Jackie & Heath - The rich history of Graitney, including the village green, the weddings, and the 'Gretna Priests/Anvil Priests,' is documented at Ewarts Library in Dumfries. Heath dedicated several weeks to researching numerous books and land registers to compile the history presented below. His book, titled "The Great Story of Gretna," is available for purchase on Amazon.

Graitney and the village green - Graitney Green (now Gretna Green)

The name Graitney was used in church records until 1st February 1916 and thereafter the name Gretna was used. Graitney Parish Church.
In 1736 the Church was burned down, the thatched roof having been set alight by men shooting swallows. It is recorded that the bell from the burning church tower landed upright on top of the church wall. Many fine memorials were destroyed including one of the Rev. John Hamilton 'a noted Scottish Divine' who died in 1666.
Until the church was rebuilt the congregation worshipped in a tent made by John Forsyth at a cost of five pounds. A neighbouring barn served as a place of worship in the winter.

1693 - 1916 Graitney (Gretna)

The Graitney Estate was owned by the Johnstone family. In 1693, the Scottish Parliament authorised William Johnstone of Graitney to organize a weekly market on the village green, which led to the area being named Graitney Green (now known as Gretna Green).
Graitney Hall, later known as Gretna Hall, was constructed in 1700 by Colonel James Johnstone as a gift for his wife, Isabella.
By the mid-1700s, it had come into the possession of the Earl of Hopetoun, who transformed it into an inn.
The weekly markets and the elopement of couples from England seeking to marry made the area famous.
Adjacent to Graitney Hall were five small cottages, one of which was inhabited by Joseph Paisley, who performed marriage ceremonies in his cottage. He later moved to Springfield as it was closer to the border with England, and closer to the couples looking to get married.
Over time, the Graitney Hall changed hands among various families, including the Maxwells and Maitlands, until the estate was eventually subdivided into farms and sold.
Jim Jackson, an employee at Gretna Hall for many years, became known for conducting mock ceremonies for tourists and couples seeking a symbolic blessing 'over the Anvil' following their official marriage at the Gretna Registration Office.
Mike and Val Phillips also managed Gretna Hall for an extended period.

The Museum, Tom Little and his Blacksmith's Shop Inn

Headless Cross, located just a short walk up Graitney Loaning from the village green at Graitney Green (Gretna Green), was a crossroads where five old coaching roads met. In 1904, a nearby building was converted into a museum by Hugh Mackie, who named it The Old Blacksmith's Shop—this followed Tom Little's earlier naming of his marriage venue in Springfield as The Blacksmith's Shop Inn.

1760, Springfield, Maxwell Arms, Queens Head & the Gretna Priests

The village of Springfield was completed in 1791. It was closer to the England than Graitney. Springfield's position just over the border gave it an edge over its marriage rivals.

Thomas Little

Thomas Little was nicknamed 'Tom The Piper' for his skills on the bagpipes. Tom moved to Springfield from a small town in Cumbria and took out a public-house licence.

The Blacksmith's Shop Inn, Springfield

Tom required a name for his inn's sign. Earlier in life, he had apprenticed with a blacksmith, giving rise to the myth of the blacksmith. He named his inn 'The Blacksmith's Shop'. Weddings at his inn were conducted over an anvil, and at the conclusion of each ceremony, Tom would proclaim, "I hereby forge two lives together," followed by striking the anvil.

The Gretna Priests from 1730...

Joseph Paisley, born in 1733 in Annan, was both a fisherman and a tobacconist. During that era, the term "fisherman" often implied involvement in smuggling. He resided in one of the cottages at the bottom of Graitney Hall, where he officiated numerous wedding ceremonies. Later, he relocated to Springfield, living opposite the Queens Head Hotel, where he continued to perform marriages.

The Marriage Act of 1754 in England stated that couples had to be 21 years old and obtain parental consent to marry. In contrast, in Scotland, individuals could marry at 16 years of age. The officiants conducting these marriages came from diverse backgrounds.

the 'Priests' from 1730 to 1908...

Coulthard, Schoolmaster
Scott, Millwright
Major Gordon, Soldier
Joseph Paisley, Fisherman/Tobacconist
Johnstone, Ferryman
Brown, Shoemaker
David Lang, Pedlar
Robert Elliot, Post-boy
Andrew Elliot, Farm hand
John Linton, Butler at Graitney Hall
Linton, assistant and son of above
Tom Little, Beer shop keeper ' The Blacksmith's Shop Inn'
Simon Lang, Weaver
McQueen, Toll Keeper
Jardine, Decoy-Stonebreaker
Graham, Poacher
Ferguson, Inn Keeper
Beattie, Toll Keeper
Beattie, daughter of above who be disguied in male attire as his assistant
Gibson, protege of Linton and Railway Guard
Douglas, local dandie
Murray, Stonemason
Blythe, Fisherman
William Lang, weaver
Peter Dickson, Joiner
William McCartney, Shoemaker

David Lang

David Lang was born in 1755 and died in 1827.

Robert Elliot

Robert Elliot wed Joseph Paisley’s granddaughter, Ann Graham, in January 1811. Shortly after their marriage, Joseph Paisley passed away. Robert Elliot then served as a 'Priest' until his death in 1840.

