
Father's Name: Donald McNicol
Mother's name :Martha McNicol
Where born: Glenbucket, Aberdeenshire
County:Aberdeenshire
Address: Glenbucket Lodge
Occupation: Scholar
Household Members: Name Age
Donald McNicol 33
Martha McNicol 45
William L McNicol 10
Nicol McNicol 7
John Alexr McNicol 4
Betsey McPherson 15
Alexander Moir 20

Sir Robert Grenville Harvey

Glenbucket at that time was owned by the Earl of Fife and the Upper lodge was rented for shooting by the Duke of Buckingham.
The Duke at the time was Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos (1823–1889) and Governor of Madras Province (1875-1880)
The Duke was married to Caroline Harvey, who was the daughter of Robert Harvey, in the year 1851 and the Duke became Roberts Uncle. The Harveys were regularly at Glenbuchat and used the estate in absence of the Duke of Buckingham

Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, 1st Bt.
b. 17 November 1825, d. 23 March 1887
born on 17 November 1825 at Langley Park, Buckinghamshire, England.
He was the son of Robert Harvey and Jane Jemima Collins.
He married, firstly, Diana Jane Creyke, daughter of Venerable Stephen Creyke and Sarah Hotham, in 1855.
He married, secondly, Magdalen Breadalbane Pringle, daughter of Sir John Pringle of Stichill, 5th Bt. and Lady Elizabeth Maitland Campbell, on 21 January 1874.
He died on 23 March 1887 at age 61
Children of Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, 1st Bt. and Diana Jane Creyke
Sir Robert Grenville Harvey, 2nd Bt. b. 1 Jul 1856, d. 4 Mar 1931
Caroline Harvey b. 1857
Major Charles Bateson Harvey b. 1859, d. 4 Jan 1900
Diana Genevieve Harvey b. 1860

Sir Robert Grenville Harvey, 2nd Bt.
b. 1 July 1856, at Langley Park, Buckinghamshire, England. d. 4 March 1931
He was the son of Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, 1st Bt. and Diana Jane Creyke.
He married Emily Blanche Murray, daughter of Montolieu Fox Oliphant Murray, 1st Viscount Elibank and Blanche Alice Scott, on 29 April 1893.
He died on 4 March 1931 at age 74.
He succeeded as the 2nd Baronet Harvey on 23 March 1887.
On his death, his baronetcy became extinct.
Children of Sir Robert Grenville Harvey, 2nd Bt. and Emily Blanche Murray
Irene Alice Gertrude Harvey b. 1894, d. 6 Oct 1916
Diana Blanche Harvey b. 2 Apr 1897, d. 4 Jun 1982
Caroline Magdalen Harvey b. 1899, d. 2 Feb 1971

From https://www.vintageguns.co.uk/magazine/sir-robert-s-best-rifle
Born to the Langley Park Manor and knowing its privileges, Robert Grenville Harvey was never content to remain at the manor.

His youth was spent exploring the forests and fields of Langley Park Estate, hunting its varied wildlife, from grouse to stag. His wider travels began with an extensive big game shooting trip in India’s Western Ghat Range in 1879.

His uncle, Sir Richard Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Governor, (1875-1880) of Madras Province, provided a base and wise advice for that trip, then left the young man to his own devices. The Ghats initiated a life of world travel, with Robert G. interested in all aspects of the regions he visited.

For each of the next six years he travelled throughout India, then visited Zanzibar and Mombasa on the east coast of Africa during return trips to Langley Park. East Africa and its big game fascinated Robert G. Though discouraged by colonial officials, he collected information for an expedition into the East African interior.

He gained a wealth of information from Livingston’s former assistant John Kirk, Consul General at Zanzibar, then spent the winter 1885-86 planning an extended shooting expedition into East Africa. Accompanied by his English neighbour John Willoughby, his brother Charles, and naturalist H. C. V. Hunter, Robert G. sailed for East Africa in November, 1886. Explorer Joseph Thomson’s Through Masai Land (1885) provided helpful information for the expedition, and Thomson’s assistant, James Martin, was employed by Robert G. to oversee the 300 porters required for a trek of this scope.

