Gretna Green. A Romatic History

For nearly two hundred and fifty years that small village just over the border in south-west Scotland has captured the attention and imagination of journalists and romantics everywhere. Many has been the time when the nation held its breath and silently cheered-on a young couple racing to Gretna Green to marry, with an irate and outraged father in hot pursuit. Will love triumph? The stories of eloping lovers come from all walks of life, and from all parts of Britain, Europe and indeed the world. In 1782, Sarah Anne Child, the immensely wealthy heiress of Childs Bank, eloped with John Fane, Earl of Westmorland, with her furious parents close behind. Edward Gibbon Wakefield abducted fifteen-year-old Ellen Turner and huntsman John Peel married his 'bonny Mary White'. Chancellors, MPs, princes, artistocrats, the famous and the not-so-famous travelled to Gretna to plight their troth and defy convention and authority. There were charlatans and scoundrels, bigamists and outlandish characters, but nothing can obscure the true spirit of love and romance which has highlighted the village right through time to the present day. With a sparkling blend of fascinating history and heart-rending anecdotes, Olga Sinclair recreates the exciting and sometimes tragic stories of runaway romance that will delight lovers the world over. Illustrated. Very slight shelf wear to top edge of D/J. …