Ratho, Midlothian, Scotland Genealogy

Parish #698

This is a guide to the history and major genealogical records of Scotland as they pertain to the parish of Ratho. To learn more about how to use these records to search for your ancestors, go to the Scotland: Research Strategies.

= History =

The name of this parish is of British origin, being derived from the word Rhath, plural is Rathau which signifies a cleared spot, a bared place or plain. The parish registers begin in 1692 but have not be regularly kept and regularly. The population in 1792 was 825, and in 1838 it was 1454. The land is used primarily for wheat, rye-grass, sheep, cattle, potatoes, turnips, oats, and barley. There are two villiages in the parish, Ratho and Bonnington. The nearest market town is Edinburgh. There are 1286 people in the parish that belong to the Established Church, and 132 Seceders, 17 are Episcopalians, and 19 are Roman Catholics.

This account was written in 1839.

Source:New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 1)

The New Statistical Account of Scotland (pub. 1834-45) offers uniquely rich and detailed parish reports for the whole of Scotland, covering a vast range of topics including history, agriculture, education, trades, religion and social customs. The reports, written by the parish ministers, are available online at http://edina.ac.uk/stat-acc-scot/. Click on ‘Browse scanned pages’ then search the parish reports for your parish of interest. Also available at the Family History Library.

Condition of Original Registers—
Index: For an index to these records, see the Scottish Church Records Index on computer at the Family History Library and family history centers. Some records may be indexed in the International Genealogical Indes. Births: The record prior to 1689 is a copy. There are no entries March 1689–August 1738. An entry for April 28, 1788 is pasted on a page of the register. Mothers’ names not recorded until March 1685. Marriages: The register is described as one of marriages, but the entries record the proclamations only. Deaths: Record is transcribed entries of Mortcloth Dues. Source: Key to the Parochial Registers of Scotland, by V. Ben Bloxham, pub. 1970. British Book 941 K23b.

Established Church—Kirk Session Records
Minutes 1682–1947 Accounts 1692–1722, 1760–1786, 1844–1854 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH2/309.

Ratho and Kirknewton Free Church
History— The ministers of the two parishes, Ratho and Kirknewton remained in the Established Church at the Disruption. For the people adhering to the Free Church services in each parish were at first provided. Later the two were combined and a church erected of Wilkieston on the Edinburgh mid Calder Road, midway between the two parish churches. Membership: 1845, 110; 1900, 163. Source: Annals of the Free Church of Scotland, 1843–1900, ed. Rev. William Ewing, D.D., 2 vols. pub. 1914. FHL Film #918572. More details may be given in the source including ministers.

Records— Session Minutes 1845–1969 Deacons Court Minutes 1845–1969 Note: Available at the National Archives of Scotland, Edinburgh, record CH3/268.

Dalmahoy Episcopalian Chapel
History— Dalmahoy Estate was owned by the Earl of Morton whose family was Episcopalian. The chapel was a part of the estate.

Records— Christenings, Marriages, and Burials 1851–1854 Note: Records may be available by writing to: Scottish Episcopal Church Dalmahoy, St Marys Kirknewton EH27 8EB Scotland

St. Cuthbert’s Parish
See after Edinburgh

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