Latest Posts
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Parking System Changes
19 January 2023
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Winter Opening Hours
14 December 2022
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News
Parking System Changes
19 January 2023
The car parking system is changing at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, near Melrose after the contract with our current car park management provider is ended.Read On
Winter Opening Hours
14 December 2022
Abbotsford's opening dates and times over January and February.Read On
Sir Walter Scott and A Christmas Carol: Six Degrees of Separation?
13 December 2022
Collections and Interpretation Manager, Kirsty Archer Thompson, discusses the connection between Sir Walter Scott and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.Read On
The Blavatnik Honresfield Library: The Voyage Home Part I
21 September 2022
Collections and Interpretation Manager Kirsty discusses the exciting aquisition of the Blavatnik Honresfield Library by a consortium of libraries, literary organisations and museums including Abbotsford.Read On
HM The Queen 1926- 2022
09 September 2022
The Abbotsford Trust’s trustees, staff and volunteers are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.Read On
The Abbotsford Pavilion Restoration Project
16 August 2022
Collections and Interpretation Manager, Kirsty Archer- Thompson, discusses the 2022 restoration of Sir Walter Scott's pavilion glass house.Read On
Spring 2022 in Abbotsford's Gardens
20 June 2022
Head Gardener Tim discusses what's new in the Abbotsford gardens this Spring.Read On
Birds of a Feather? Walter Scott and John James Audubon
05 May 2022
Abbotsford's Collections and Interpretation Manager, Kirsty Archer- Thompson, explores Sir Walter Scott's connection to artist, naturalist, and ornithologist John James Audobon.Read On
Discover Edie Ochiltree
28 April 2022
Discover the story of our estate statue of the wandering beggar (or gaberlunzie in Scots), Edie Ochiltree, one of Walter Scott’s most beloved literary creations.Read On
Mental Health and Wellbeing THRIVES at Abbotsford
08 April 2022
A new pilot project at Abbotsford is supporting local people who have been affected by the pandemic.Read On
Abbotsford to Introduce Car Park Charges
10 March 2022
Abbotsford will be introducing modest car parking charges this Autumn to help cope with financial losses after the Covid pandemic.Read On
Whisky Traditions at Abbotsford
15 February 2022
Sir Walter Scott was a great lover of whisky. The quote “I wish for a sheep's head and a whisky toddy against all the Champagne in the world”, taken from his personal journal, showcases his fondness of the drink. Walter Scott is thought to be the very first novelist to mention specific Scotch whisky distilleries in his work.Read On
Autumn and Winter in the Abbotsford Gardens
28 December 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, Head Gardener Tim looks back on the last few months of the year in the Abbotsford gardens, and discusses the work that will continue into 2022.Read On
Saved for the Nation: Scottish Institutions Celebrate Appeal Success
16 December 2021
The Scottish members of a consortium set up to save a unique collection of literature for the nation have welcomed the news that its international appeal has reached its target of £15 million.Read On
Experience the benefits of slow travel at Abbotsford
07 December 2021
So often, we find ourselves coming back from overseas trips and staycations feeling more tired than before we even left. Here at Abbotsford, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, we are absolutely spoiled for a choice of locations to unwind in, and we want to encourage guests to participate in the latest travel trend: slow travel.Read On
Abbotsford extends season to celebrate Christmas in Sir Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary year
11 November 2021
One of the Scottish Borders’ most popular visitor attractions is extending its season into December for the second year running to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
Book Now for Half Price Tickets to Abbotsford
08 November 2021
Thanks to Visit Scotland's Great Days Out in Scotland scheme we're offering 50% off entry to our House, Chapel and Gardens while offer lasts/Read On
New Ceramics Range for Sir Walter Scott's 250th Birthday Anniversary
01 October 2021
