Dragons, Kilts and a Grand Honour

In 1835 3 brothers left the Lanarkshire area of Scotland and settled in the Limehouse area in north Halton. As most people coming to Canada at that time, and many immigrants since, they came seeking a new life and a chance to have opportunities not afforded them in there birthplace.
The three brothers were Thomas (who had 200 acres in the 4th line Glen Lawson Road Area), James (Farmland near present day Erin) and Robert who had 50 acres in Esquesing Township. Robert was my great great grandfather.
Recognizing the need for a church, a group gathered at the home of Thomas in the early 1850’s to discuss the building of a church to serve the needs of the Limehouse area. That church opened a couple of years later, debt free and originally served three denominations. It continues to serve the community today as Limehouse Presbyterian Church.
Growing up I had heard the story that a Somerville had slain the last dragon in Scotland. I had a coworker tell me that the Somerville crest must have a dragon on it as such a event would be marked by a special crest and kilt. It was always difficult to find anything until the advent of the internet. Then I could find the kilt, history and Somervilles around the world.


Now a bit about the Linton Worm… This is from a piece called “Scottish Monsters” and talks of the Linton Worm…
“ A Scots laird, John de Somerville heard of the worm and decided to go see for himself. From a safe distance he observed the creature, noticing how it would crawl halfway from its lair and stand watching, its mouth wide open while it observed those who came near. This gave the enterprising laird an idea. He returned and ordered the production of a unique lance from a local blacksmith.
Somerville returned to the lair with his special lance. On the end he placed a large lump of peat covered in tar which was set alight. For some time he had practiced charging with the burning lance so his horse would get used to the smoke blowing in its face. Now came the time to strike. He rode up to the worm who predictable opened its huge mouth. Somerville plunged the lance deep into the creatures throat.
The Worm writhed in agony, the marks of it's death throws are said to be still visible in the undulations of the hills around the lair (now known as Wormington). eventually the creature brought down the roof of the cave in which it had lived and (conveniently for all the story tellers) disappeared without a trace.
As a reward for his bravery Somerville was knighted and made a royal Falconer, he also became the first Baron of Lintoune. In commemoration of the event the crest of the Somerville's was a dragon perched on a wheel.“
This weekend I have the honour of being the Honorary grand Chieftain at the Halton Peel Highland Games
http://www.georgetownhighlandgames.com/index.php?title=Main_Page being held in Georgetown. I was asked last year if I would do the honour. I am especially pleased that Somervilles from all over are going to be in attendance. My Mother, Aunts Uncles cousins, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and a whole bunch of Somervilles who are related we just do not know how! Should be a good Caleigh! There are 36 bands booked and hopefully the weather is more Canadian then Scottish! This is the 35th year of the games and the organisers deserve lots of credit for there hard work and dedication in bringing this to Halton Hills for all these years.
I will write more and have loads of pictures after tomorrow! See you there!