The expedition left Mombasa in early December, 1886, trekked across the bush south of the Tsavo River, then around the lower edge of the Ndara Range and on to a base camp at Taveta 230 miles west of Mombasa. They spent four months hunting and exploring the game fields from Taveta to Kilimanjaro before returning to the coast and taking passage to England in late April 1887.

During the expedition, naturalist H. C. V. Hunter made extensive notes of game encountered from Mombasa to Kilimanjaro. Willoughby, using his diary, Hunter’s notes, and Robert G’s observations, produced East Africa and Its Big Game in 1889. The book sold well, provided an excellent introduction to the game fields of East Africa, and became a guide for early hunting trips into East Africa.

Explorer Joseph Thomson’s Through Masai Land (1885) provided helpful information...

Willoughby was the author, but he credited Robert G. as the leader of the expedition and included a postscript by Robert G. detailing his explorations around Kilimanjaro and the Tana River the following year. Robert G’s postscript reflects an observant eye and an ability to engage other cultures with respect and dignity. (2)

One month before the end of the 1886-87 Kilimanjaro expedition Robert G’s father, Sir Robert Bateson Harvey, died after contracting bronchitis while salmon fishing in Scotland. On his return to Langley Park in early May 1887 Robert G. inherited the baronetcy at Langley Park, with its 11,000 acres of farmland in the Colne Valley surrounding Langley Park and in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

With youth on his side and the title “Sir,” Robert G. led a strenuous life in the late Victorian era, managing the Langley Park lands, leading local agriculture associations, and continuing his travels in India and East Africa. As a result of his travel and observations, Sir Robert G. became a later day Renaissance Man, an informed conversant on a wide range of topics from horticulture to art, from antiques to zoology.

Sir Robert Harvey at Glenbuchat

Banffshire Journal - Tuesday 27 September 1864
GLENBUCKET
The lessee of the extensive grouse and hare shootings of Glenbucket was for several years the late Duke of Buckingham, and is now his son. the present Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. His Grace has not been north the shootings this season, but his kinsman. Mr Harvey of Langley Park, M P, for Buckinghamshire, and party, have been at Glenbucket Lodge enjoying the bracing air of the mountain range which encloses the romantic vale of the Bucket. Mr Harvey, during his annual stay in the North for the shootings, has endeared himself in Glenbucket his kindly, affable. friendly manner towards the tenantry
on the estates of the Earl of Fife in the district.

Mr Harvey showed his appreciation of the kind feelings of the community when, in proposing the health of the Tenantry in Glenbucket. he remarked that since he came annually amongst them had become more and more sensible of their good wishes towards him. by the friendly welcome received at each and alt of their houses, and lie had resolved, instead of a-king each tenant to corneas might be passing his way and call on him, to give the whole of the tenantry Glenbucket invitation to dinner and bull at the Lodge.

This entertainment was given on Thursday last, the day before Mr Harvey would leave for Langley Park, his seat Bucks. Accordingly the guests invited, to the number of some 80 or 90, convened at the Lodge, and sat down to very sumptuous dinner. Mr Harvey presided at the festive board, and Mr McNicol was Croupier. the Chairman’s right and left, we observed the Rev. Mr Bremner. the minister of the parish; Captain Corbett (Gloucestershire).and Mrs Corbett; and W. N. Fraser. Esq. of Tornaveen (presently at the shootings of Auchernack. Strathdon). Grace was said and thanks returned by the Rev. Mr Bremner.

After the removal of the cloth, the Chairman, in very appropriate speeches, proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were duly honoured in true Highland style. Amongst other toasts bearing on local interests, we may note the undermentioned, viz.—By the Chair, the Tenantry of Glenbucket, coupled with Mr Wattie. Milltown; the Earl of Fife, the proposer remarking that his Lordship, if he came amongst them, he was sure would be proud of having as tenants such a warm-hearted class of people as his tenants in Glenbucket were. The health of Mr Harvey, by the Rev. Mr Bremner. Mr Harvey, in an eloquent and feeling speech, returned thanks, remarking that he had had many volunteer dinners, agricultural dinners, &c., in his own part of the country, but never had found more warm expression feeling towards him any body of men around him than what he had heard from the men Glenbucket.

