Manuel House

SMR 225 / NS 9688 7619

The Barony of Manuelfoulis had at its centre a manor place at Crownerland but by the early 19^th century an estate known as the Barony of Hillhead emerged in its place.  Hillhead was on the ridge above Crownerland and overlooked the baronial mill at Manuel Mill.  By this time Hillhead seems to have become the principal dwelling and was owned by Thomas Dundas of Kerse.  Hillhead, as the name suggests, was on the top of the ridge which runs SW/NE from Causewayend to Manuelburn Bridge.  The main road followed this ridge until almost the end of the 18^th century when it was closed off as part of the creation of policy ground attached to the mansion.  Isaac Bayley feued the estate around 1840.

Isaac Bayley was a solicitor before the Supreme Courts in Edinburgh, and for 43 years served as the clerk to Heriot’s Hospital.  He was also for a long time a director of the Scottish Widow’s Fund Assurance Society.  Manuel House was built on the site of Hillhead shortly after 1840. 

The new country house is two storeys in height and was built of ashlar sandstone with polished dressings and a slate roof above which tall diamond-shaped chimney stacks protrude, some set atop projecting breasts.  The design is a form of Baronial and the layout is deliberately asymmetrical but balanced.  The main façade faced north-east and sports two large advanced gables, one containing the main door and the other a canted ground floor bay window.  The door has a Gothic arch below a stepped hood-mould containing a crest.  A third, smaller gable is set a little back to the right.   All of the gables have kneeler skewputts.  The south-east façade overlooked the garden terrace and the Avon valley.  Here the two gables are given radically different treatments.  That on the left was advanced and has a ground floor canted bay window to provide a viewing platform, whilst that on the right has a broad advanced chimney breast up its centre with a not very prominent door to one side to access the garden.

The grounds were laid out with a long sinuous drive to the north towards Whitecross.  Stables were built near to the end of this drive and a large walled garden to the south-west of the house.  The plantings were sufficiently bedded in by September 1845 to allow the boys from Heriot’s Hospital to make a day excursion to the grounds of the “elegant seat” at Manuel House.

Isaac Bayley was then known as “of Manuel.”  He and his wife, Marion Spottiswood, continued to live at 13 Regent Terrace in Edinburgh for much of the time, and so after a few years Manuel House was rented out for months at a time:

“TO BE LET, Furnished, from the 11th November next, MANUEL HOUSE, near Linlithgow Station. The House is well furnished, and consists of 3 Public Rooms, 6 Bedrooms, Dressing-rooms, and ample accommodation for Servants; Coach-house and Stable, Walled Garden, and park.  There is hunting in the neighbourhood.  Rent Moderate.  Apply to Mr Boyd, 2 York Place, Edinburgh.
(Falkirk Herald, 24 September 1857, 1; repeated Edinburgh Evening Courant, 31 March 1859, 1; and Falkirk Herald, 31 March 1866, 1).

The house was rented by Robert Baillie, a son of the first Baronet of Polkemmet, who in 1849 got a game licence for the estate. His wife, Lady Baillie, had some of her possession stolen by a servant girl, Jessie Fotheringham, in 1853.  The Baillies were not related to the Bayleys.  After the death of the first Baronet of Polkemmet in 1854 the Dowager baroness, Lady Mary Lyon Baillie, and her family came to reside at Manuel House, there being at that time a large family of five sons (the sixth and eldest, William, lived at Polkemmet) and six daughters.  Those at Manuel were James Dennistoun, Margaret Dreghorn, Thomas, Janet Sinclair, Alexander Hope, Helen Jane, Elizabeth Penuel Jane, Robert, John Hope, and George Augustus Frederick.

Thomas and his wife had a daughter at Manuel House on 26 May 1858.  James and Alexander served as justices of the peace in Linlithgow, and the Miss Baillies of Manuel House undertook charitable work in the local community, paying particular attention to Muiravonside School.  Charities further afield were not neglected and in 1862 the Dowager Lady Baillie and her daughters, Helen and Janet Baillie, donated money to unemployed operatives in England.  One of the daughters was admitted as an ordinary member of the Scottish Meteorological Society in 1863 – plenty of rain in Muiravonside!

