In late 1915, winter added to the misery of life on the western front, while retreat from Gallipoli brought an ignominious end to a bloody campaign. Back home, patriotic fervour seemed undiminished, with all committed to support the brave boys fighting to preserve British values and the traditions of our green and bonny land.
Against this background, the Lanark Natural History and Archaeological Society held their inaugural meeting on 18th December1915. The society would be “an association of friends drawn to the study of nature and the relics of bye-gone times”. It would promote popular learning; “no one need hesitate about seeking admission to the Society on grounds that they had no claim to high scientific achievements”.
Thomas Reid chaired the new organisation. He was a well-known local figure, an authority on all matters relating to the heritage of the Upper Ward, and the author of many books on local history. Reid taught the classics, and later established the private Arnold Academy in Lanark where he tutored generations of local children.
Thomas Reid and Andrew Stewart (of the Commercial Bank) first promoted the idea of a society, and Stewart became its first secretary, responsible for most of the hard work in the practical organisation of the Society. Sheriff W.G. Scott Moncrieff ( a distinguished Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries) was recruited as Hon. President, and other leading citizens were appointed as Hon. Vice Presidents. Dr. James Allan, resident physician at the Bellefield Sanatorium, became vice-chair; a well-travelled man of science and a keen natural historian, he probably influenced the broad scope of the new society. He was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
The Society held a monthly programme of talks in the well-appointed lecture theatre of the new Lindsay Institute, Completed in 1914, this palace for the people also housed a lending library, reading room, and museum; all funded and endowed by a bequest from the late Charles Lindsay.
In their first year the Society offered an eclectic range of public talks, beginning with a lecture by Dr Allan on the duck-billed platypus followed by an illustrated lecture by Thomas Reid on “Lady Grisell Baillie: her life and poetry”. The programme continued with lectures by guest speakers on topics such as “Life and Work in a Geologist’s Camp” “Glacial Action in Scotland”, “Gardens in Ancient Times” and “Ancient Artillery”
In July 1916 the Society organised their first excursion; a trip by horse-drawn brake to Carstairs and Carluke exploring various features of historical and natural interest. This outing was considered “a pleasant and educative one”, consequently a second excursion took place that September to Craignethan Castle.
“The party, numbering about thirty, left Lanark by brake.”,”…they first paid a visit to Carstairs Church and Churchyard, Dr. Ross dealing with the architectural features of the various subjects visited and Mr. Reid treating them historically”. “The principal object of interest here was the crucifixion cross in the vestibule of the church.” “The cross, which was buried in the churchyard for 160 years, dates back to pre-reformation times.” (This picture shows one of the other fragments from an earlier church displayed within the kirkyard.)
“….visited on the journey the famous Kames of Carstairs.” “An interesting account of these geological formations was given by Dr. Allan, resident physician, Bellfield.”
“The party thereafter went to Carnwath……”. “….. where the famous St. Mary’s Aisle at Carnwath Church was visited”. “This venerable pile, which was part of the ancient church, and is now the burying place of the Lockharts, was described architecturally by Dr. Ross and historically by Mr Reid”
” A number of the party visited the old Mercut cross”. “A visit was afterwards paid to Carnwath House. formerly residence of Sir Simon Macdonald Lockhart, Bart., but now devoted to the use of wounded soldiers.” (The golf clubhouse was built on the site of the house, only the gateway survives.)
In following years the Society went from strength to strength presided over by the venerable Thomas Reid, with varied programmes of lectures that increasingly focussed on historical matters. The excursion programme soon fell by the wayside however.
While many new members joined the society, it continued to be driven by the passion of its founders, most of whom were already in their senior years. In 1930, a correspondent to the Hamilton Advertiser asked “How many men could mark their 91st birthday by conducting a public meeting, and conducting it well?” “Mr Thomas Reid, M.A.,F.S.A., spent the evening of his 91st birthday on Tuesday as Chairman of the Lanark Natural History and Archaeological Society meeting, and he spoke with clearness and vigour.” “Many happy returns of the day…. to the old veteran, who has the gift of eternal youth”. Thomas – who had been active to the end – passed in the following January, and with it much of vigour behind the society.
No reference has been found to the Lanark Natural History and Archaeological Society after 1939.
Robin Chesters, 26th February 2025
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