William Stiven is listed in the 1875 Valuation Roll as Proprietor and Occupier of House and Offices, Oakville, Harecraigs.

The death at Oakville of Beatrice Stiven on 31st January 1875, daughter of William and Mary, is noted in the Northern Warder of 2nd February 1875. She was aged 2 ½. Her death certificate records “Diphtheria” as the cause of death.

The same newspaper, on March 12th notes that Mrs William Stiven has given birth to an (unnamed) son at Oakville, a mere few weeks after the death of Beatrice. That child, Alfred Woodhouse Stiven, was born on the 5th March.

Stiven is listed in the 1878 Dundee Directory as still living at Oakville, but by the 1879 edition, Oakville is listed as the home of the Right Revd. Hugh Willoughby Jermyn, Episcopalian Bishop of Brechin. In the 1878 edition, Bishop Jermyn was living at Inchmichael, Errol. The following clip, from The Courier of 15th January 1879, provides details of the purchase;

A Google search suggests Whitsunday 1879 fell on May 30th.

An article from the Montrose Standard and Angus and Mearns Register dated September 5th 1879 states that the purchase price was £6,523 and that the Church “had received a great many subscriptions from the friends of the late Bishop both in Scotland and England”, although at that stage, there was still a shortfall of some £300, which the Church were confident of making up though further subscriptions.

The monument to Bishop Forbes in St. Paul’s Cathedral, mentioned in The Courier and the Montrose Standard articles above, where its cost is reported as £568.

In their 22nd November 1878 edition, The Northern Warder included details of an incident at “Oakville, Harecraigs, possessed by the Bishop of Brechin”

By the time the 1880 Directory was published, Bishop Jermyn is shown as living at “Forbes Court”, so it appears the change of name took place shortly after it was purchased by the Church.

It is interesting to note that in the case of both Oakville and Forbes Court, the house names were followed by “Harecraigs”. There is a Harecraigs House (still standing) to the south of the building – there is evidence that the area in which Oakville/Forbes Court stands was known as Harecraigs at the time.

The Census page also has details of those in residence at Harecraigs House, Catherine Bank and Taycliffe House.

Insert Image

Bishop Hugh Willoughby Jermyn, 1889, from a portrait held by the National Galleries of Scotland.

Christina Campbell, Servant (House Maid), 30 years of age, born in Durness, Sutherlandshire.

Janet Ritchie, Servant (Table Maid), 37, born Leuchars, Fifeshire.

Christina is shown as speaking Gaelic and English.

Other local properties mentioned on the same page include Craigmount, Craigmount Stables, Harecraig House, Harecraig Lodge, Catherine Bank, Abercraig and Craiglee.

The Jermyn family were recorded on that years’ Census as living at Le Chalet, Braddons Road East, Tormoham, Torquay, Devon. The Head of the house is recorded as Sophia Ogle, a Widow aged 83. Her daughter, also Sophia (Jermyn), aged 57. Also, Agnes Jermyn, Visitor, aged 43. There is no mention of Hugh Jermyn in this return, although it can be assumed this is where he was residing at this time. It is known that the Bishop suffered from spells of poor health and spent time away from Dundee as part of his recuperation.

The house features in the April edition of The Scottish Standard Bearer, the “organ of the Episcopal Church”, along with a biographical sketch of Bishop Jermyn. As well as a picture of the Bishop himself, there are three of the house, one external, two internal.

Insert Image

The Drawing Room (now Living Room of Flat 1)

Insert Image

The Private Chapel (unable to determine location within house)

The exterior, taken from the West, showing part of the East elevation.

Insert Image

“Forbes Court is a memorial to the late Bishop Forbes. On his death it was proposed to build a See House, but the villa now called after him happened to be for sale, and it was decided to buy it. Situated about three miles from Dundee, to the west of Broughty-Ferry, the position of the house is extremely pleasant. It stands on somewhat high ground overlooking the Firth of Tay, with Tayport and a portion of the lower Fife hills beyond. The view from the windows on a clear day, when St. Andrews may also be seen, is magnificent. The garden, of about two acres in extent, is well laid out; groups of trees and sloping lawn to the south and west, with kitchen and herbaceous garden behind. Of the interior of the house, it may be said that it is well planned, and has a good stair-case – the dining-room, drawing-room, and a very small study looking to the south. There is no library and the chapel was formed and successfully adapted from two little narrow slips”

Insert Image

Picture undated but Bishop Jermyn is clearly older than in the earlier 1889 picture. This picture was used in the 1897 article so from that year or earlier. From the National Portrait Gallery. The biography of Bishop Jermyn suggests he did not enjoy good health towards the end of his life. The difference between this picture and that from 1889 shows that quite markedly.