In August 1867 the annual excursion of Linlithgow Sabbath Schools went to Manuel House, the residence of the Dowager Lady Baillie of Polkemmet. 

“Upon the arrival of the cavalcade at Manuel, the carts were speedily emptied of their occupants, and the procession reformed, and with the band playing, the scholars, headed by the Rd Mr Macleod, proceeded up the avenue to Manuel House, at the front entrance of which Lady Baillie and several members of her family very graciously bewed welcome to their youthful visitors.  The scholars marched past her ladyship, the boys and teachers saluting respectfully as they did so, and after a few minutes’ walk over carefully gravelled walks and beautifully soft turf, they were brought to a halt in a large and spacious park overlooking the vale of the Avon, and from which could be obtained a fine view of the surrounding country.  Northwards through the trees could be seen the gigantic Ochils, with their verdant slopes, half in light, half in shade, as the sunbeams shot hither and thither like lambkins at their play.  The south was shut in by Cockleroi and Bowden Hill, while the romantic glen beneath was on one hand spanned by the lofty arched of the Canal bridge, and on the other the splendid viaduct of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, and which had previously excited the wonderment of the children as they passed along the road beneath it.  Eastward a most lovely vista opened up to the towers of Linlithgow Palace and church, which could be seen lifting up their battlemented heads amid a surrounding sea of verdure…”
(Falkirk Herald 8 August 1867, 2).

Isaac Bayley died at Regent Terrace on 15 April 1873, aged 75.  His eldest son, George Bayley WS, was a partner of the firm of McRitchie, Bayley & Henderson, and as well as inheriting Manuel House he was also appointed as the clerk for Heriot’s Hospital.  The Baillie family continued to live, and die, at Manuel House.  Some returned to Polkemmet.

Margaret	26 August 1870	49	Manuel House
Mary Lyon	17 December 1872	79	Manuel House
James	1 May 1876	58	Manuel House
Janet	12 March 1883	56	Manuel House
Elizabeth	14 June 1887	66	Australia
George			Polkemmet House
Alexander	19 September 1883	55	Polkemmet House
Thomas	7 January 1889	66	Australia
William	21 July 1890	74	Polkemmet House
Helen	7 May 1902	70	France

The last of the family to live at Manuel was Miss Helen Jane Baillie.  In her later years she spent her winters on the Continent and on 7 May 1902 died at Mentone in the south of France.  With her death the owners decided to sell the house.

“FOR SALE by private bargain, the desirable residential estate of Manuel, 3 miles from Linlithgow. The estate extends to about 112 acres of good arable land. The mansion-house, standing on rising ground and in prettily wooded policies, commands a fine view of the Forth. There is a three-stalled stable and coach-house, and grooms’ rooms. The Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hounds hunt the district…”
(Falkirk Herald 13 Sep 1902).

In April 1903 the estate of Manuel, including the mansionhouse, was purchased by Ainslie Brown, S.S.C , Edinburgh.  He was soon in dispute with all of his neighbours and was very litigious.  In 1904 he took the North British Railway Company and William and James F Gardner, the sole partners of and trustees for the firm of co-partnery carrying on business as ironfounders at Causewayend to court for straying into his lands.  He stopped the local farmer using the track near Manuel House to access his fields.  He insisted that the residents of the old barony use Manuel Mill according to the old and obsolete system known as thirlage.  He was not well liked.  The estate was an investment and twelve acres of willows was planted on the haugh lands.  The residence continued to be rented out:

“STIRLINGSHIRE. —Manuel House , furnished , summer or longer , 12  rooms, 2 servants’ rooms, kitchen, other accommodation; all electrically lighted; garden and grounds; beautiful situation; half-hour’s ride Edin. and Glasgow.  Ainslie Brown, 51 Frederick Street, Edinburgh. 
(Scotsman 8 May 1907, 4).

