The Cairnryan Blacksmith and the Iron Duke

A book published in 1880 tells that:

Some 30 or 40 years ago, an old blacksmith in the village of Cairnryan had occasion to go to London. The cause of his visit we know not, but it was his first trip to the “modern Babylon,” if not, indeed, to any large city.

As he was somewhat of an enquiring turn of mind, and rather intelligent in his way, he seemed anxious to make the most of his visit, as far as sight-seeing was concerned. Amongst other places of special interest, he was very desirous to see through the Houses of Parliament. But how was this to be accomplished? Without any fixed purpose, he sauntered up Parliament Street. Noting a well-dressed gentleman about to pass him, he went up to the stranger, and accosting him asked if he could tell what plan to adopt to get to see through the Houses of Parliament.

The stranger, in return, asked, 'Where do you come from?' 'I come from Cairnryan,” was the reply. “Cairnryan! That is in Scotland, I presume?' 'Yes,' 'Is it a town or a village?' 'A country village, sir.' 'Is it under any landed proprietor?' 'Yes; under General Wallace.' 'Oh, indeed,' rejoined the stranger. 'Is the general still able to superintend the affairs of his estate?' 'No,” said the smith; 'he has been blind for several years past.' 'Do you know the General?' asked the stranger. 'Yes; I am his blacksmith.'

The unknown gentleman then took a slip of paper from his pocket, and wrote something on it, handing it to Vulcan, and saying, 'You see that person in livery? Go up to him and give him that, and he will let you see through the Houses.' The blacksmith went up and presented his paper as directed. The liveried man asked, 'Do you know who the person is you were speaking to? 'No,' was the reply. 'Yon,' said the man, is the Duke of Wellington!'

Lowland Lore of Wigtownshire of Long Ago, by Gordon Fraser. Published Wigtown. 1880. Pages 80-81.

Cairnryan is just north of Stranraer and today it is the site of the large ferry port for Ireland. The Duke of Wellington, 1769-185, led the Allied forces that defeated the French in the Napoleonic Wars. He was Prime Minister from 1828 to1830 and Commander in Chief of the Army.