Wednesday 27 September 2006

Drugsbaron


A memorial to a drugsbaron was inaugurated in Stornoway today, after an extensive refurbishment. Those arriving into Stornoway by ferry may be familiar with the monument, which stands on a hill overlooking the harbour.

It was erected by the wife of Sir James Matheson (1796 - 1878) in his memory. The inaugural ceremony was attended by representatives of the Matheson Clan and from the Jardine-Matheson company, co-founded by James Matheson in the 1820s.

Sir James Matheson made his fortune in the opiumtrade, and could arguably be referred to as a drugsbaron. This may well elicit a few gasps of horror in certain circles, but it should be born in mind that Great Britain went to war to protect its interests in said opiumtrade. At the end of the Opiumwars, Hong Kong was occupied by Britain, only to be ceded back to the People's Republic of China in 1997.

Matheson meanwhile returned to Scotland in 1842 and purchased the Isle of Lewis. For his efforts to alleviate the effects of the potato famine (1846/7) in Lewis, he was awarded a baronetcy in 1851.

Matheson was also responsible for clearing the inhabitants of 36 villages in southeastern Lewis from the district of Eishken, repopulating them with sheep. Hmm. Was shunting people off the land the underlying reason for him being awarded the title? I'm being very nasty here, actually.
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10 comments:

  1. Anonymous27 September 2006 at 17:15

    Well this is certainly interesting, guess everyone heard of the Opim Wars & occupation of Hong Kong.  I dont know if much has changed since 1997 from what I've read.  But this man certainly deserves such a beautiful a memorial for his generous efforts.  Does his family still own the Isle of Lewis?  Everything there seems so pristine.  CATHY

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  2. Anonymous27 September 2006 at 20:02

    I must admit at first I wondered who would put up a memorial to a drugs baron, then of course I read the story and I can see why.  A beautiful memorial it is too. :o)

    Sandra xxxx

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  3. Anonymous28 September 2006 at 16:08

    What a beautiful memorial.  I enjoy your tales of history.  You are a good story teller Guido.  
    You live in a beautiful land.  
    Pam

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  4. Anonymous28 September 2006 at 22:25

    wow! what a shocking tale Guido! very good!
    natalie

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  5. Anonymous28 September 2006 at 22:27

    A really great story Guido!
    hugs,natalie

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  6. Anonymous29 September 2006 at 05:26

    He is like a historical drug warlord.......-Raven

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  7. Anonymous1 October 2006 at 04:20

    I suppose alleviating the effects of the potato famine was a good thing and deserving of recognition.  But then putting all those people off their lands seems to have negated that, doesn't it?
    Lori

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  8. Anonymous3 October 2006 at 21:10

    Hmmm... interesting indeed... but then again - look at our country and Columbus!  Most US citizens have no idea what he and his men did to the indegenous people when he 'explored'.

    be well,
    Dawn

    http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/

    ps... great entry for CarnivAOL

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  9. Anonymous5 October 2006 at 05:51

    dear Guido, hi!
    this story is stillw eird the second time around! lol!
    hugs,natalie

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  10. Anonymous5 October 2006 at 07:32

    Very interesting story ... and a lovely pic.   Tina http://journals.aol.com/onemoretina/Ridealongwithme

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