The electricity had been installed in 1903, powered by a turbine at Manuel Mill.  In 1905 Professor Maitland Ramsay, a celebrated eye specialist, took Manuel House for his summer residence.

The house and estate changed hands in 5 February 1910 when it was sold to John N. Reynard, Clydeford House, Cambuslang, for £7,000.  He was a marine insurance broker, being a partner of the firm of William Ewing and Company at the Royal Exchange, Glasgow.  He took up residence the following month and used the home farm for the breeding of hackneys.  The willows planted by his predecessor were removed to provide grazing land.  He was also an enthusiastic breeder of dogs and poultry.  In 1911 a lodge was erected at the Whitecross entrance to the estate and the following year the public road there was widened using land that he gifted to the county. 

John Reynard and his son, James Napier Reynard, bred Clydesdale horses.  James also bred cattle and became the president of the Stirlingshire Agricultural Association.  He often judged in these categories.  In 1919 he decided to concentrate on the shorthorns and so sold off his choicely bred stud of Clydesdale Horses comprising 20 brood mares, two and one-year-old fillies and foals got by renowned horses.

John Napier Reynard died at Manuel House on 3 August 1921 and James took over.  James acquired a large collection of paintings.  James’ brother, also called John N Reynard, likewise took up a career as a marine insurance broker/stockbroker.  He became a well-known amateur golfer.  In July 1933 he was driving to a the Scottish Open Championship at St Andrews when he hit motor cycle on the Auchtermuchty road and as a result the cyclist and his passenger died.  The ensuing enquiry found that the accident was caused by want of care by both drivers and he was fined for careless driving.  James Reynard died at Manuel House in October 1946 and the house was put up for sale:

“…delightful  position on the banks of the Avon.  Modernised and tastefully decorated, ready for immediate occupation.  The property of MANUEL HOUSE, STIRLINGSHIRE, comprising: 5 bedrooms, dressing-room, lounge, dining-room, study, 3 bathrooms, 2 servants’ rooms, light modern kitchens, cased-in-baths with modern fittings of best quality throughout.  Glorious rock gardens, lily ponds, rose garden, aviary, and prolific kitchen garden.  Timbered policies, substantial lodge, chauffeur’s cottage, garages and stables.  In all about 5 acres will be offered for sale by auction with vacant possession”
(Scotsman 30 May 1947, 1).

The furniture and paintings were sold off room by room.  This gives us an idea of the size of the house as the rooms were listed as: the main and back entrances, the hall, smoke room, lounge and dining-room, the business room, main staircase, landing, and passages, eight bedrooms, two bathrooms, box-room, kitchen and scullery.  The sale of furnishings realised £4,000.

The new owner of Manuel House was Ronald Colville, who purchased it at the sale in July 1947 for his own private occupation.  He was one of the Messrs Colville’s Ltd, steel founders, Motherwell.  On the death of his father in 1954 he became the 2^nd Baron Clydesmuir.  He was Governor of the Bank of Scotland from 1972 to 1981 and chairman of the National Playing Fields Association.  He died in 1996.

Bibliography

Jaques, R.	2001	Falkirk and District, an Illustrated Architectural Guide.  “MANUEL HOUSE 1840S, (?) Thomas Hamilton Baronial two-storey, asymmetrical villa, on commanding site overlooking the Avon, presenting three gables to main front. Tower with pepper-pot roof, bay windows to gardens, Tudor lodge.” [p105/106]
Leask, D.	2017	A Historic Tour of the Parish of Muiravonside. P.27-28.
Ordnance Survey Name Book		Manuel House – A neat two storey house built in the Italian style, slated and in good repair.  Property of [James] Bayley Esq, Edinburgh.
Reid, J.	1994	‘The Feudal Land Divisions of East Stirlingshire,’ Calatria 6, 79-110.
Statutory List		Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest; Historic Scotland: “Country house, 1840s-50s in appearance. Design shows influence of William Burn/David Bryce. 2-storeys, asymmetrical with advanced gables with kneeler skewputts, single and mullioned windows, canted ground floor windows, tall diamond-shaped flues, some set above projecting chimney breast. Coursed ashlar, polished dressings, sash and case windows with mostly small (sometimes horizontal) panes; slate roof. Panelled Gothic-arched door with crest and hood-mould above. Conical-roofed turret rises from within one internal angle, at rear.”

