University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Scope and Contents "This man and his wife are most peculiar, do not get on with anybody, peer round the curtain to see who is at the door. One of them is always ill. House dirty. Nurse: The husband is not so bad as the wife - she is not fit to do much and is very queer. She is his second wife; there are no children. They own the house. [Male informant] says this is a very intellgent man, a miner who went to university. PAO: A cantankerous old man who is at loggerheads with everybody. Convicted of assaulting...

Scope and Contents

'This man is senile and dying, has been bedridden for over a year. Was a domestic tyrant. Inspector - cantankerous old devil, domineering. Two of the daughters are bitches. Nurse says he has had a stroke several years ago and has been difficult ever since. Dr confirms - was always taciturn.'

Scope and Contents

"This old woman used to be a sort of tinker. Condemned house, two rooms for 2. Temper - knocked her daughter about. County cottage, no conveniences. PAO: "A cantankerous din-raising old madam." Looks all right but you would not trust her."

Scope and Contents

"This is a peculiar sort of man, hasn't worked since 1920, always has something wrong with him - if he hasn't a sore back he has a sore head. He spends most of the day standing at the door looking out, but never goes out. Will talk to people at the door. [Male informant] thinks he is OK but lazy. Dr confirms that this man should be in the CR, is senile, swears and gets violent, wife hysterical with fear."