Beetty Dick (1693-1773) was an elderly town crier for Dalkeith, a town in Midlothian, Scotland in the mid 18th century.[1]
Beetty Dick | |
|---|---|
 engraving by John Kay | |
| Born | 1693 |
| Died | 1773 |
| Occupation | Town crier |
Instead of using a bell, Dick would beat a wooden plate with a spoon making a loud din to draw attention to announcements, working for just a penny per announcement.[2] She was known for wearing a distinctive long gown, cap and cloak.[3] Dick never married and died in 1773, her remains were interred at the east side of the old Churchyard, Dalkeith.[4]
Dick was drawn by artist John Kay in his published work 'A series of original portraits'[5] and the portrait hangs in an exhibition in a collection at the Dalkeith Museum.[6]
References edit
- ^ Limited, Alamy. "Beetty Dick (1693-1778), town crier of Dalkeith, wearing a mutch (cap), gown and cloak, beating a wooden plate with a spoon. Copperplate engraving by John Kay from A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings, Hugh Paton, Edinburgh, 1842 Stock Photo - Alamy". www.alamy.com. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ Gillon, Jack (2016-03-15). Dalkeith & Around Through Time. Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-4456-5258-0.
- ^ Ewan, Elizabeth L.; Innes, Sue; Reynolds, Sian; Pipes, Rose (2007-06-27). Biographical Dictionary of ScottishWomen. Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 978-0-7486-2660-1.
- ^ "CCXCI. Beetty Dick, Town-Crier of Dalkeith - Kay's Originals Vol. 2 by John Kay". www.edinburghbookshelf.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "CCXCI. Beetty Dick, Town-Crier of Dalkeith - Kay's Originals Vol. 2 by John Kay". www.edinburghbookshelf.org.uk. Retrieved 2022-02-25.
- ^ "Historical etched portraits by Dalkeith artist return home for exhibition". www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com. Retrieved 2022-02-25.