NEWSPAPERS

• Edinburgh Evening Post, 17 September 1845, 2:
  Heriot’s Hospital Boys… health, and seemed remark – ably pleased with their holiday enjoyments, In the afternoon the boys marched west the town to Manuel House, near the canal aqueduct, the elegant seat of Isaac Bayley, Esq., the Clerk of the Hospital, where Mr Bayley and family’s kindness to them was marked in the extreme…
  • March 1846 – Isaac Bayley, Ordinary Director, Scottish Widow’s Fund Assurance Society.
  • Lewis Alexander Wallace, architect.
  • February 1849 – John, Youngest son of Isaac Bayley of Manuel.
• Scotsman, 15 September 1849, 1:
  Game List for 1849 – Robert Baillie, Esq, Manuel House.
• Falkirk Herald, 31 March 1853, 3:
  Jessie Fotheringham, lately a servant to Lady Baillie at Manuel House, accused of the theft of s number of articles while in the service of her Ladyship—pleaded guilty, and was sentenced …
• Stirling Observer, 7 September 1854, 2:
  Game certificates – Airey, George Sherbrooke, Esq., Manuel House, Muiravonside.
• Hampshire Chronicle, 31 March 1855, 7:
  Died on the 22^nd inst. at Manuel House, Linlithgow, Emily Rosellen, infant daughter of Bryan Holme Esq.
• Falkirk Herald, 24 September 1857, 1:
  TO BE LET, Furnished, from the 11th November next, MANUEL HOUSE, near Linlithgow Station. The House is well furnished, and consists of 3 Public Rooms, 6 Bedrooms, Dressing-rooms, and ample accommodation for Servants; Coach-house and Stable, Walled Garden, and park.  There is hunting in the neighbourhood.  Rent Moderate.  Apply to Mr Boyd, 2 York Place, Edinburgh. [repeated EEC 31 March 1859, 1; and FH 31 March 1866, 1]
• Scotsman, 29 May 1858, 3:
  Births – At Manuel House, Linlithgow, on the 26^th inst. Mrs Thomas Baillie, of a daughter.
• Falkirk Herald, 9 January 1862, 4:
  It is also to be mentioned that the Miss Baillies of Manuel House, on the last day of the year visited the parish school, bringing with them supply of rich buns, nuts, oranges, knives…
  • 1862.  Dowager Lady Baillie & Miss Helen J Baillie & Miss Janet Baillie donated money to unemployed operatives in England.
• Scottish Observer, 21 May 1863, 5: On Wednesday, John Duff, painter, belonging to Perth, for the theft of three notes from Manuel House, near Polmont, was sentenced by Sheriff Sconce to fifty days’ imprisonment.
• Falkirk Herald, 9 July 1863, 4:
  Miss Baillie (Polkemmet), Manuel House, Linlithgowshire, has been admitted an ordinary member of the Scottish Meteorological Society.
• Caledonian Mercury, 10 December 1863, 4:
  DEATHS. BAYLEY- At 13 Regent Terrace, on the 7th inst Marion Spottiswood, wife of Isaac Bayley of Manuel, and eldest daughter of the late Principal Baird, of the University of Edinburgh. 
  • 1865 – James Baillie JP, Manuel House.
• Falkirk Herald, 8 August 1867, 2:
  Annual excursion of Linlithgow Sabbath Schools –  to Manuel House, the residence of the Dowager Lady Baillie of Polkemmet.  Upon the arrival of the cavalcade at Manuel, the carts were speedily emptied of their occupants, and the procession reformed, and with the band playing, the scholars, headed by the Rd Mr Macleod, proceeded up the avenue to Manuel House, at the front entrance of which Lady Baillie and several members of her family very graciously bewed welcome to their youthful visitors.  The scholars marched past her ladyship, the boys and teachers saluting respectfully as they did so, and after a few minutes’ walk over carefully gravelled walks and beautifully soft turf, they were brought to a halt in a large and spacious park overlooking the vale of the Avon, and from which could be obtained a fine view of the surrounding country.  