Inverkip Ardgowan House

[cammey]

Hi There,

Do you know of anywhere either museum or Libruary that might hold photos or Histirical information on staff working at Argowan estate in Inverkip. My Grandfather David Wiiliam Evans born Bridgend Inverkip worked on the estate  as a groomsman. I have contacted Ardgowan Estate but got no reply. David William Evans born 1881 and his father John Evans also stayed at Bridgend but not sure is he worked in the estate as well.

[Istrice]

Hi Cammey,

A good starting point might be the Watt Library and Museum in Greenock.  They may have information, or more likely be able to direct you to potential sources.

The contact can be found by Googling "Watt Library Greenock", or by going to the Inverclyde Council website.

Good Luck,

Istrice

[lindy-lou]

Hi Cammey
Likewise I'm trying to find info, photo's etc of my gggrandfather who was gamekeeper at Ardgowan Estate for 40+ years until his death 1874.....I emailed Ardgowan Estate and received a lovely reply but unfortunately they couldn't supply info but did promise they would forward anything onto me if found.
Good luck with your search.

lindy-lou

[cammey]

Hi There Istrice and Lindy-lou,

Thanks for you information will check out museum and library.

Lindy-lou,
My great Grandfather John Evans is on the 1871 census as a gardeners Labourer and stayed at Bridgend so would more than likely worked in the gardens at the estate as these houses seemed to be for the workers who worked there. No doubt they probably new each other.

Cammey 

[lindy-lou]

Hi Cammey
My gggrandfather was Malcolm McFarlane he lived, with his family, at Whitelees Cottage on the Estate.  More than likely your grandfather & him would have known each other.
Would love to hear if you have a success contacting library & museum.

lindy-lou

[cammey]

Hi Lindy- Lou,

Will contact them today and will let you know how I get on. I do have some photographs of my granfather as a groomsman with other staff members and I am sure my mum has more with the estate in them these will be around late 1800's and early 1900's. The groomsman married Catherine Donaldson from Campbletown and moved to Glasow during the war and worked in the Munitions factory. Tey went back to Campbletown when my father was born then came back to Glasgow. My mum met my Dad in Glasgow David Evans and then I was born in Elderslie. So I have Evans on one side and Camerons on the other.
Cammey

[lindy-lou]

Hi Cammey
How fantastic to have photo's, you're lucky.  I'm waiting on family members getting around to clearing out their attics and with luck someone might have photo's etc hidden away.
My lot left Inverkip area c1900 and settled in Clydebank area to take up employment in ship yards & factory. 
Fingers crossed library/museum have info for you.

lindy-lou

[Chilis]

I'm another whose gt.grandfather may have been working at Ardgowan House as a Gardener.  Dugald McKINNON died in Inverkip in 1907, of TB I think, but I haven't found where he was buried.  His wife, Mary, afterwards seems to have joined one of the sons in Glasgow, dying there in 1930.
Chilis

[cammey]

Hi Chillis,

Have you found him in any of the cencus forms and did he stay at Bridgend?
Cammey