My Grandfather was a Warder at Peterhead Prison from around 1905 through to the Second World War. He came out of retirement to help out at the Prison when younger men were going off to war, but finally retired in 1944, when he turned 70. My father also served at the prison in the late '40's / early 50's. I have many memories of going past the prison every day on my way from Mile End cottage to Burnhaven School. My father was born in the Warder's quarters. I actually saw a jail break one day. I was headinh home early from school (it was discovered O had German measles so I was sent home). I got almost to the gate at the end of the prison drive when there was a huge disturbance ... a lorry came roraing up the drive, over South Road, and crashed into the dry stone wall on the other side of the road. A bunch of men jumped out and started running up over the fields toward the Reform Tower. At the same time, prison guards were racing after them, and shots were being fired. Being a cowboy picture enthusiast I was mightily entertained to see the warders adopting the recognised firing position, on one knee, sidearm suitably braced to fire. One of them shouted "Dinna be afeart, little girl!". "little girl" was far too silly to be afraid, as this was great entertainment. My parents only believed me when they heard the story in the news.
Fascinating as always. I remember hearing stories from my father about the building of the breakwater. I was told that a cousin of my grandfather's married George Birnie who was an engineer on an admiralty barge that helped build the South breakwater
My mother lived at the prison, not as an inmate, but as part of granny and grandads very large family of 8 kids. She would tell me stories of a prisoner called KAMINSKI. I would love to know more about their time there but only one of my aunties and uncles are left and she sadly has dementia. Any information would be grateful if anyone knows of them. Their surname was MURISON.
Absolutely fantastic , thank you so much for your fantastic posts, filming , information, narration in Doric ! Wonderful stuff 🙏🏼
My Grandfather was a Warder at Peterhead Prison from around 1905 through to the Second World War. He came out of retirement to help out at the Prison when younger men were going off to war, but finally retired in 1944, when he turned 70. My father also served at the prison in the late '40's / early 50's. I have many memories of going past the prison every day on my way from Mile End cottage to Burnhaven School. My father was born in the Warder's quarters. I actually saw a jail break one day. I was headinh home early from school (it was discovered O had German measles so I was sent home). I got almost to the gate at the end of the prison drive when there was a huge disturbance ... a lorry came roraing up the drive, over South Road, and crashed into the dry stone wall on the other side of the road. A bunch of men jumped out and started running up over the fields toward the Reform Tower. At the same time, prison guards were racing after them, and shots were being fired. Being a cowboy picture enthusiast I was mightily entertained to see the warders adopting the recognised firing position, on one knee, sidearm suitably braced to fire. One of them shouted "Dinna be afeart, little girl!". "little girl" was far too silly to be afraid, as this was great entertainment. My parents only believed me when they heard the story in the news.
Thats a brilliant story!
Wonderful series. Beautifully narrated with just that hint of the Doric. Thank you so much for taking the trouble to make and post it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fascinating as always. I remember hearing stories from my father about the building of the breakwater. I was told that a cousin of my grandfather's married George Birnie who was an engineer on an admiralty barge that helped build the South breakwater
Well they could here you scream... they just didn't care! Great video as always!
My mother lived at the prison, not as an inmate, but as part of granny and grandads very large family of 8 kids.
She would tell me stories of a prisoner called KAMINSKI.
I would love to know more about their time there but only one of my aunties and uncles are left and she sadly has dementia.
Any information would be grateful if anyone knows of them. Their surname was MURISON.