TRUE STORY OF ANNIE LAURIE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 9 December 1927, Page 9

TRUE STORY OF ANNIE LAURIE

HEROINE OF THE FAMOUS SONG-

Most young people suppose “Annie Laurie’’ to bo a creation of the song writer’s fancy or prehaps some Scot tish peasant girl like Highland Mary and most of the heroines of Robert Burns. In either case they are mistaken—Annie Laurio “was born in the purple” so to speak at Maxwelltown House, in the beautiful Glen of Cairn—Glencairn. Her home was in the heart of the most pastoraily lovely of the Scottish shires —that of Dumfries.

Annie Laurie born on December 16. 1682. was the daughter of Sir Robert Laurie, first baronet, and her mother was Jean Biddell. She was baptised by the Bav. George Hunter, minister of Glencairn. Maxwelltown House was originally the castle of the Earls of Glencairn, and was bought in the year 1611 by Stephen Laurie, rhe founder of the Laurio family. When in her twenty-eighth year. Annie married Alexander Ferguson, of Craigdarroch. The present proprietor of Craigdarroch is Captain Robert Ferguson, of the fourth generation in direct descent from Annie Laurie. The present proprietor of Maxwelltown House is Sir Emilius Laurie, formerly rector of St. John’s. Paddington He is a descendant of Sir Walter, third baronet and brother of Annie.

The original song was as follows: — Maxwellton's braes are bonnle, The’re a’ clad oure wi’ dew. Where me and Annie Laurie Made up the bargain true. Made up the bargain true, Whica na’er forgot a’ all be. An’ for bounie Annie Laurie I’de lay me down an’ dec.

She’s backit like the peacock. She’s bristit like the swan, She’s jlm£ about the middle. Her waist ye weel micht span. Her waist ye wcel micht span,' And she has a rollin’ e’e. Oh! for bonnie Annie Laurie, I’de lay me down an’ dee.

Like dew on the gowan lying, Is the fa’ o’ her fairy feet; Like summer breezes sighing. Her voice is low and sweet

Her voice is Tow and sweet An’ she’s o’ the world to me An’ for bonnie Annie Laurie I'de iay me down an’ dee.

The song was written by Douglas of Fingland, who was jilted by Annie Laurie, two hundred odd years ago. Annie’s hair was dark brown, she had full, dark, deep, hazel eyes. Her nose was long uJ straight and her under lip was full, she was demure of expression, but there lurked the mischievous spirit which wrought much havoc with the heart of the Douglas. The above extracts were taken from family records in the possession of a Dunedin citizen who is a direct descendant of the gifted song writer (states the Otago “Daily Times.”)