A talented ceramist from the Scottish Borders, Belinda Glennon, was commissioned by Abbotsford to create a range of ceramics for Sir Walter Scott’s 250th birthday anniversary.Read On
Defibrillator Installed at Abbotsford after Friends' Campaign
30 September 2021
A defibrillator has been installed at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott near Melrose, after a successful fundraising campaign led by the Friends of Abbotsford.Read On
Help us restore the historic heart of Scott’s gardens
14 September 2021
To mark Sir Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary, we want to restore Scott’s Pavilion and Furnace House, and bring a fresh lease of life to one of Abbotsford’s most historically significant buildings.Read On
September in the Abbotsford Gardens
11 September 2021
As we come into Autumn, Head Gardener Tim talks through what’s been happening in the Abbotsford gardens.Read On
Sir Walter Scott anniversary helps Abbotsford
25 August 2021
The Abbotsford Trust, which manages the legacy of Sir Walter Scott and his 200-year-old estate in the Scottish Borders, has this week (Tuesday Aug 17th) announced its financial results for 2020. It shows a year in which trading revenues were significantly depressed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but with the immediate future secured by substantial grant support to see the Trust into early 2021 and the 250th anniversary year of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
ScottFest 2021: New Annual Festival Inspired by Legendary Scottish Author
13 July 2021
Scotland’s fascinating history, stimulating literature and vibrant culture will be celebrated every year with ScottFest, a major new annual festival inspired by the life and works of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
Mindfulness Garden Project at Abbotsford
12 July 2021
Head Gardener Tim talks about his Mindfulness Garden project for Sir Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary.Read On
RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR ABBOTSFORD
14 June 2021
On Sunday 3rd October, 50,000 participants will take to the streets of London for the Virgin Money London Marathon. And for the first time ever one of those runners, John Fraser, will be raising money for The Abbotsford Trust.Read On
Sir Walter Scott Inspired Art created by Wee Blue Press
26 May 2021
Meet Emma, the incredible artist behind Wee Blue Press, who was commissioned to produce limited addition prints for the Walter Scott’s 250th anniversary celebrations.Read On
BEGINNING 2021 IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
01 May 2021
As March begins, Head Gardener Tim discusses the last few months and plans for Spring in the Abbotsford gardens.Read On
Unravelling Collections Mysteries
22 April 2021
With the historic house closed during lockdown, the Collections Team at Abbotsford finally found time to delve into the attics and tackle some jobs long overdue. Meet Box F26/14, long known as the '...Read On
APRIL IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
16 April 2021
Head Gardener Tim discusses early Spring work in the Abbotsford gardens as we prepare to re-open to visitors on Monday 26th AprilRead On
Stonemasons Get Roped In For Major Spring Spruce Up At Abbotsford
15 April 2021
Major maintenance work has been completed at Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott near Melrose, in time to start celebrations for Scott’s 250th anniversary when the house re-opens to the publicRead On
BOOSTING BUTTERFLIES AT ABBOTSFORD
10 April 2021
Ranger Anna talks monitoring and encouraging butterfly populations at Abbotsford and tips for helping conserve butterflies in your own gardenRead On
BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL TO BE HOSTED AT ABBOTSFORD
09 April 2021
After a year of many forced changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Directors of The Baillie Gifford Borders Book Festival, have confirmed a further change of date and venue for this year’s book festival. Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders, the home of Sir Walter Scott, will stage this year’s festival in its grounds as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the life and work of Scotland’s greatest writer.Read On
HELP SAVE OUR SKULL AND WIN
12 February 2021
Make a donation to help Save Our Skull and you could WIN a signed Scotland rugby shirt!Read On
THE IMPACT ROBERT BURNS HAD ON SIR WALTER SCOTT
25 January 2021
Here, at Abbotsford, it is hard to let Burns’ Day pass without discussing the impact that Robert Burns had on Sir Walter Scott.Read On
FROM HIGHLAND CHIEF TO COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF: SIR WALTER SCOTT AND THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE PRESIDENCY
20 January 2021
On the day of the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, our Collections and Interpretation Manager Kirsty looks into a surprising musical link between Sir Walter Scott and the inauguration.Read On
2020 IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
28 December 2020
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, Head Gardener Tim summarises the challenges and triumphs for the Abbotsford gardens this year and outlines some exciting plans for 2021!Read On
AUTUMN IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
26 October 2020
We’re coming towards the end of the season in the Abbotsford gardens and the garden team have been working hard to make sure we get the most out of everything in the garden. Head Gardener Tim talks through what the team have been up to.Read On
THE PERFECT SCOTTISH STAYCATION
20 October 2020
With many of us planning to holiday on our home turf this year, we share inspiration for your staycation in Scotland. Alongwith VisitScotland, we have handpicked some of the best things to see and do in the Scottish Borders and near Abbotsford - no matter what type of staycation you’re looking for.Read On
Have A Heart For Abbotsford And Support Lifesaving Campaign
18 September 2020
Abbotsford has been awarded the British Heart Foundation’s Nation of Lifesavers Community Package, which includes a defibrillator and a training kit.Read On
HISTORIC HOUSE RE-OPENS FOR SCOTT’S BIRTHDAY
11 September 2020
Sir Walter Scott's historic home will re-open its doors on the famous author’s birthday, Saturday 15th August.Read On
AUGUST IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
04 September 2020
It’s been amazing to have visitors enjoying our gardens again over the past couple of months. Head gardener Tim updates us on what the team has been up to as we near the end of the season.Read On
SIR WALTER SCOTT, PARASOLS AND THE EMPRESS OF BRAZIL
21 August 2020
An exquisite collection item, now on public display in our Visitor Centre, gave our curator Kirsty some sleepless nights before she discovered its story...Read On
LISTEN TO OUR AUDIO TOUR FREE
01 August 2020
While we work on getting the house ready for re-opening, you can enjoy listening to our audio tour for free and imagine yourself in our beautiful interiors.Read On
CREATE ABBOTSFORD ART WITH SKETCHING SCOTLAND
15 July 2020
We're delighted to be one of the destinations featured in Visit Scotland's Sketching Scotland campaign. Learn to draw Abbotsford with the video below and find out more about the campaign and it's tutorials covering iconic sights across ScotlandRead On
CONSERVING OUR LORD BYRON PRINT
08 July 2020
It's a big job caring for the collections at Abbotsford! Our collections team recently sent a 1824 print of Lord Byron to the talented Helen Creasy at the Scottish Conservation Studio for conservation work. Collections and Interpretation Manager Kirsty explains why and we show the process of saving the print in pictures.Read On
GARDENS BLOOMING FOR GATES OPENING ON JULY 1ST
29 June 2020
The gardening team have been working their wellies off making sure everything is looking great for when we can open the garden gates again on Wednesday July 1st. Head Gardener Tim tells you what they’ve been up to and what to look out for.Read On
NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANT HELPS ABBOTSFORD SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC
18 June 2020
A grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund to the Abbotsford Trust will help to ensure that one of Scotland’s most significant cultural, architectural and historical icons survives the Coronavirus pandemic.Read On
VOLUNTEERS' WEEK: NANCY'S VOLUNTEERING STORY
03 June 2020
While we're unable to celebrate Volunteers' Week with our volunteers this year, we're doing our best to celebrate them digitally. Today, volunteer Room Steward and Tour Guide Nancy writes about why she chose to volunteer with Abbotsford and what her volunteer work means to her.Read On
THE MERRY BUSY MONTH OF MAY
23 May 2020