An article from The Courier and Argus, October 1899, highlighting the state of the Bishop’s health and the impact it was having on the Church.

Insert Image

The original owner of the house, William Stiven, dies on 27th December. The Dundee Courier from the 1st January 1900 carried the following:

Insert Image

The Stiven Memorial at the Western Necropolis, Perth Road, Dundee.

On 16th January, in the Bishop’s Register (held at Dundee University Archives) and in his own hand, Bishop Jermyn writes that he “Left home under medical orders”.

The Census lists Hugh Jermyn as the married, 80-year-old Head of the House, along with;

Sophia H Jermyn, Wife, aged 67, born in England

Isobel Clayton, his sister-in-law, aged 60 and a widow, described as “living on own means”. Born in England

Agnes Jermyn, Daughter, aged 53 and single, born in England

Jane B Honeyman, Cook/Domestic, aged 41 and single, born Kennoway, Fife.

Betsy Hebenton, Table maid, aged 24 and single, born Kinettles, Forfar

Elizabeth M G Henderson, Lady’s maid, aged 37 and single, born Monikie, Angus

Mary A Rutland, Lady’s Maid, aged 42 and single, born England.

Nearby Taycliffe Stables, Taycliffe, Catherine Bank, Abercraig and Harecraig are all mentioned on the same page of the Census.

Insert Image

Bishop Jermyn dies on 17th September 1903 at Forbes Court, the cause of death being recorded as “old age”. Informant is his son, Edmund Jermyn.

The Dundee Evening Telegraph of the same day noted that “for a long time, the Primus had been in failing health and he had suffered from debility due to his great age” and that “he had resigned the Primacy in the summer of 1901 and since that time had taken little or no active part in the affairs of the Church. Some weeks ago, a serious decline in his strength was noted, and it was seen the end was near. The Primus, however, lingered until the early hours of this morning, when he passed away peacefully”.

Bishop Jermyn is buried at St. Mary’s Church, Broughty Ferry, a short walk from Forbes Court. The Courier of 23rd of September records that at 9.30 in the morning of the 22nd, “a service was conducted in Forbes Court by the Rev Dr Mackness. Chaplain of the late Bishop”, before the burial at St. Mary’s.

Insert Image

Walter John Forbes Robberds is consecrated as Bishop of Brechin on the Feast of the Epiphany (6th January) in St. Paul’s Church, Dundee. St. Paul’s was raised to Cathedral status in 1905.

Insert Image

Drawings dated 9th June 1904, from Blackadder & Allan Architects, 41 Reform Street, show the “Plans of Addition” to “Forbes Court, West-Ferry”. These detail the layout and purpose of each of the rooms, including the outhouses.

As these coincide with the appointment of Bishop Robberds, we might assume these additions were made at his request.

Insert Image

An advert appears in the 7th July edition of The Scotsman seeking an “Au Pair – Wanted for August, young French or German lady, to take charge of 4 girls ages 5 and a half to 12, during holidays; expenses paid; reference required. Write Mrs Robberds, Forbescourt, Broughty Ferry”

Bishop Robberds, is recorded in the Broughty Ferry Directory as living in the house. Interestingly, the name of the property is shown as Forbescourt (one word) – the Archivist for the Diocese of Brechin has advised that this was the way the house was always referred to in Episcopalian circles.

The entry also includes his phone number – B F 198911

Whilst the 1911 Census only lists two children, Ethel & Katherine, research on Ancestry has identified two older sisters, Mary (b 1897) & Jean (b 1899).

The same Ancestry entry also has a photo of the Robberds’ four daughters, which, based on their ages, would appear to have been taken around this time.

