Fragments of History

St Mary's Church Banff

The tomb of George Baird is a medieval-style tomb which is placed against a supporting wall. An effigy of George Baird of Auchmedden lies within the niche, wearing armour, a sword at his side, and a lion or dog below his feet. The panel below him shows a skull with crossed scythe and torch (emblems of death), wheat growing from a pile of bones (emblems of rebirth), and crossed coffins, coffin spokes, sexton's (gravedigger's) tools (further emblems of death). Above the ornate arch is a coat of arms draped in a veil. This reflects the old practice of draping black fabric over the arms of the deceased, portraits and mirrors during periods of mourning. The black veil acts as a public symbol of private grief.

This elaborate tomb commemorates George Baird, who died in 1636. The Latin inscription can be translated as: 'In the year of Our Lord 1636, the Gentleman George Baird, Provost of the Burgh of Banff is buried here in hope of the resurrection'. The Latin inscription can be read below see grave No 545, click on photo for larger view.
Ref: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.

No. 84 This stone is erected by James Baird, residenter in Banff, in memory of his wife Margaret Chyne, who departed this life the 2th January, 1791, aged about 36 years.

No. 544 Sacred to the memory of William Ogilvie, Esq., who died 24th January, 1788, aged 77, and of his spouse Mrs. Helen Baird, who died 12th April, 1799, aged 82, and their deceased children, viz., John died 13th October, 1739, an infant Anna died 25th August, 1744, an infant Katharine died 18th November, 1747, aged 2. Hope Murray died 18th March, 1763, aged 5, John 2nd died in Antigua 30th August, 1770, aged 17, James died in Jamaica 6th June, 1774, aged 27, William died in Bassora 9th May, 1783, aged 41, Elizabeth died 3rd December, 1788, aged 49. Note:William Ogilvie, a merchant of Banff, married Helen Baird, daughter of William Baird, 6th of Auchmedden

No. 545. An. Dom. 1636. Positum a Georgio Baird de Aucbmedden praeposito Burgi de Bamff in honors Dei & in memorii praedicessoru quorum corpora in die resurrectionis . hic sepulta jacent. G. B. Mors sceptra ligonibus aequans. Spes altera vitae. Coelum non solvm quaero. Dominus fecit.

Major Baird's Tribute to His Men

From the Stonehaven Journal Mar 11th 1915, Intimation has been received by Rev. D. G. Barron, minister of Dunnottar, from Major Walter Baird commanding the Gordon Highlanders, and son of Sir Alexander Baird of Urie, intimating the death in action of Sergeant M. Wood, of the 1st Gordon Highlanders, on February 26.
Major Baird in his letter wrote:--
"Sergeant Wood was in the trenches with his company, and was struck on the forehead with a bullet just as he was getting out of a dug-out. He was quite unconscious and suffered no pain. I would be glad if you would tell his father how deeply grieved I am at the loss of one who was a gallant man and a good soldier. We have a little band of men from Stonehaven serving under my command and in this Battalion. How I wish there were more, but I dare say a great number have gone to the Territorials, or else the new army battalions. This is a rather trying time, but it would be much more so if one had not got such a splendid lot of men as I have under me. I hope some day I may see you and the old town again but there is much to be done and gone through before that day comes." Yours Very Sincerely, Walter Baird.

Lord Haddo and Charlotte Baird

Lord Haddo, the son and heir of George, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen is seen here in a portrait by the famous Italian painter Pompeo Batoni. George married Charlotte Baird, daughter of William Baird of Newbyth in 1782, aged 18. His father bought the neighbouring castle of Gight for his son and young family. Sadly, Lord Haddo was never to become Earl of Aberdeen: in 1791 he was killed at Gight by a fall from his horse. The castle was abandoned and became ruinous. His impoverished widow, who disapproved of her father-in-law's manner of living, took her seven children south to England. She died young in 1795 leaving her eldest son not 12 years old.
George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen Son of Lord Haddo and Carlotte Baird George did not go back to his grandfather at Haddo after his mothers death, but turned to his guardians, William Pitt, the Prime Minister and others for help. He was educated at Harrow and St John's, Cambridge. His friends at Cambridge used to call him "The Athenian Aberdonian", because of his large knowledge of the classics.
He also had tremendous debating skills. The Earl became Prime Minister in 1852, and was created a Knight of the Thistle in 1808, and elected a knight of the Garter in 1855. Sadly, his first wife and three daughters died of tuberculosis, although he did marry again and produced an heir. He added his first wife's name to his in 1818.