Jackie & Heath

The rich history of Graitney, including the village green, the weddings, and the 'Gretna Priests/Anvil Priests,' is documented at Ewarts Library in Dumfries. Heath dedicated several weeks to researching numerous books and land registers to compile the history presented below. His book, titled "The Great Story of Gretna," is available for purchase on Amazon.

• The name Graitney was used in church records until 1st February 1916 and thereafter the name Gretna was used. Graitney Parish Church.
• In 1736 the Church was burned down, the thatched roof having been set alight by men shooting swallows. It is recorded that the bell from the burning church tower landed upright on top of the church wall. Many fine memorials were destroyed including one of the Rev. John Hamilton 'a noted Scottish Divine' who died in 1666.
• Until the church was rebuilt the congregation worshipped in a tent made by John Forsyth at a cost of five pounds. A neighbouring barn served as a place of worship in the winter.

• The Graitney Estate was owned by the Johnstone family. In 1693, the Scottish Parliament authorised William Johnstone of Graitney to organize a weekly market on the village green, which led to the area being named Graitney Green (now known as Gretna Green). 
• Graitney Hall, later known as Gretna Hall, was constructed in 1700 by Colonel James Johnstone as a gift for his wife, Isabella. 
• By the mid-1700s, it had come into the possession of the Earl of Hopetoun, who transformed it into an inn. 
• The weekly markets and the elopement of couples from England seeking to marry made the area famous.  
• Adjacent to Graitney Hall were five small cottages, one of which was inhabited by Joseph Paisley, who performed marriage ceremonies in his cottage. He later moved to Springfield as it was closer to the border with England, and closer to the couples looking to get married.
• Over time, the Graitney Hall changed hands among various families, including the Maxwells and Maitlands, until the estate was eventually subdivided into farms and sold.  
• Jim Jackson, an employee at Gretna Hall for many years, became known for conducting mock ceremonies for tourists and couples seeking a symbolic blessing 'over the Anvil' following their official marriage at the Gretna Registration Office. 
• Mike and Val Phillips also managed Gretna Hall for an extended period.

Headless Cross, located just a short walk up Graitney Loaning from the village green at Graitney Green (Gretna Green), was a crossroads where five old coaching roads met. In 1904, a nearby building was converted into a museum by Hugh Mackie, who named it The Old Blacksmith's Shop—this followed Tom Little's earlier naming of his marriage venue in Springfield as The Blacksmith's Shop Inn.

The village of Springfield was completed in 1791. It was closer to the England than Graitney. Springfield's position just over the border gave it an edge over its marriage rivals.

The Free Church was opened by Thomas McKie Esq. 26th September 1894.

The Maxwell Arms Inn, the prominent building on the right-hand side, served as a venue for marriages. It was named in honour of Sir William Maxwell, who finished constructing the village in 1791.

Built in 1760, the Queens Head Hotel was located further down the village, nearer to the England border. This positioning made it more attractive to eloping couples.

The Gretna Registration Office has moved locations several times. In 1962, it was situated in what is now the far right-hand corner of the North Car Park at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.

Registrars from 1855 to 1990

1. William Duff 1855 to 1876
2. Francis Kerr 1877 to 1893
3. JH Lamont 1894 to 1909
4. A Kirkpatrick 1910 to 1929
5. JW Bryson 1930 to 1958
6. Robert Hastings 1959 to 1971, Assistant Pat Bryden
7. Pat Bryden 1971 to 1990

In 1986, the Gretna Registration Office was a multifunctional facility where one could get married, pay council house rent, or attend a dental appointment, as a dentist also operated out of a room in the small building.

In this 1986 photo, Pat Bryden is shown during her tenure as Gretna Registrar, where she married over 10,000 couples. She was awarded an MBE in 1990 for her services.

Mike began working at Gretna Hall in 1973 and Val started in 1974; they got married in 1975. For many years, they managed the Gretna Hall Hotel, overseeing weddings, coach tours, and contributing significantly to the local community.

Jim Jackson was employed at Gretna Hall Hotel for many years. He was well-acquainted with the genuine history of the area, including details about weddings, Springfield, and the 'Priests'.