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 Addresses

The following private or business addresses are associated with this :
 AddressTypeDate fromDate toNotes
Item 1 of 2Castlehill, Aberdeen, ScotlandBusiness1790s Massie's yard
Item 2 of 2Union Street, Aberdeen, ScotlandPrivate1807  

Employment and Training

Employees or Pupils

The following individuals were employed or trained by this (click on an item to view details):
 NameDate fromDate toPositionNotes
Item 1 of 1Archibald Simpson  Apprentice 

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 7c. 1786House, Belmont Street  AberdeenScotland 
Item 2 of 71790Castle Fraser  AberdeenshireScotlandEmployed to overhaul the roofs.
Item 3 of 71798Glenmuick Parish ChurchBallater AberdeenshireScotland 
Item 4 of 71803St Peter's RC Church  AberdeenScotland 
Item 5 of 71807Kemnay HouseKemnay AberdeenshireScotlandInterior alterations and plasterwork and fireplaces
Item 6 of 71807Nether Banchory SchoolBanchory Aberdeenshire/KincardineshireScotland 
Item 7 of 71815House of FetternearFetternear AberdeenshireScotlandReputedly designed by Massie

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Colvin, Howard2008A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 London: YUP. 4th editionInformation per David Walker

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 3Aberdeen Journal4 January 1807   
Item 2 of 3Caledonian Mercury22 June 1811   
Item 3 of 3Caledonian Mercury1 February 1813