Robert Louis Stevenson said of the Scot abroad: “each new impression only deepens the sense of nationality , and the desire of native places.” This trait accounts for North Melbourne’s cluster of Scottish street names.
Errol — a name famous in legend and history — is one of them.
With its many color-washed houses, notable orchards and extensive, fields of flax, Errol is an important and attractive village — almost a town — in Perthshire, Scotland.
Dominating its western, end is the wooded estate of Errol Park, seat of the chief of Clan Hay.
Legend has it that the peasant ancestors of the line turned up unexpectedly at the battle of Luncarty in 990 and saved the day for King Kenneth III, laying about them with ox-yokes to such effects that the Danes were completely demoralised.
They were rewarded with as much of the rich alluvial land around Errol as their hawke could fly over in one flight. History records that Sir Gilbert Hay, of Errol, was one of the Bruce’s staunchest supporters when he routed the English at Bannockburn in 1314.
As a reward he was made High Constable of Scotland. Sir William Hay, ninth chief of the clan, was created Earl of Errol in 1452.
In the turbulent days of the Reformation, the Earl of Errol was a leader of the militant Roman Catholic party. Exiled, he returned at last under at last under a King’s Pardon — granted for political reasons – and was made one of the commissioners appointed to look into the question of union with England.
Diana, Countess of Errol in her own right, is now was one of the the 23rd holder earldom and 31st chief of Clan Hay, High Constable. When the Honors of Scotland – crown, sceptre and sword — are carried in public, the high constable bears the sword. This being a weapon of war, it is thought fitting that, on such occasions, a man should deputise for the countess.
There are five streets named Errol in greater Melbourne.(1)
Source. Northern Advertiser, 17/8/1972. Blanchard collection, “What’s in a Name” at North Melbourne Library.
Also known as Address The Hotham Hotel 1872-1899 [15], New Empire 1899-1904
Also known as Address The Errol Hotel 1872-1873, renamed The Town Hall Hotel [16] 1874
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Also known as Address KI Bunga Raya Malaysian restaurant. Corner of Raglan Street
Also known as Address The Empire Hotel [17] 1853- 1896
Previous Address known as 85 Errol before Council street renumbering.
Previous Address Previously W B. Ellis Auction Rooms (1864). Now Auction Rooms Cafe
Also known as Address Previously the Imperial Theatre
Constructed 1913
Style Federation: 1890–1915
Architect R. J. Haddon (a British architect)
Constructed 1913
Style Federation: 1890–1915
Architect R. J. Haddon (a British architect)
Also known as Address The Limerick Castle Hotel [36] 1863.
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Previous Address 205 Errol before council street renumbering
Constructed after 1865
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood
Constructed after 1865
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood
Constructed after 1865
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood