THE QUEEN'S ANCESTOR BURNED AS A WITCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 153, 26 December 1936, Page 19

THE QUEEN'S ANCESTOR BURNED AS A WITCH

When Queen Elizabeth was presented with the freedom of the City of Edinburgh at Usher Hall recently, she said that it linked her more closely, if that were possible, to her native land (says the "Daily Telegraph"). .-. ■■

It was the first speech of any length that-she had made in-Scotland. -She was loudly cheered as she signed the historic burgess roll. ,; .

"The honour conferred on me today ■by ..the Town Council of Edinburgh," she said, "is one which I deeply appreciate, both as a Scots woman and as one who has always loved the history and beauty of the capital of Scotland.

"Most of the great events in Scottish history have had their beginning or their end in this ancient city. In giving- me its freedom I feel you are enabling me to enter more deeply into the heritage of romance and heroism that clings to the very stones of the High Street and its surroundings.

"I can assure you that everything connected with-Scotland—its beauty, traditions, and songs—is very dear to me. I can assure you that anything that promotes the welfare and happiness of my fellow-citizens- will always be very near my heart."

Lord Provost Gumley, who presided, referred to the fact that the Queen's

ancestress, the Avidow of the- sixth Lord Glamis, was burned as a witch in Edinburgh in 1537 by the order of King James V. '

"Now at this stage." said Lord Provost Gumley, "we are endeavouring to make some reparation, perhaps a little late, for that action of.our ancestral city rulers."' '. .":

The welfare of the sick had always been one.of the main interests of her life. It was a gracious'gesture that she made, when after laying the foundation-stone, of the Hospital for Crippled Children in Edinburgh, she consented to it being named after.her daughter, Princess Margaret Rose.

Lord Provost Gumley concluded: "Beloved Duchess (as she was then), daughter of our northern land, gracious servant of the State, Ambassadress of Empire, devoted wife and mother, we salute you and ask you to accept'this honour which you have so well earned, and which we so gladly confer." .

The Duke, of York, himself a Freeman of the city, attended, the ceremony. Others present,. included Lord and Lady Elphinstone, the Duke and Duchess's hosts at Carberry Tower, and the Hon. Elizabeth Elphinstone; the Earl of Cassillis, the Countess of Stair, the Countess of Elgin, Countess Haig, Lord Polwarth, and Lady Colquhoun. ;