While Abbotsford is closed our gardening team are still busy at work looking after the Walled Regency Gardens, taking all necessary precautions for their health and wellbeing. Head Gardener Tim shares the latest news on the team's work and answers some of your gardening questions.Read On
MUSEUM WEEK
21 May 2020
Last week we participated in Museum Week, sharing something from Abbotsford on social media for each Museum Week theme over 7 days. If you missed it, here’s a round up of the week.Read On
SCOTT INSPIRES DURING LOCKDOWN
13 May 2020
A popular online course on Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott is being kept open and free until September in response to the Covid-19 crisis and the increased demand for armchair learning opportunities.Read On
Napoleon's Blotter: A Closer Look
01 May 2020
The octagonal table in Sir Walter Scott's Library at Abbotsford is almost a museum in itself, with a wide range of fascinating objects that Scott collected over the years, often connected to famous faces.Read On
HATS OFF TO A RARE ITEM
29 April 2020
When we asked 'what's your favourite thing about Abbotsford?' Bruce, volunteer Guide and Room Steward, pulled an interesting item out of the hat...Read On
SIR WALTER SCOTT AND WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
24 April 2020
On the anniversary of Shakespeare’s baptism, our Collections and Interpretation Manager Kirsty puts a tiny trinket centre stage to explore Sir Walter Scott's literary hero.Read On
SHARING ABBOTSFORD MEMORIES
24 April 2020
We're looking forward to the day we can make memories at Abbotsford again, but what makes it a special place for you?Read On
EARLY SPRING IN THE ABBOTSFORD GARDENS
14 April 2020
Although Abbotsford is closed to the public our gardening staff have been busy tending the Walled Regency Gardens, working alone in shifts and taking all necessary precautions.Head Gardener Tim shares the early spring planting and preparation work the team have been doing to keep the gardens looking their best for when we re-open.Read On
AN ABBOTSFORD EASTER EGG HUNT
10 April 2020
Happy Easter from Abbotsford! Although you can't enjoy a visit to Abbotsford this Easter weekend, we're bringing some of our collection's lesser known stories to you with an unusual spin on an Easter Egg hunt! Check in each day with Kirsty, our Collections & Interpretation Manager, who has been hunting around the archives for some eggstraordinary stories...Read On
ABBOTSFORD BUILDINGS & ESTATE NOW CLOSED
30 March 2020
Abbotsford’s historic buildings, café and Visitor Centre and its outdoor areas, including the car park, woodlands, riverside walks and playtrail, have been officially closed in line with Government guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic.Read On
LIFE IN A PANDEMIC: WHAT WOULD SCOTT HAVE DONE?
23 March 2020
As we all get used to looking at the outside world through our windows, our Collections and Interpretation Manager, Kirsty Archer-Thompson considers whether Sir Walter Scott would have been self-isolating or social distancing if Covid-19 had come to call two hundred years ago...Read On
SECOND CHANCE FOR ARMCHAIR EXPLORERS TO BE INSPIRED BY SIR WALTER SCOTT’S LEGACY
19 March 2020
Armchair explorers from the Borders and beyond can enjoy the re-run of a free online course exploring the life, work and legacy of one of Scotland's greatest literary figures, Sir Walter Scott.Read On
ABBOTSFORD STILL OPEN FOR VISITORS
17 March 2020
The Abbotsford estate, including the historic house, chapel & gardens, is still open to visitors.Read On
BRITAIN’S NEWEST SAINT CELEBRATED AT ABBOTSFORD
14 October 2019
The life of St John Henry Newman, Britain’s newest saint, and his links with the Scottish Borders are being celebrated at Abbotsford next month.Read On
VISITORS HELP CHARITY FINANCES
01 October 2019
An increase in visits and donations to Abbotsford in 2019 has helped the Abbotsford Trust improve its finances.Read On
NEW EXHIBITS AT ABBOTSFORD
12 July 2019
The drinking cup of the original Robinson Crusoe and a bridle used by Sir Walter Scott to ride his favourite pony are now on display at the author’s home, thanks to loans from National Museums Scotland.Read On
MAD, BAD AND A PLEASURE TO KNOW: THE UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP OF SIR WALTER SCOTT AND LORD BYRON
17 June 2019
Sir Walter Scott was an early admirer of Lord Byron’s poetry, despite finding himself one of several contemporary poets under satirical attack in Byron’s English Bards and Scotch Reviewers (1809):Read On
