In The Tracks of Mortality

Thursday 18th May 2017

Summary of the Talk:

This talk explores the life and legacy of Robert Paterson, also known as Old Mortality, a Scottish stonemason who gained fame for carving gravestones, particularly for the Covenanters—a group of Presbyterians who resisted the Crown during the 17th century. Paterson’s work inspired Sir Walter Scott’s novel Old Mortality, although much of the novel was fictionalized. The talk traces Paterson’s life from his origins in Hawick, his apprenticeship as a stonemason, to his travels across Dumfries and Galloway carving gravestones and memorials for those who had died in the Covenanter conflicts.

While Joseph Train, a contemporary of Paterson, embellished his story with dramatic details of religious fervour and martyrdom, there is evidence suggesting that Paterson’s motivations were more practical and commercial. His decision to become an itinerant stone carver may have been more about pursuing business opportunities than religious zeal. The talk sheds light on the myth-making around Paterson, especially through the works of Scott and Train, and challenges these with a more nuanced view of his life and motivations.

Interesting Points:

1. Historical Inaccuracy in Scott’s Depiction: Sir Walter Scott’s Old Mortality blended fact and fiction, using Paterson’s real-life work as the inspiration for a fictionalized character. Scott's depiction of meeting Old Mortality in Dunnotar is an example of artistic license.
2. Joseph Train’s Role: Joseph Train’s contributions to the popular myth of Old Mortality were highly influential. He combined fact with embellishment in his accounts, which Scott incorporated into his work. Despite Train's dramatic storytelling, some details, such as the exact circumstances of Paterson’s death, were falsified.
3. Paterson’s Commercial Motivation: While Paterson became associated with the Covenanting movement, there is evidence suggesting that his travels and gravestone carvings were primarily motivated by commercial interests. He worked in regions with high demand for gravestones, particularly those of Covenanters, as these stones were becoming increasingly popular in the 18th century.
4. Legacy and Memorials: Despite Paterson’s somewhat eccentric life, his work left a lasting legacy in Scottish cemeteries. Many gravestones in the region carry his signature style of lettering and decoration, particularly those marking the graves of Covenanter martyrs.
5. Final Years and Death: Paterson died in 1801, and there is a poignant contrast between the romanticized account of his death presented by Train and the more mundane truth of his final days. He passed away in relative obscurity, with his family unaware of his death until much later. His memorial in Bankend was erected years after his death, thanks in part to Scott’s efforts.



This talk provides a detailed historical exploration of Robert Paterson's life, revealing the tensions between myth and reality, and offering a more grounded understanding of his motivations and legacy.