The year was 1792. In France, the revolution was at it’s height and in the Place de la Greve, Madame la Guillotine did her bloody work. While the world looked the other way, many aristocrats were spirited away from under the very noses of the citizens of the revolution by a small band of Scottish sawmill workers.
These French noblesse were smuggled on to Fairlie, where they were given wood-related employment and a caravan to live in. This page is dedicated to the brave men who made up The League of the Sawmill Personnel, and their leader Sir Percy Blokeney, a man whose pluck and audacity were almost fabulous.
The passage of time means that they no longer have to rely on anonymity for safety, and by clicking on the image above, you can marvel at the proud, noble bearing and fine livery of this courageous band.
Ah, those halcyon days - the bonhomie and tranquility of it all. Back in the day, the personnel of the sawmill had hardly any worries in the world. Splash out on a new hat? Ask the miller's daughter to the village dance? Sign up for the Kings latest war in Europe?
Click on the image above and you can find out about the modern day decendents of these sepia ancestors.
