Little Fan
Little Fan was clearly much admired, even by a previous handmaid of the Countess (Little Fan’s grandmother) who wrote “a charming and young creature”.
This author has yet to write their bio.Meanwhile lets just say that we are proud Ian Williams contributed a whooping 67 entries.
Little Fan was clearly much admired, even by a previous handmaid of the Countess (Little Fan’s grandmother) who wrote “a charming and young creature”.
Alexander, the brother of James, 4th Earl Fife was brought up in Banff, travelled the world as a soldier, lived at Delgaty, and is interred in the Duff House Mausoleum.
A rare photo shows some members of a Brass Band in the grounds of Duff House. From various clues it is believed to be Banff Brass Band in 1913.
At the present time, in the Grand Salon in Duff House, is a magnificent Christmas Tree; however it seems it may be only a pale reflection of the tree that stood in the same room 155 years ago.
This name Tayler was introduced to the Duff family when the elder daughter, Jean or Jane Duff, of the 3rd Earl Fife married William Alexander Francis Tayler in 1802.
This Story was written while looking out the window at a wet and windy day. Almost 149 years ago to the day, there was an even worse storm, described nationally as a hurricane.
Alexander is very important in the history of Macduff. In 1699 Alexander purchased “Doune” (ie Macduff after it’s name was changed in 1783). “Antigua” is not a Caribbean link, but part of the history that has resulted in the great town of Macduff!
One of the pieces of evidence that humans were here 3000 years ago is Gaveny Brae Stone “Circle” about a mile south of today’s Banff Bridge.
This story was prompted by the finding of a rare postcard as shown above. The Royal Army Medical Corps used to hold an annual camp, and Banff – specifically Canal Park – was the location in 1912. The Banff skyline really hasn’t changed that much!
James, 4th Earl Fife, was a Scottish Lord, made a Spanish General and earning their equivalent of the Victoria Cross. This part 2 is about his life back in Banff and examples of his local good deeds.