2-798-669 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Grave of the Black Dwarf, 1845. The headstone of '...a poor deformed creature called David Ritchie, who, when even arrived at man's estate, was only about three feet five inches in height. He was much deformed, and obtained amongst his neighbours...the nick name of " Bowed Davie". When...he died, he was found to have hoarded twenty pounds - like a canny misanthrope as he was. His demise took place, after a few days' illness, in December, 1811, at the age of seventy one. He was buried in Manor churchyard [in Peeblesshire in the Scottish Borders]; a rowan-tree (mountain ash) was planted at the head of his grave - a part of it now remaining to mark the spot. Now, however, it is more effectually rescued from oblivion by a head-stone, which has been recently erected by the Messrs. W. and R. Chambers, the eminent litterateurs and publishers of Edinburgh'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.