George Gustavus Walker
of Crawfordton House
Shaun Castle 11 December 2006
The Annals of Glencairn
Extract from The Annals of Glencairn:
“Sir George succeeded to the estate of Crawfordton on the death of his father, Mr John Walker, D. L., in 1857. He afterwards purchased Jarbuck and the Hill of Peelton, and on the latter property he built in 1863-66 a handsome mansion, where he resided until his death on 5th August, 1897. Sir George’s public life began in 1855, where he joined the Dumfriesshire Militia, at the age of twenty-five, with the rank of Captain. He afterwards devoted a large part of his time to developing and perfecting the defensive forces of the country. In 1859 he appeared in the political arena as an independent candidate for the Dumfries Burghs, against the late Mr William Ewart. Although unsuccessful at the poll on that occasion, he was returned unopposed as member for the County in 1865 in succession to the late Mr Hope-Johnstone of Annandale. He had the distinction of being appointed Aide-de-Camp to the Queen in 1884, and knighthood was conferred upon him in 1892. The following appreciation by one who knew him intimately forms a fitting tribute to his memory:
There was in him an instinctive hatred of anything that bordered upon duplicity and time-serving, and he would condemn such conduct in language forcibly and true. He knew what he felt and meant himself, and he took care that others knew it also. Such thorough-going, outspoken honesty is especially valuable in a soft and selfish age, when principle often gives way to expediency, and men ask not what is right and what is true, but what is easy and profitable and likely to bring in a quick return...... As long as health and strength were given him he wrought loyally for others, for home and family, for country, and for Queen; now he rests from his labours, and his works do follow him.” 1
1. The Rev. Sir Emilius Laurie, Bart., B.D. In Memoriam Sermon.
Crawfordton House is for sale through Lakes & Country 01228 516409. Links to this post
