The Horseman's Oath

• Reference:GB 241 D1/290
• Dates of Creation:c1890
• Name of Creator:
  Gibson, Tom (1995-1997), Local historian
• Language of Material:English
• Physical Description:
  0.01 Linear Metres

• Scope and Content

  'The Horseman's Oath', manuscript copy, c1890.

• Administrative / Biographical History

  The Horsemen was a secret society with membership in northern Scotland and Orkney, and little is known of its origins or practices. Members met in remote stables or haylofts, and new members had to bring to a prearranged meeting a loaf of bread and a bottle of whisky, in exchange for which he would be taught 'The Horseman's Word' which allegedly gave him power over various animals. It seems still to have been in existence as late as the 1950s.

• Access Information

  Open