Sad tale of ‘Russian princess’ is revealed
The history of Strathaven’s mythical‘russian Princess’ is explored in a new booklet by local historian and author Bob Currie.
The 84-year-old Lesmahagow widower, formerly of Strathaven, describes it as his “finest ever piece of local history research” and big “finale” which serves to debunk some of the misconceptions surrounding the enigmatic figure of Lady Henrietta Felicia Kierblewska Kennedy – a Polish Baroness in her own right.
The intriguing 20th century tale surrounds the mystery of a woman locals dubbed ‘The Russian Princess’, who lived in a hut at Hawksland, Lesmahagow, in 1901 before settling on farmland in Whitehill, Sandford, next to Chapel Farm and St Oswald’s Well. There she lived in primitive conditions with her husband, Doctor of Music, Robert Machardy, L.L.D.
A noted musician, composer, and itinerant teacher of piano, Dr Machardy travelled around the town and district by pony and trap giving music lessons to pupils in their own homes.
The couple were notables in Strathaven and district where the locals were quick to dub the heavily veiled lady dressed in black, ‘The Russian Princess’.
Bob explained: “Folk memories die hard in Strathaven. As late as 1965, old timers in the town spoke of a mysterious woman the locals dubbed ‘The Russian Princess’.
“The truth behind the myth is that she was neither Russian nor a princess. On the contrary she was Polish and a baroness of independent means.
“Born the daughter of a
Scotsman who married into the Polish nobility, her story is one of rags to riches in reverse.
“Widow of Polish Count Dionysius Wielobycki, she later became wife to Scots musician and composer Robert Machardy, LL.D. and moved from life in Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town to life in a hut dwelling amidst the countryside of first Lesmahagow then Strathaven.
“The question why this highly cultured woman, Lady Felice Piasinski, was married to an eminent Edinburgh musician namely, Doctor Robert Machardy, LL.D. lived in a primitive hut dwelling at Sandford made them a source of intense curiosity.
“The collective memories of those old timers bore testimony to the fact that while the ‘doctor’ was indoors giving those piano lessons, his lady wife always remained seated outdoors aboard the couple’s two-seater wicker carriage.
“The fact that this reclusive female figure remained aloof from the townsfolk made her the object of local interest and excitement.
“Suffice to say, my research reveals the truth behind the myth.”
Through the columns of the Hamilton Advertiser under Strathaven news, Bob was able to unravel the extent of the musical genius of Doctor Robert Machardy, “a true Scottish patriot”, who, during the years of the First World War (1914-18) staged many musical performances in support of the war effort.
As for Lady Felice, the mystery surrounding her past involved considerable research.
In 1922, while suffering the ill effects of feebleness brought on by old age and the death of her ‘hero’ and husband, Lady Felice was incarcerated in Hartwood Lunatic Asylum where, a fortnight after admission, she died and was buried in a pauper’s grave within the cemetery of the asylum.
“However, there are important questions surrounding the manuscripts of the many musical compositions of Doctor Machardy, published and unpublished,” said Bob.
“Are there any out there? Or perhaps they lie gathering dust within the archives of SLC Hamilton Museum, Strathaven’s John Hastie Museum Collection or within the archives of the former Hartwood Asylum located within a repository in East Kilbride.”
Bob received a letter from East Kilbride MP Dr Lisa Cameron congratulating him on his latest publication, and revealed plans to liaise with the Polish Ambassador on issues the book has highlighted.
Dr Cameron said: “It was a privilege to meet with Bob Currie and to receive a signed copy of his exciting book about Strathaven’s Princess. When I spoke with Bob he told me she was actually of Polish decent and I have contacted the Ambassador to highlight these connections and commend Bob’s impressive work.”
Bob is keen to make contact with the daughters of the late Tom Currie, former stonemason of Carnwath, whose grandfather farmed at The Chapel Farm.
Their great-grandfather ‘Old Tom Currie’ had a leading role in securing Lady Felice. Email Bob at robert.currie3@btinternet.com
The 52-page booklet is available from The Computer Shop, Barn Street, Strathaven costing £6.