Northwards through the trees could be seen the gigantic Ochils, with their verdant slopes, half in light, half in shade, as the sunbeams shot hither and thither like lambkins at their play.  The south was shut in by Cockleroi and Bowden Hill, while the romantic glen beneath was on one hand spanned by the lofty arched of the Canal bridge, and on the other the splendid viaduct of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, and which had previously excited the wonderment of the children as they passed along the road beneath it.  Eastward a most lovely vista opened up to the towers of Linlithgow Palace and church, which could be seen lifting up their battlemented heads amid a surrounding sea of verdure…
• Glasgow Herald, 29 August 1870, 5: Deaths – At Manuel House Linlithgow, on the 26th inst., Margaret Dreghorn ‘eldest daughter of the late Sir William Baillie, Bart., of Polkemmet.
• Falkirk Herald, 26 December 1872, 5:
  It is with much regret that we have to record the death of the Dowager Lady Baillie of Polkemmet, which took place at Manuel House on the morning of the 17th instant, after a long illness. The deceased, who was nearly 81 years of age, was the wife of the first baronet of Polkemmet, and the mother of Sir William, the present holder of the title…
• Illustrated London News, 28 December 1872, 2:
  On the 17th inst., at Manuel House, Stirlingshire, Dame Mary Lyon Dennistoun, widow of the late Sir William Baillie, Bart., of Polkemmet, aged 79…
  • 18 April 1873 – At Edinburgh, on the 15th instant, after a very short illness, Isaac Bayley of Manuel ,S.S.C.
  •  At 18 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh, on the 15th after very short illness, Isaac bayley of Manuel. Solicitor before the Supreme Courts.
• The Reformer 19 April 1873, 2:
  Mr Isaac Bayley, 5.8. C., law agent and clerk to Heriot’s Hospital since 1830, aged 75.  Born 6 August 1797.  Survived by three sons and two daughters.  His eldest son , George Bayley WS, is a partner of the firm of McRitchie, Bayley & Henderson.  One if his daughters is the wife of Professor Balfour.
  • 1876  Captain Alexander Hope Baillie
• Falkirk Herald, 4 May 1876, 5:
  DEATHS. BAILLIE.—At Manuel House, Stirlingshire, on the 1st inst., James Dennistoun Baillie second son of the late Sir William Baillie, Bart: of Polkemmet.
• Dundee Telegraph, 14 March 1883:
  Death – At Manuel House, Stirlingshire, on 12^th inst., Janet Sinclair Baillie, eldest surviving daughter of the late Sir William Baillie of Polkemmet, Bart.
• Falkirk Herald, 26 July 1890, 6:
  Sir William Baillie, Bart of Polkemmet died 23^rd July.  He was the eldest son of the late Sir William Baillie of Polkemmet and was the last surviving child of the marriage between Sir William and Miss Mary Denison, daughter of Mr Denison of Blochairn, near Glasgow.  Sir William was born in 1816, and was therefore in his 75^th year at the time of his death.  He was the eldest of a family of eleven children, all of whom grew up, and he survived the whole of his brothers and sisters, with the exception Miss Baillie, who presently resides at Manuel House, Linlithgow. He is succeeded in the baronetcy and estates by Mr George Baillie, the eldest son his brother, Mr Thomas…
  • 1892 – Miss Baillie, Mrs Hope Baillie, Colonel Mrs Greme, Manuel House
• Falkirk Herald, 21 May 1902, 6:
  THE LATE MISS BAILLIE OF MANUEL HOUSE. We regret to announce the death of Miss Helen Jane Baillie, of Manuel, which took place at Mentone, in the south of France, on the 7th inst.  Miss Baillie was the youngest daughter of the first baronet of Polkemmet, and youngest sister of the late Sir William Baillie… After the death of her husband the late Lady Baillie and her family came to reside at Manuel House, in the parish of Muiravonside, there being at that time a large family of six sons and six daughters… The late Miss Baillie for many years past has been in the habit of spending her winters on the Continent.  During the last summer she resided at Manuel as usual…