Insert Image 1

Insert Image 2

Other nearby properties mentioned on the same page – Ashwood, The Bryans, The Bryans Lodge, Abercraig, Craiglee and Ellislea.

Insert Image

In the book, he records that “The Memorial to the Bishop” took the form of a see-house for the diocese, that being known to be in accordance with the departed prelate’s own desires. The house selected and adapted for this purpose is situated between Dundee and Broughty-Ferry about three miles from the city, and bears the name of Forbes-Court”.

The Broughty Ferry Guide and Advertiser of Friday 29th August 1913 reports an attempted burglary at the house. The Bishop, his family and the servants were all on holiday at the time. One of the rear windows had been smashed and the police found that “a few cases and drawers were open.”

“Cook (good plain), wanted July 28th; single-handed; 4 maids’ Mrs Robberds, Forbescourt, Broughty Ferry”

Bishop Robberds confirms Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon at Saint John’s, Forfar on 5th November. Seven years later Lady Elizabeth marries the Duke of York, the future King George VI.

On the 27th April, the marriage of George J Sherriff, second lieutenant, North Scottish R.G.A to Kathleen Grant Barclay, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Grant Barclay, Cambus Lodge, Broughty Ferry took place at the Private Chapel, Forbes Court, Broughty Ferry. They were married by the Most Rev, the Bishop of Brechin (Primus) assisted by the Rev. H.T.J Waring, rector of St. Mary’s, Broughty Ferry.

Interestingly, a letter has been found from Sheill and Small Solicitors Dundee dated 5th March 1917 to a Lt. George J Sherriff, Broughty Castle, Broughty Ferry, setting out the terms on which his Life Insurance Company (Standard Life) would deal with his premiums whilst he was on active service abroad. Presumably the same Lt Sherriff who was married a few weeks later at Forbescourt.

In the 22nd May edition of The Scotsman, an advert appears for a “House-Laundress (young) required middle of June; help given; no shirts or collars; 4 maids; general suitable; fare paid. Mrs Robberds, Forbescourt, Broughty Ferry.”

“House-Tablemaid and housemaid, term; 3 maids; own washing. Mrs Robberds, Forbescourt, Broughty Ferry.”

On the day of the Census, Walter Robberds is recorded as a guest of David Marwick, an Edinburgh Lawyer, at his home at 39, Inverleith Place, Edinburgh. Meanwhile, nearby 23 Inverleith Place was the home of the Rector of St. James’ Episcopalian Church, John Sharp. On that day, Kenneth Mackenzie, Bishop of Argyll and the Isles is recorded as a Visitor there. That perhaps suggests a gathering of Churchmen in Edinburgh at that time.

Walter Robberds’ wife, Mary Ethel, was recorded as a Visitor to her mother, Sarah James, at 19, Somerset Place, Bath.

His daughter Jean, meanwhile, is recorded as a Visitor at 52, Kaimes Road, Edinburgh where her occupation is shown as a Teacher of Domestic Science, with Miss E de la Cour as her employer. Miss Ethel de la Cour was Principal of the Edinburgh School of Cookery and Domestic Economy.

Bishop Robberds attends the marriage of the Duke of York (later, King George VI) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon on 26th April 1923. As well as the Service, he also attended the Household Luncheon in the Ball Supper Room at Buckingham Palace. Taken from The Court Circular of the same day. No mention is made as to whether Mrs Robberds accompanied him.

In recognition of his 25 years as Bishop, a fund was established to purchase a motor car for Bishop Robberds which would “relieve the strain of the constant travelling involved in the fulfilment of his official duties”. The object was to raise £1,000 which, as well as the car itself, would also allow for a garage at Forbescourt and a sum to meet running costs.

From the Dundee Courier March 7th 1928;

Insert Image

On May 16th, the appeal having met its’ goal, a presentation took place at Forbescourt at which Bishop and Mrs Robberds were passed a deposit receipt for £1600 with which to purchase (and maintain) the motor car. The attached cutting (newspaper unknown) recorded the event.