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ART UK
09 May 2019
Over the past couple of months, the Collections team at Abbotsford has been preparing to take part in Art UK’s Sculpture Project. This is a National project working to photograph and digitise sculpture in public collections in order to make it more accessible to the public. This follows Art UK’s previous Your Paintings project which focussed entirely on oil paintings. You can enjoy the fruits of the project here at Abbotsford over on the Art UK website.Read On
NEW EXHIBITS AT ABBOTSFORD FOR MARCH OPENING
22 April 2019
A wooden Jacobite quaich, a rare pack of 17th century playing cards, a slop bowl and a Persian charm are among a range of items added to the Sir Walter Scott exhibition, at Abbotsford, ready for the opening of the new season on Friday March 1.Read On
BAG THE BIG HOUSES IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
16 April 2019
To mark the release of a new updated illustrative map of the Big Houses in the Scottish Borders, a new ‘Bag the Big Houses’ scheme is being launched for visitors.Read On
HOLY RELICS SET TO BECOME STAR ATTRACTION AT ABBOTSFORD
14 April 2019
Vestments belonging to Cardinal John Henry Newman are set to become the unexpected star attraction at Abbotsford when the home of Sir Walter Scott reopens on Friday March 1, after the Pope gave final approval this week for the churchman’s canonisation.Read On
ACCESS TO ABBOTSFORD DURING MAINTENANCE WORKS ON GALAFOOT BRIDGE
04 April 2019
Due to Phase 2 of essential maintenance works being carried out at Galafoot Bridge for 12 weeks from Monday, 4th February, access to parts of Abbotsford is changing.Read On
THE JOHN MUIR TRUST DISCOVERY AWARD AT ABBOTSFORD
30 January 2019
In November 2018, we proudly awarded the John Muir Trust Discovery Awards to five young people from Gala Academy Secondary Support Centre!Read On
MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTT'S FASCINATION
17 January 2019
Here at Abbotsford, we like to continue Sir Walter Scott’s tradition of championing stories from Scotland’s rich and chequered past. In the last six months, two of Scotland’s most famous sovereigns, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots, have been placed centre stage in big-budget film adaptations and today we take a closer look at one of them.Read On
ABBOTSFORD CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS VOLUNTEER AWARD
10 January 2019
The Abbotsford Trust, responsible for the legacy of Sir Walter Scott, is celebrating becoming the first historic house museum in Scotland to gain a prestigious national award for its volunteer programme.Read On
ICONIC PORTCULLIS GATE REINSTATED AT ABBOTSFORD
18 December 2018
The iconic entrance gate that secured Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, has been reinstated, after a year-long absence for major conservation work.Read On
LAST CHANCE TO VIEW TRIO OF RARELY SEEN ARTWORKS
14 November 2018
Visitors to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott between Melrose and Galashiels, have only a short time left to see three rarely seen watercolour paintings before they disappear back into private collections.Read On
A GLIMPSE INTO TURNER'S MIND
17 October 2018
As a legacy of the Turner Bequest in 1856, the Tate became home to a vast collection of sketchbooks that belonged to the artist J. M. W. Turner. These private notebooks offer a unique insight into the artist’s mind, revealing exciting aspects of his artistic process.Read On
SCOTT’S LEGACY INSPIRES COMMUNITY PROJECT
04 October 2018
A new community project to help people develop new life skills through gardening and outdoor activity is now underway at Abbotsford, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, between Galashiels and Melrose.Read On
MEMORIES OF ABBOTSFORD - UNEXPECTED SOUVENIRS
27 August 2018
Historic houses give us an insight into the lives of those who built and lived in them over the centuries. We believe that the stories we tell should not only be informed by what we find inside these houses but by the visitors, friends and communities surrounding them. Their memories are just as cherished and important to our history but often hidden away.Read On
EARLY CAFÉ CLOSURE ON 26TH SEPTEMBER
24 August 2018
Please note that Ochiltree's Café will close early on Wednesday 26th of September for a private event.Read On
IT WOULDN’T BE A BIRTHDAY WITHOUT EMBARRASSING BABY PICTURES...