Simon Lang

Simon Lang, the son of David Lang, was known by the nicknames 'Simmie' or 'Sim.' While working as a weaver in Springfield, he also served as a 'priest' from 1827 to 1872.

William Lang

William Lang, the son of Simon Lang, took on the role of a 'Priest' following his father's death in 1872. He is most commonly remembered in the local community for his role as a postman, a position he held until approximately eighteen months prior to his passing in 1896.

William Irving McCartney

In 1908, William Irving McCartney, a shoemaker, was one of the notable 'Priests' in the area. Despite the Marriage Act of 1856, which led to a significant decline in wedding ceremonies, couples continued to visit the area for marriages. Along with Peter Dickson, a joiner, William McCartney performed these ceremonies at the Queens Head Hotel in Springfield.

Thomas Johnstone

Thomas Johnstone also served as a 'Priest' starting in 1909.

David Ramsey MacIntosh

Priest at Gretna Hall from 1938. During his career David was rivalled by Richard Rennison, who perfromed wedding ceremonies at the museum at Headless Cross. Rennison was from Bedlington, Northumberland performed ceremonies from 1926 to 1940.

Prince Charlie's Cottage

Prince Charlie's Cottage, located next to the parish church, is among the oldest structures in the area. During their retreat from England in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie's army passed through Graitney. Prince Charlie himself stayed overnight in the cottage.

Graitney Loaning ( Now Gretna Loaning)

Graitney Loaning.

A four-minute walk up Graitney Loaning to Headless Cross leads to the row of cottages at Sarkside, where Henry's shop is situated in the centre.

Free Church

The Free Church was opened by Thomas McKie Esq. 26th September 1894.

The Maxwell Arms Inn, Springfield

The Maxwell Arms Inn, the prominent building on the right-hand side, served as a venue for marriages. It was named in honour of Sir William Maxwell, who finished constructing the village in 1791.

The Queens Head Hotel, Springfield

Built in 1760, the Queens Head Hotel was located further down the village, nearer to the England border. This positioning made it more attractive to eloping couples.

Gretna Registration Office 1962

The Gretna Registration Office has moved locations several times. In 1962, it was situated in what is now the far right-hand corner of the North Car Park at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.

Registrars from 1855 to 1990

William Duff 1855 to 1876
Francis Kerr 1877 to 1893
JH Lamont 1894 to 1909
A Kirkpatrick 1910 to 1929
JW Bryson 1930 to 1958
Robert Hastings 1959 to 1971, Assistant Pat Bryden
Pat Bryden 1971 to 1990

Gretna Registration Office 1982

In 1986, the Gretna Registration Office was a multifunctional facility where one could get married, pay council house rent, or attend a dental appointment, as a dentist also operated out of a room in the small building.

Pat Bryden MBE

In this 1986 photo, Pat Bryden is shown during her tenure as Gretna Registrar, where she married over 10,000 couples. She was awarded an MBE in 1990 for her services.

Mike & Valerie Phillips, Gretna Hall Hotel 1973 to 2006

Mike began working at Gretna Hall in 1973 and Val started in 1974; they got married in 1975. For many years, they managed the Gretna Hall Hotel, overseeing weddings, coach tours, and contributing significantly to the local community.

Jim Jackson

Jim Jackson was employed at Gretna Hall Hotel for many years. He was well-acquainted with the genuine history of the area, including details about weddings, Springfield, and the 'Priests'.

ChatGPT Gretna Green

Simple Planning Steps

Heath Hampson & Jackie Hampson started helping couples plan their wedding day in Gretna Green in 1998, that's 26 years ago!

Having assisted over 10,000 couples, their guide can help you too, keeping things simple.

Here are some simple steps to help you plan your wedding day!
1. Select a Date: Decide on the day you would like to get married.
2. Choose a Venue:
3. Contact the Venue: Check for availability on your selected date and enquire about costs.
4. Legal Requirements: Contact Gretna Registration Office for the legal requirement. If you are getting married outside Gretna ask your chosen venue which Registration Office you have to contact for the legal requirements.
5. Wedding Ceremony: Decide if you want a Registrar, Minister or a Humanist to perform the ceremony.
6. Wedding Dress: Choose what you want to wear. It’s your special day, so wear what makes you feel comfortable; not all brides wear a white dress.
7. Flowers: Decide if you want a bouquet and a buttonhole for the groom. Contact a florist to discuss the types of flowers and arrangements you want.
8. Transport: Plan how you will travel to the wedding venue. Wedding Car, Horse & Carriage, Local Taxi, etc.
9. Photographer: Decide if you want a photographer and a videographer to capture your wedding day.
10. Wedding Cake: Do you want a wedding cake? If yes, contact a wedding cake supplier. You might also consider having cupcakes.
11. Entertainment: Choose the entertainment for your reception, such as a Mobile DJ, a live band, you can give them your own playlist.
Other things to consider: Budget, Guest List, Invitations, Catering, Venue Decorations, Favors.
Remember to enjoy the planning process. It’s a special time, enjoy the journey and plan your wedding together, make it fun!

Heath & Jackie have helped over 10,000 couples plan their wedding day, I hope these steps have helped you in some way. Use the suppliers on GretnaGreen.ai to plan your wedding day.