Insert Image

A portrait of Bishop Robberds which hangs at Glenalmond School, Perthshire. The portrait, which was unveiled in 1928, was commissioned by the School and painted by the Art Master of the time, Henry Daniel. Glenalmond has long enjoyed a close relationship with the Episcopalian Church.

Insert Image

In their 6th October edition, The Aberdeen Press and Journal reports that Bishop Robberds has been admitted a Freeman of the City of Norwich.

Bishop Robberds retires and is replaced by Kenneth Donald Mackenzie, who is consecrated at St. Pauls Cathedral on 1st May.

From The Dundee Telegraph 1st May 1935.

Insert Image

Bishop Kenneth Donald Mackenzie (From National Portrait Gallery “c1930’s”)

In an article from the Dundee Courier in September 1934 reporting on his retirement, Bishop Robberds is quoted as saying “it will be a sad, sore wrench to leave the house that has been our home for 31 years, with its garden and its lovely view across the Tay”.

Insert Image

A discussion at the annual meeting of the Brechin Diocesan Committee on the future of Forbes Court as the Bishops residence, is covered in the Broughty Ferry Guide of 9th February. One of the members of the Council, Rev C R Norfor appears critical of the cost of its upkeep. He is quoted as follows:

“That in view of the alleged unsatisfactory condition of the fabric of the Episcopal residence of the Diocese, the Standing Committee be requested to seek expert advice on the matter and to consider the possibility thereafter of providing a more central and convenient residence for the Bishop”

Photograph of the now retired Bishop Robberds from Christmas 1937, sent to one of his godchildren. He is pictured in his robes so presumably the photograph was taken before his retirement.

Insert Image

In the Dundee Courier of 10th March, there is mention that “Right Rev. Kenneth Mackenzie, Bishop of Brechin, has purchased Fairfield, the West Ferry residence of the late Mr. David P How”. Fairfield House is a substantial mansion house in Fairfield Road, very close to Forbescourt.

The Dundee Courier of 11th May 1942 carries a notice advising that “A Petition has been presented to the Court of Session (Petition Department) by the Right Reverend Kenneth Mackenzie, Bishop of Brechin, and others, Trustees for the Heritable Subjects now known as Forbescourt, Broughty Ferry, Angus, for authority to sell the said Heritable subjects”.

No evidence has been found to suggest that the house was ever put on the market at this point, nor that the purchase of Fairfield proceeded, as Bishop Mackenzie appears to have continued to live in Forbescourt until his retirement in October 1943.

Eric Graham is consecrated Bishop of Brechin on 2nd May 1944 at St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee. From his 1967 biography by his son-in-law, Robert Moltby, it would appear that Bishop Graham and his family were unable to move into Forbescourt immediately and were temporarily housed elsewhere.

Insert Image

Interestingly, after the Church sold Forbescourt (85 Dundee Road) in 1950 and the Bishop moved to nearby Rock Lodge (18 Dundee Road), his daughter Mary and her husband, Robert Maltby (Grahams’ Biographer) continued to live at the house until 1952.

Also included in the Electoral Registers was Cosmo S Graham, who lived at 85 Dundee Road until 1959. Although I can trace no evidence to support it, it would seem likely that Cosmo was related to Bishop Graham – possibly his son.

On 16th August, Walter Robberds dies. An Obituary is carried in September edition of The Glenalmond Chronicle, the school with which he had been associated for a great many years.

Insert Image 1

Insert Image 2

The Electoral Register for 1948 lists the following at 85 Dundee Road

Eric Graham

Phyllis Graham

Eileen M Greig

Joseph Greig

Jessie Smith

The Electoral Register records the following at 85 Dundee Road

Eric Graham

Phyllis Graham

Cosmo Graham

Reginald M Pitches

In the June 9th edition of the Arbroath Herald and Advertiser, there is a mention that “Rock Lodge, 18 Dundee Road, West Ferry, the home of the late Mr Arthur Cox, has been acquired as a residence for the Bishop of Brechin, Forbescourt, 85 Dundee Road.”