• Linlithgow Gazette, 30 May 1902, 1:
  All Parties having CLAIMS against ai the late Miss HELEN JANE BAILLIE, Manuel House, Linlithgow, are requested lodge the game with the Subscribers within 14 days from this date.
• Falkirk Herald, 13 Sep 1902:
  “FOR SALE by private bargain, the desirable residential estate of Manuel, 3 miles from Linlithgow. The estate extends to about 112 acres of good arable land. The mansion-house, standing on rising ground and in prettily wooded policies, commands a fine view of the Forth. There is a three-stalled stable and coach-house, and grooms’ rooms. The Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Hounds hunt the district…”
• Linlithgow Gazette, 8 August 1902, 4:
  The trust disposition and settlement, dated Mentone, France, 7th March, 1902, of the late Miss Helen Jane Baillie, of Manuel House, Linlithgow, has been deposited in the Register House, Edinburgh. It is almost entirely a family settlement, the only bequest of a public nature being one of £10 to Whitburn Baillie Institute.
• Linlithgow Gazette, 17 April 1903, 4:
  that the estate of Manuel, including the fine old mansionhouse, been purchased by Mr Ainslie Brown, S.S.C , Edinburgh. Manuel House for many years residence of the late Mias Baillie.
• Linlithgow Gazette, 25 November 1904, 4:
  Court of Session action at the instance of Robert Ainslie Brown, SSC of Manuel House against the North British Railway Company and William and James F Gardner, the sole partners of and trustees for the firm of co-partnery carrying on business as ironfounders at Causewayend.  He avers that part of the estate of Manuel was used by the defenders.
• West Lothian Courier, 7 July 1905, 8:
  Professor Maitland Ramsay, the celebrated eye specialist, has taken Manuel House for his summer residence this year.
• Scotsman, 8 May 1907, 4:
  STIRLINGSHIRE . —Manuel House , furnished , summer or longer , 12  rooms, 2 servants’ rooms, kitchen, other accommodation; all electrically lighted; garden and grounds; beautiful situation; half-hour’s ride Edin. and Glasgow.  Ainslie Brown, 51 Frederick Street, Edinburgh.
• Falkirk Herald, 5 February 1910:
  “SALE OF A STIRLINGSHIRE ESTATE. The mansion-house and estate of Manuel has been sold to Mr John N. Reynard, Clydeford House, Cambuslang. The price paid for the property was £7000. Mr Reynard, we understand, intends to live in the house himself, and expects to take up residence there about the middle of the present month. As he makes a hobby of the breeding of hackneys, it is probable he will take the farm on the estate into his own hands, so that he will have facilities for the carrying on of his hobby. In business Mr Reynard is a marine insurance broker, being a partner of the firm of William Ewing and Company, Royal Exchange, Glasgow. He is a brother of Mr Matthew A Reynard, inspector of the poor, Falkirk.”
• Hamilton Advertiser, 21 May 1910, 1:
  Contractor wanted to take out by the root about 12 acres of willows all panted within the last four or five years, and cut over this year.  To be seen at Manuel House, near Linlithgow, and offers to be made on or before 24^th instant to J.H, Reynard, Manuel House.
• Falkirk Herald, 13 May 1911, 4:
  Mr John Reynard was also granted warrant to erect a gate ledge Manuel House.
• Falkirk Herald, 13 July 1912, 7:
