James Gordon was an affluent merchant and Baillie of Edinburgh. Born in 1665,[1] he was the son of a farmer, and originated from Bourtrie.[2][3] In 1691 he married Elizabeth Glen in Canongate, Edinburgh.[4][5] The couple had three sons: John, Alexander,[6] and James.[4] On 28 April 1717, the two older boys, John and Alexander, both around eight years old,[7][a]Pratt incorrectly gives the year of the killings as 1718.[7] were murdered by their tutor, Robert Irvine.[8][b]The broadside published at the time describes Irvine as a chaplain.[6] They were killed in Edinburgh after they reported seeing Irvine with their mother’s servant in a compromising situation.[9][c]Irvine was executed on 1 May 1717 for the crimes; before carrying out the hanging, the executioner cut off both Irvine’s hands.[6] Gordon’s youngest son, James, died in 1783; he “served with some distinction in the American War”.[4]
Fortalice of Ardgith
Gordon purchased the Fortalice of Ardgith and its lands in 1706.[2][10][d]Sources differ as to the year of acquisition; Reverend McLeod quotes 1708[2] whereas most modern day historians, for instance W. Douglas Simpson,[3] Ian Shepherd[11] and Historic Scotland,[10] give 1706. He integrated the fortalice into a new sizeable structure that he rechristened from its former name of Fortalice of Ardgith to Ellon CastleHistoric ruined castle remains, formerly Fortalice of Ardgith, focal point within a formal walled garden in Ellon, the first time the building became known by that name.[4]
As well as extending the castle, he established a formal walled garden[5] and landscaped a large area of ground.[4]
Death
Gordon died “some years” after his sons were killed.[1] In 1752 the estate was sold to George Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aberdeen for £17,000. Writing in the mid-twentieth century, the historian Cosmo Alexander Gordon attributes the sale to Gordon’s youngest son and the widowed Elizabeth, adding that she also received 200 guineas to buy a gown in recompense for relinquishing her life rent entitlement.[4] Other historians, such as Christopher Dingwall, suggest that the transaction was made by the baillie with his surviving son.[12]
Notes
| a | Pratt incorrectly gives the year of the killings as 1718.[7] |
|---|---|
| b | The broadside published at the time describes Irvine as a chaplain.[6] |
| c | Irvine was executed on 1 May 1717 for the crimes; before carrying out the hanging, the executioner cut off both Irvine’s hands.[6] |
| d | Sources differ as to the year of acquisition; Reverend McLeod quotes 1708[2] whereas most modern day historians, for instance W. Douglas Simpson,[3] Ian Shepherd[11] and Historic Scotland,[10] give 1706. |