Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Highland Perthshire, Blair Atholl is a captivating village that enchants visitors with its charm and rich history. At the heart of this vibrant community stands Blair Castle, a stunning masterpiece of Scottish Baronial architecture, characterised by its striking turrets, grand staircases, and intricate stonework. As the seat of the Dukedom of Atholl, one of the oldest noble titles in Scotland, the castle is steeped in a legacy that echoes through the ages. Adding to its allure, Blair Castle is also the proud home of the Atholl Highlanders, who represent the last private army in Europe, embodying a spirit of tradition and pride that is deeply woven into the fabric of the village.
Blair Atholl Parish Church, in contrast to the grandeur of Blair Castle, is a modest yet charming building dating back to the 1820s. The churchyard surrounding it is the resting place of fourteen-year-old Martha Eddleson. She is buried alone, with her grave marked by a large headstone adorned with floral carvings. Although it has weathered significantly over time, the inscription remains legible. Martha died at Pittagowan, Blair Atholl, on October 14, after battling influenza for nearly two weeks and ultimately succumbing to pneumonia.
Martha was not originally from Blair Atholl. She was born on April 17, 1904, at 55 Philip Street, Hebburn on Tyne. She was the eldest daughter of Robert, a grease works laborer, and Sarah (née Cheetham).
There is limited information available about her sadly short life. The only census taken during her lifetime was the 1911 Census. At that time, six-year-old Martha was visiting 1 Cedar Road, Fulham, along with her parents and her one-year-old sister, Olive.
I believe the family relocated to Blair Atholl after Robert accepted a job on the Duke of Atholl’s estate. On Martha’s death registration, his occupation is listed as “wood contractor.”
Martha’s obituary was published in the Dundee Courier on Thursday, October 17th. Her funeral took place on the following Friday.
The family left Blair Atholl after Martha’s death and returned to England. Robert passed away on March 13, 1956, in South Shields.
Sources: Ancestry, British Newspaper Archive, Find a Grave, General Register Office, Scotland’s People.
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