  The narrow part of the Whitecross Road at Limestone has been widened, and the sharp comer same near Manuel House entrance has been rounded off and new fences have been erected. Reynard, the proprietor, has given all the necessary ground free of expense.
• Falkirk Herald, 28 December 1912, 3:
  THE BREEDING OF CLYDESDALES. Mr John Reynard, Manuel House, said that he and his son, who took an interest in Clydesdales, were very pleased with the able manner in which, everything…
• Falkirk Herald, 12 April 1913, 8:
  .. agreeing to give a sufficient quantity of bricks from the old works at Almond towards the bottoming of the road; (2) Reynard, Manuel House, consenting to give whatever land required to make the make it of sufficient width far as abutting his property, and also material …
  • 1915 – James Napier Reynard breeding cattle.  Stirlingshire Agricultural Association takes place at Bantaskin, Falkirk, under the presidency of Mr John N. Reynard, Manuel House, Manuel.
• Falkirk Herald, 3 February 1917, 7:  
  GIFT OF PRIZES It was intimated that Mr Reynard of Manuel House, addition granting dux medals to Muiravonside School, had expressed his willingness to give two prizes for each class in the school, and special prizes in cookery and sewing for girls, and …
• Bridge of Allan Gazette, 16 August 1919, 1:
  This Sale will include the whole of the choicely bred Stud of Clydesdale Horses belonging to Mr Jas N Reynard Manuel House Linlithgow comprising 20 Brood Mares Two and One-year-old Fillies and Foals got by the following renowned horses viz :— .
• Kirkintilloch Herald, 7 April 1920, 4:
  A VALUABLE HERD.—Mr. James Napier Reynard of Manuel House, and formerly Kirkintilloch, has strengthened his valuable herd of shorthorns by acquiring a couple of yearling heifers …
• Milngavie & Bearsden Herald, 12 August 1921, 7:
  John Napier Reynard died at Manuel House 10^th August.  Native of Bearsden.  He was an enthusiastic breeder of dogs and poultry.  His son James has shorthorn cattle.
• Daily Record, 19 December 1921, 5:  
  BIG STIRLINGSHIRE ESTATE. _ Mr. John Napier Reynard, of Manuel House, Stirlingshire, marine insurance broker, kit gross estate in the United Kingdom of the value of £1d2,217.
• Daily Record, 4 July 1933, 5:
  collision at the crossing with a motor car driven by John N Reynard the well-known Scottish amateur golfer whose home is at Manuel House Linlithgow Bennett died almost instantly nnd Reynard had an amazing escape being thrown out of the car which was smashed …
  • [2 July 1933 on the Auchtermuchty road marine insurance broker/stockbroker, accident caused by want of care by both drivers]
• Linlithgow Gazette, 21 June 1935, 4:
  REYNARD At Manuel House, the 19th June, 1935, Annie Summerville, dearly beloved wife the late John Napier Reynard.
  • Mrs Annie Reynard donations and school
• Falkirk Herald, 5 August 1944, 6:
  James Reid of Manuel Lodge died 1 August aged 56, employed for last 18 years as gardener by James Reynard.
• Falkirk Herald, 26 October 1946, 5:
  JN Reynard died at Manuel House.  Native of Cambuslang.  Specialised in breeding shorthorns, Clydesdale and Hackneys at Manuel Mill Farm.  Large collection of paintings.
• Scotsman, 30 May 1947, 1:
  …delightful  position on the banks of the Avon.  Modernised and tastefully decorated, ready for immediate occupation.  The property of MANUEL HOUSE, STIRLINGSHIRE, comprising: 5 bedrooms, dressing-room, lounge, dining-room, study, 3 bathrooms, 2 servants’ rooms, light modern kitchens, cased-in-baths with modern fittings of best quality throughout.  Glorious rock gardens, lily ponds, rose garden, aviary, and prolific kitchen garden.  Timbered policies, substantial lodge, chauffeur’s cottage, garages and stables.  In all about 5 acres will be offered for sale by auction with vacant possession…

