MATTIE'S WHIM, Chapel-walks

MATTIE'S WHIM

Chapel-walks

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Synonymous with the "DUKE OF CUMBERLAND"

and possibly an inn known as "THE OLD SPREAD EAGLE"

- not to be confused with the "Spread Eagle Hotel" close by in Lune Street.

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"The Old Spread Eagle situated near the site

of St. George's Church in Chapel-walks, was

later known as the "Duke of Cumberland"

(the anti-Catholic victor of the 1745 uprising.

When old Mattie Whiteside was the hostess of this inn, 

being strongly of Catholic sympathies, she caused the name

of "The Duke" to be painted out.

When customers asked the reason, her husband

said, "It was Mattie's Whim."

So, until the licence was transferred, it was known as

"Mattie's Whim."

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