Mr Wattie. Milltown. proposed the young Laird of Langley Park. Mr Fraser of Tornaveen proposed the health of Sirs Harvey of Langley Park, which was drunk to with great enthusiasm. The health of Mr M Nicol. Glenbucket Lodge, gamekeeper to his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, was proposed Mr Bremner, Auldahuie, and drunk with great enthusiasm, and gracefully acknowledged by Mr M Nicol. The Chairman gave the Strangers present, coupled with the name of Mr Fraser Tornaveen and Mr Walker, Castle Newe.

Mr Harvey proposed a Good Ball, and the festive boards were removed give place the Highland reel and contra dance. By nine o’clock p.m., the ball-room contained upwards of 150 of the tenantry of Glenbucket. The ball was opened by Mr and Mrs Harvey. Captain and Mrs Corbett, Mr Frazer. &c.. leading off a ooulra dance. Afterwards, strathspey and reel followed. The programme of the evening’s amusements was happily varied songs from some of the ladies present, Mrs Corbett’s finely cultivated soprano voice causing quite a sensation the assembly. The Instrumental music was such that the dance did not flag spirit till a late hour in the morning, the dancers being under the influence of the spirit-stirring strains of Mr Clark, the Duke's piper, and a powerful string and drum band, conducted by Mr Alexander Walker, Castle Newe.

GLENBUCKET.
R. B. Harvey, Req., M.P., the respected lessee of the shootings in this parish, has kindly and considerately sent £2 sterling to the Rev. John Bremner, for the benefit of the poor of the parish. Although there has been no shooting on the moors during the past season, this estimable gentleman has given the usual presents to keepers, shepherds, and others—every herd boy and girl getting 2/6 annually. His kindness to the poor is praiseworthy, and ought to be imitated by those who have to spare.


Unfortunately Sir Robert died in 1931 by suicide caused by an intercurrent illness.

Nottingham Evening Post - Tuesday 07 April 1931
SIR ROBERT HARVEY'S SUICIDE. BIG GAME HUNTER TYAS FOUND SHOT. DEPRESSION AFTER 'FLU,
A verdict of " Suicide during temporary insanity " was returned at the inquest at Windsor, to-day, on Sir Robert Harvey, who was found shot dead in bed at his home Langley Park, Bucks. Sir Robert, who was 74. had just returned from fishing visit to Scotland, and on reaching home was found to be suffering from influenza. remained in bed, and was alone on Saturday afternoon, when Lady Harvey and other members the household were startled to hear a shot, and butler, on entering Sir Robert’s room, found him dead, with a pistol side- Sir Robert had been a magistrate for Buckinghamshire since 1887, and was a noted big game hunter and collector of antiques.
LADY HARVEY ILL.
The inquest was held in the drawing room, Lady Harvey was present, but sat behind screen. It was explained that she was very Lady Harvey's depositions were read by Coroner.
On Saturday, about 11 a.m., the depositions stated, Sir Robert went to his room When Lady Harvey saw him later, he said he felt so ill, but he refused to have a doctor. Later in the afternoon she resumed to the room, but did not speak to him, as she thought he was asleep.
At five o'clock a communication, was made to her by the doctor.
Lady Harvey's statement concluded: "I am convinced that this is all caused by the influenza that Sir Robert had."
Edmund George Mendham, for 23 years butler Sir Robert's family, showed great emotion. He said that at 4.30 on Saturday, on Lady Harvey's instructions, he took tea to Sic Robert.
" I went to bedside and found he was lying on his left side in a pool blood. The revolver, was lying on the bed." Sir Robert had for many years kept a loaded revolver hanging on the head of the bedstead.
DEPRESSED.
Dr. A. M. Amsler said that he last saw Sir Robert shortly before Christmas, and then and on previous occasions he had noticed that Sui Robert was remarkably depressed. Very frequently influenza led depression and loss of balance. Inspector Westmaire said there was hunting book on the bed in such a position that indicated that the deceased had been reading.
The coroner said there was no doubt that the deceased had been suffering from a severe attack of influenza, which led to moroseness and unbalanced the mind. There was doubt that the deceased took his own life shooting himself with a revolver.


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