• Linlithgow Gazette, 25 July 1947, 1:
  SALES AUCTION.  MANUEL HOUSE near LINLITHGOW.  Linlithgow 2 ½  miles: Falkirk 5 ¼ miles; Stirling, 11 miles; Edinburgh, ill miles. The whole the ANTIQUE AND MODERN FURNITURE Including fine antique Grandfather Clock mahogany case (Will Dobie) and another in mahogany and shell inlay case (J.G. Douglas), antique Carved Oak Wardrobe, ditto mahogany and inlaid Corner Cabinet, antique Marquetry Bureau, Side tables, old Barometer, antique Walnut Shell-top Table, and other specimens.
  • DINING SUITE of table, tea chairs, sideboard and display cabinet in figured walnut, range of Oak Dwarf Bookcases.  Oak Bookcase with glazed doors, high-class THREE-OIECE SUITE in figured moquette, Cabinets, Gramophone, Electric Washing Machine, Electrical Fitments, Kitchen Utensils, Crockery, Cuttlery, Cut-glass, etc
  • Axminster and Wilton carpets,  Decorative China, Bronzes, Ornaments.
  • Oil Painings and Water Colours (including 26 original etchings by well-known artists).
  • About 500 volumes of miscellaneous books.
  • Fine Curtains and Pelmets in various fabrics.
  • BEDROOM APPOINTMENTS.  Wardrobes, Divan Beds, Dressing Chests, Chairs, Mirrors, mattresses, etc.  Household Linen and Elderdowns.
  • …
• Scotsman, 29 July 1947, 3:
  at the recent public sale in Edinburgh of Manuel House, in Stirlingshire, the property was sold to Mr Richard Colville, who purchased for his own private occupation.
• Linlithgow Gazette, 8 August 1947, 7:
  MANUEL HOUSE SALE.  The sale of furnishings at Manuel House, the property of the late Mr Reynard, commenced yesterday (Thursday), and will be concluded to-day (Friday).  The first day’s sale comprised the contents the main and back entrances, the hall, smoke room, lounge and dining-room, with numerous paintings, water colours and oil paintings, a miscellaneous collection of books, and a 1938 two-litre M.G. sports saloon car.
  • Today (Friday) over 130 lots have to be sold.  These are the contents of the business room, main staircase, landing, and passages, eight bedrooms, two bathrooms, boxroom, kitchen and scullery, with a miscellaneous collection of linen and garden equipment.  The bedroom appointments include a mahogany suite in Sheraton style, wardrobes, divan beds, dressing chests, chairs, mirrors, carpets, rugs, curtains, mats, etc, al of which are in excellent condition, as also is the bed linen.
  • Among the items in the pantry and kitchen are a Crown Ducal rosemary pattern dinner service of 33 pieces, a rose pattern tea service of 32 pieces, a Crown Ducal dinner service, rose pattern of xx pieces, various white soup plated and sundry pieces of white china…
  • Manuel House has been purchased by one of the Messrs Colville’s Ltd, steel founders, Motherwell.
• Linlithgow Gazette, 15 August 1947, 3:
  MANUEL HOUSE Sale of furnishings realises £4,000 PRICES AND PURCHASERS Considerable Interest was taken the sale antique and modern furniture and other effects of the late Mr A. Reynard, Manuel House, which was conducted at the house on Thursday and Friday ..
• Falkirk Herald, 29 January 1949, 6:
  welcome to the company and especially Major and Mrs Colville, who were attending their first function since their arrival at Manuel House. The haggis was piped in with due ceremony Piper James Sinclair, Westquarter, being carried aloft by Mr Robert Morton. …
  • Lord and Lady Clydesmuir of Manuel House,
  • National Playing Fields Association, of which Lord Clydesmuir of Manuel House is chairman

G.B. Bailey, 2026