Folks,
Thanks for all your help. I've looked through the 1841 Census to no avail. I've found 4 other mentions of 'Armydykes' in the Duffus birth records - all 1820's. I've even managed to get the Moray Heritage Centre to change on of their listings from 'Airniedykes' to Armydykes! Still can't find it though!
I might try Hopeman Church. I'll post any information gained.
Thanks again.
Roxy
Duffus, Moray - 'Armydykes'?
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Currie
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I think Maggie was on the right track. There was a Roman encampment now known as Battle-Dykes three miles north of Forfar and another further north known as War-Dykes. I guess anything similar would have been given that sort of a name by the locals.
The New Statistical Account of Scotland, on pages 36 and 37, has information about what was then believed to be Roman fortifications in Duffus Parish, in particular at Burghead. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=MqM ... A1-PA36,M1
“These old works were divided into two parts, a higher and a lower; and presented no less than four strong ramparts (built with oaken logs) towards the small isthmus upon which the village of Burghead' now stands; in the gradual extension of which these interesting remains have been much defaced. The trench which insulated the promontory has in the course of time been filled up, and the rectangular platform at its summit lowered and partially covered with buildings.”
I would say that ArmyDykes was the location of one of these fortifications of which all visible traces have since been obliterated but which were still in the public consciousness in 1803. Much of the obliteration appears to have occurred in the 1805-09 period.
There are also geological features called Dykes, long straight walls of hard stone from which surrounding softer material has been eroded, sometimes they extend straight into the sea. If there are any such features around Duffus that would also be a possibility but I don’t know how the Army bit would come into it.
That's what I think,
Alan
The New Statistical Account of Scotland, on pages 36 and 37, has information about what was then believed to be Roman fortifications in Duffus Parish, in particular at Burghead. http://books.google.com.au/books?id=MqM ... A1-PA36,M1
“These old works were divided into two parts, a higher and a lower; and presented no less than four strong ramparts (built with oaken logs) towards the small isthmus upon which the village of Burghead' now stands; in the gradual extension of which these interesting remains have been much defaced. The trench which insulated the promontory has in the course of time been filled up, and the rectangular platform at its summit lowered and partially covered with buildings.”
I would say that ArmyDykes was the location of one of these fortifications of which all visible traces have since been obliterated but which were still in the public consciousness in 1803. Much of the obliteration appears to have occurred in the 1805-09 period.
There are also geological features called Dykes, long straight walls of hard stone from which surrounding softer material has been eroded, sometimes they extend straight into the sea. If there are any such features around Duffus that would also be a possibility but I don’t know how the Army bit would come into it.
That's what I think,
Alan
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Roxy
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- Location: Elgin, Moray