15 August 2018
Like many of us, Scott was not terribly enthusiastic about growing old. In his diary, he remarked disapprovingly that ‘the outside of my head is waxing grizzled but I cannot find that the snow has coold my brain or my heart.’Read On
EARLY CHAPEL CLOSURE ON 14TH SEPTEMBER
12 August 2018
Please note that the Hope Scott Chapel will close early on Friday 14th of September for a wedding.Read On
ACCESS TO ABBOTSFORD DURING GALAFOOT BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
03 August 2018
Due to essential maintenance being carried out at Galafoot Bridge for 10 weeks from Sunday, 5th August, access to parts of Abbotsford is changing.Read On
MEMORIES OF ABBOTSFORD - DISCOVERING THE BORDERLANDS
31 July 2018
Historic houses give us an incredible insight into the lives of those who occupied them over the centuries. We believe that the stories we tell should not only be informed by what we find inside these houses but by the visitors, friends and communities surrounding them. Their memories are just as cherished and important to our history but often hidden away.Read On
IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY! LOOKING BACK ON 5 YEARS WITH 5 HIGHLIGHTS
17 July 2018
Time flies when you’re working hard and the years have certainly flown by at Abbotsford. It has been 11 years since the founding of The Abbotsford Trust and this July, we celebrate 5 years since reopening to the public.Read On
‘LOST’ TURNER WATERCOLOUR ON SHOW AT SIR WALTER SCOTT’S FORMER HOME
02 July 2018
A small painting is causing great excitement at Abbotsford, near Melrose, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, where it is on display as part of an exhibition this summer.Read On
THE TOP 3 WORKS BY SCOTT - AS VOTED BY OUR VOLUNTEERS
14 June 2018
For the 2018 Borders Book Festival, we asked our volunteers for their opinion: With an oeuvre spanning a variety of genres, topics and styles, it is difficult to pinpoint which are Scott's best works. Which are yours?Read On
TRAVEL ACCOLADE BOOSTS VOLUNTEERS WEEK CELEBRATIONS
04 June 2018
A place in TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame has added an extra cause for celebration at Abbotsford during National Volunteers’ Week.Read On
BORDERS’ BIG HOUSES LAUNCH ONLINE HERITAGE TRAIL
24 May 2018
Eleven of the finest historic houses and castles in the Scottish Borders have joined forces to produce an online guide for heritage enthusiasts visiting and living in the area.Read On
NEW VISITOR PASS TO BOOST TOURISM TO MIDLOTHIAN AND THE SCOTTISH BORDERS
21 May 2018
A new visitor pass designed to drive tourism to Midlothian and the Scottish Borders has officially launched on Friday 18 May.Read On
EARLY CLOSURE ON 19TH MAY
19 May 2018
Please note that the house and gardens will close early on Saturday 19th of May for a wedding.Read On
TURNER’S 1831 VISIT TO THE BORDERS CELEBRATED IN NEW EXHIBITION
18 April 2018
Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibition next week (Monday April 23rd) dedicated to the personal relationship between two of the most famous and influential figures in British history.Read On
WEALTH OF LOCAL SKILLS HELPS RESTORE HISTORIC BORDERS WOODLAND
29 March 2018
The experience and skills of Borders’ foresters, craftsmen and young people were brought together to achieve the successful restoration of a 200-year-old historic woodland at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.Read On
EASTER CELEBRATION OF £300,000 WOODLAND RESTORATION PROJECT
22 March 2018
A family day of fun-filled festivity is being held at Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, on Easter Sunday, to celebrate the completion of the estate’s £300,000 woodland restoration project - and families are invited to bring their dogs along too.Read On
ON SCOTT'S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
23 February 2018
Scott’s circle of friends encompassed lords and ladies of the very highest rank, just as much as it did business partners and the men and women working on his estate and in the household. Undoubtedly, the author felt thankful for the loyalty bestowed on him, and his closest friendships lasted a lifetime.Read On