1700 to 1799

City Improvements

During the 18th century life became more pleasant with substantial improvements in the town’s amenities. Priority was given to water supply described as ‘filthillie defyllit and corruptit’, and in 1706 pure water was brought in lead pipes from Carden’s Well. It was distributed through various cistern wells of which the most famous is that in the Castlegate surmounted by the ‘Mannie’. – image

In 1721 a Fire Brigade was appointed, with a fire-engine purchased from London for £60. About this time two rape-oil street lamps appeared, casting a somewhat feeble glow in the main streets.

Symptomatic of a new desire for elegance and refinement was the town’s appointment of a dancing master in 1720, and in 1747 the Magistrates were fortunate in securing the services of the famous Francis Peacock . With the growth of social life came transport in the form of the sedan chair, and the Shore Porters found it profitable to provide a fleet of them for hire.

Jacobites

The Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 caused some excitement. On both occasions James VIII was pro-claimed at the Market Cross and a Jacobite Provost and Council were briefly in control. During the pursuit of the Young Pretender, the Duke of Cumberland spent six days in Aberdeen and was made a Freeman. Enthusiasm for the Stuarts waned and the magistrates turned with relief to more practical affairs.

Elegance

In 1750 a new Town Hall was built, elegantly furnished with a marble fireplace from Holland and a set of fine crystal chandeliers and sconces. The latter are still an impressive feature in the Town House.

In 1743 the Council resolved that the Provost should wear a black velvet suit ‘mounted with a gold button or not as the Provost of the time should incline’. However, no action seems to have been taken on this. In 1760, a gold chain of office was provided for the Provost, this was in use until 1899, when the present set for the was gifted by Lord Provost Fleming. Red fur trimmed gowns of the Provost and Baillies were introduced in 1886.

Indian Peter

In 1758 great indignation was aroused when a pamphlet revealed that Magistrates and officials were involved in a scandal which involved encouraging boys to sign themselves away as indentured labourers until the age of 21. More than 600 victims had been shipped from this area to the American plantations some previously confined to a house in the Green. The author of the pamphlet, Peter Williamson, was charged with libel, condemned and imprisoned and the offending pamphlet burned at the Cross. ‘Indian Peter’ however, took the matter to the High Court in Edinburgh and was awarded substantial damages.

Social Services

This century also saw the beginnings of social services for the Infirmary at Woolmanhill that was opened in 1742 and the Lunatic Asylum in 1779. By the Aberdeen Police Act of 1795 the Police Commissioners took over responsibility for ‘paving, lighting, cleansing and other improvements’.