Lanark Militia

[frances]

Have recently come across a Marriage Certificate for one Charles Proctor and Helen Whitlaw , married in the Canongate 18/10/1808. It states " Charles Proctor Lanark Militia".

Anyone out there with any details on this regiment or can recommend where to look for further info.

Also wondered if perhaps Charles was stationed at Edinburgh Castle hence their marriage in the Canongate =just a thought

Thanks for any help.

Frances

[Montrose Budie]

The Militia Act of 1757 was enacted to re-establish Militia regiments in the face of invasion fears.

An order was drafted in November 1798 calling out militia in the counties where it didn't already exist; most counties in the case of Scotland, due to increased concern that Napoleon's armies were on their way.

Most such militia regiments were disbanded in early 1800 and the rest at the Peace of Amiens in 1802.

Militia regiments were required serve away from their home county, so that finding the Lanarkshire regiment in The Lothians is quite possible.

If you are fortunate TNA will have apportionment and even muster records. 'Apportionment' relates to the results of the ballot system that was used. A check with NAS is also worthwhile.

You may be able to short circuit matters on various specialist mititary discussion groups, as well as the Lanarkshire FHS.

Have recently come across a Marriage Certificate for one Charles Proctor and Helen Whitlaw , married in the Canongate 18/10/1808. It states " Charles Proctor Lanark Militia".

All that can reasonably be deduced from this is that Helen belonged to that parish. There were several barracks within easy reach of Edinburgh where Charles' regiment may have been stationed.

mb

[Currie]

Hello Frances,

Here’s the regiments.org page for the Lanark Militia but there are no clues as to exactly where they were in 1808. http://web.archive.org/web/200710310915 ... anark1.htm

The newspapers are useful for just about anything and you can get a fair idea of what they were up to in a given timeframe.

Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Saturday, November 14, 1807
Yesterday the 75th Regiment marched from Edinburgh Castle for Haddington, to relieve four companies of the Royal Lanark Militia, who arrived here yesterday afternoon.

The Morning Chronicle (London), Wednesday, December 9, 1807
Story about a torch-light procession by Masonic Lodge members at Edinburgh. “(the streets being lined by a large detachment of the Royals and Lanark Militia Regiments)”.

Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Thursday, June 9, 1808
The Royal Lanarkshire militia marches to-morrow from the Castle to Haddington. Their conduct while in garrison here has been very exemplary.

Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Monday, August 21, 1809
The remainder of the Royal Lanarkshire Militia have marched into the Castle, from Musselburgh barracks.

Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Saturday, November 4, 1809
Yesterday, the Royal Lanarkshire Militia were reviewed and inspected, on Burntsfield Links, by Major-General Scott.

Hope that helps,
Alan

[frances]

Thanks MB and Alan for replies,Will have a look at suggestions made.

What a great site TS is -- can always rely on someone helping.

Cheers

Frances

[Currie]

Here’s something interesting Frances,

“A History of the Scottish Borderers Militia”. http://www.archive.org/stream/ahistorys ... 4/mode/1up

It’s mainly to do with Dumfries but they’re out and about in and around Edinburgh at the same time as were the Lanark Militia. It will give you a good idea of what they were doing there and about the Scottish Militia in general. See chapter 3 page 20.

Alan