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Ancestral Acres

Introduced by Alison Arnott

By James Arnott

Alison Arnott, daughter of the late James Arnott, has kindly given permission for her father’s unpublished book Ancestral Acres to be presented on this website. Alison with her mother Doris Arnott have in addition written the following introduction.

The book is presented in five sections, each of which can be opened by clicking the appropriate link at the bottom of this page.

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Ancestral Acres' page

James and Doris Arnott moved into their new home, 17 Easthorpe Road, Bottesford, with their three children Michael, Alison and Ian in 1955. James soon became involved with St Mary’s Church in Bottesford as a Church Warden, Deanery Synod and Church Treasurer for many years. Every Sunday James would be busy in the vestry counting the collection. He attended numerous meetings throughout the years and often read the Lesson. James always had a large bunch of keys in his pocket as he was responsible for opening and locking the church as required.

There are two kneelers in the church, one with cross-stitched ‘key’ worked by his sister Irene, and another with his name and Scottish Thistles as he was born in Musselburgh, Scotland. This was worked by Doris, Alison and Rosie his grand-daughter.

Doris was a member of the Mothers Union and a regular church member and visitor to the elderly. James was a volunteer driver for the Forget-Me-Not club.

During the later years of James’ life he wrote an interesting, unpublished book called ‘Ancestral Acres’ which relates to his life as Head Clerk for the Belvoir Estate. This has now been added to the History of Bottesford web site for all to read and remember his happy life and work dedicated to St Mary’s church.

Draped over the wooden bible stand in St Mary’s is a beautiful piece of cloth inscribed with his name.

James was always polite, a well spoken kind gentleman and very much respected, which I am sure he will be remembered for.

James Arnott was buried on July 9th, 2001, in Bottesford churchyard (ed).

November 2011

Sections from ‘Ancestral Acres’ are presented in the accompanying web pages (please follow the links to read them):

Belvoir Castle Stories

This page was added by Neil Fortey on 02/12/2011.

Comments about this page

I was saved from drowning by Mr Arnott. I was 4 years old at the time and had been standing on the banks of the canal in Belvoir Village, where I lived at the 'Old Forge'. Having fallen into the water, I was lucky that Mr Arnott, who had been fishing further along the bank, came at haste to drag me out. I would definitely have been a goner had it not been for him.

By Kelvin Powell
On 19/03/2012