The Dundee Courier carries a notice in several of its August editions advising of the “Sale, by Public Roup on Tuesday August 29 1950, of 85 Dundee Road (formerly Forbescourt), containing 4 Public Rooms, 7 Bedrooms, Dressing Room, 2 Bathrooms, Kitchen Premises and Other Accommodation. Modern Central Heating Plant. Garage. The Ground extends to 2 acres and has an excellent situation with a southern exposure, overlooking the Tay estuary.

Entry, with vacant possession, at September 15, 1950. Upset price £2000.”

On Tuesday, August 29th, The Evening Telegraph, under the headline “Former Home Of Bishop Sold” carries the report;

“The house at 85 Dundee Road, Broughty Ferry, former residence of the Bishop of Brechin, may become a boarding-house. The former Forbescourt was sold by public group today for the upset price of £2000. Purchasers were Messrs C. Muszka, 15, Ash Street, and M. Lukasiewicz, 32 Elgin Street, both of whom served with the Polish Forces during the war and remained in Dundee on demobilisation.

Mr Muszka is a surveyor by profession, but in the meantime in partnership with his colleague as watchmakers. As yet they have no definite plans for the property, but have in mind the possibility of using it as a boarding-house once alterations have been carried out.

“It will require some planning first,” Mr Muszka said after the sale.

The house contains four public rooms, seven bedrooms, dressing-room, two bathrooms, kitchen premises, with modern central heating plant, and garage. Grounds extend to two acres and overlook the Tay estuary. Assessed rental is £150, and feu duty £29 12s 4d. The sale was conducted in the office of Messrs R. C. Thomson & Murdoch, C.A., 64 Reform Street and Mr R. G. MacLean was auctioneer.”

A few weeks later, on November 25th, The Broughty Ferry Guide and Carnoustie Gazette reports that: “Dundee Works Committee on Monday deferred a building licence application by Mrs Helen Reid to convert 85 Dundee Road, West Ferry (formerly Forbescourt, residence of the Bishop of Brechin), into four flats, three of which would be for letting. Estimated cost is £1440. Regarding applications for licences for work above £100, Convener Hossick told the Committee they had now only £2300 left of their quota for this year. Opportunity will be given for Mrs. Reid to submit a modified request at the next Committee meeting.”

This latest report suggests that Messrs Muszka & Lukasiewicz may have sold the property almost immediately after buying it. Or that Mrs Helen Reid was acting as their agent in the application.

The wording of the piece suggest that she was applying for a grant to convert the house, as opposed to submitting a Planning Application to have the work carried out at her own expense.

The Electoral Register for 1950 lists the following at 85 Dundee Road

Mary Holtby

Robert T Holtby

Jean Wilson

A handwritten note (see below) left by Ken Alexander, who bought the house in 1965 via his company, Invergowrie Properties Ltd, states that Mrs. Reid bought the property in 1950 for £2,000 and split it up into 4 Flats.

Insert Image

Mrs Reid sells Forbescourt to John G Douglas as an investment, for £4500

As per the note from Mr Alexander, John Douglas sells part of the grounds to a Dr. R G Mitchell for £190, as a plot to build one house. This house is called Beechcourt and to the west of Forbescourt. Presumably it was built in the late 1950’s/early 1960’s.

Insert Image

Photo passed on by Pam Alexander – according to Pam, the car (a Jaguar) was owned by Mr Douglas, so the picture possibly dates from late 1950’s/early 1960’s.

Note the main part of the house is unpainted at this point although instantly recognisable.

15th April, the House is sold by John G Douglas to Invergowrie Properties Ltd. (Ken Alexander) for £6,500. From discussions with Pam, the Alexanders lived in the top half of the property with the two flats on the ground floor being rented out.

Ordnance Survey Map from 1967 showing both Forbescourt (No. 85) and Beechcourt (No. 83)

Insert Image

Owners Ken & Pam Alexander (in red) with friend, outside the main entrance, July 1972. The original house has been painted its now familiar colour.

Insert Image

Insert Image

Forbes Court by Jenny Court, Edinburgh-based artist, commissioned by Garry & Joyce Morrison. The font used echoes the 1904 extension drawings.

Insert Image

In June, Ken Alexander passes away peacefully aged 100 at his bungalow (Forbesview) to the rear of Forbescourt. He owned the house from 1965 until building Forbesview in 1986.

Insert Image