Basic Biographical Details Name: | James Massie | Designation: | | Born: | c. 1744 | Died: | 10 June 1811 | Bio Notes: | James Massie was born about 1844. He practised as a builder/architect in Aberdeen. He was employed to overhaul the roofs of Castle Fraser in 1790-91 and he designed various other buildings. In 1807 the materials of a house in Union Street, in which Massie was living but which must have been due for demolition, were advertised for sale.
Archibald Simpson worked in his office before 1810. Massie died on 10 June 1811 (Colvin gives 11 June 1811).
Massie left a considerble sum of money at his death (£20,000). He had no family of his own and he bequeathed it to his brother's children (his brother also having died) of which there were a number. Both Massie and his brother were Roman Catholics. On the other hand his brother's widow was Protestant and she had every intention of raising her children as such. The case was taken to court. The two sides presented their arguments at length: whether or not Catholic Trustees be appointed to guide the children in their upbringing and education or whether his brother's widow should administer the money and bring her children up in her own faith. The court decreed the latter was appropriate. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | Castlehill, Aberdeen, Scotland | Business | 1790s | | Massie's yard | | Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland | Private | 1807 | | |
Employment and TrainingEmployees or PupilsThe following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details): | | Name | Date from | Date to | Position | Notes | | Archibald Simpson | | | Apprentice | |
Buildings and DesignsThis was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | | c. 1786 | House, Belmont Street | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | | 1790 | Castle Fraser | | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Employed to overhaul the roofs. | | 1798 | Glenmuick Parish Church | Ballater | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | | | 1803 | St Peter's RC Church | | | Aberdeen | Scotland | | | 1807 | Kemnay House | Kemnay | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Interior alterations and plasterwork and fireplaces | | 1807 | Nether Banchory School | Banchory | | Aberdeenshire/Kincardineshire | Scotland | | | 1815 | House of Fetternear | Fetternear | | Aberdeenshire | Scotland | Reputedly designed by Massie |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | Colvin, Howard | 2008 | A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 | | London: YUP. 4th edition | Information per David Walker |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Aberdeen Journal | 4 January 1807 | | | | | Caledonian Mercury | 22 June 1811 | | | | | Caledonian Mercury | 1 February 1813 | | | |
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