In 1858 Grisell’s oldest brother George inherited the title Earl of Haddington from a distant cousin, the 9th Earl, who had died childless. The courtesy title ‘Lady’ was given to Grisell by Queen Victoria. Shortly before her mother’s death in 1865, Grisell’s brother Admiral Thomas Baillie had retired and lived with them at Dryburgh. Major Robert died in 1888 and such was her love and respect for him that she had the Baillie Hall in Newtown St. Boswells erected in his memory. They were described as ‘constant companions who walked with God and with each other in saintly lives of Christian service’. The plaque on the building says ‘In loving memory of Major Robert Baillie 1888’. The clock was added in memory of her brother Admiral Thomas Baillie who died in1889. Lady Grisell attended the church and for nearly fifty years she and her brother were responsible for the Sunday School. She carried out philanthropic work, providing a water supply for Newtown St Boswells and restoring a bridge over the River Tweed after flood damage. In 1878, after reading a pamphlet ‘The National Sin’ she gave up her habit of taking a small glass of wine with her meals. She embraced total abstinence and organised a Band of Hope in Newtown St Boswells. As well as being involved with the Temperance movement she supported the YWCA, young women’s meetings and foreign missions. Link to more info. on Grisell Baillies
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