Moray has had many interesting benefactors in the past who have prospered in far off places but decided to give something back to the people of their native airt.
In the early 19th century, two contemporary sons of Elgin did just that after following successful careers with the East India Company. Dr Alexander Gray and Major General Andrew Anderson had entirely different upbringings, but both eventually set off for India, one as a surgeon and the other as a soldier.
We often refer to the conquest of India as part of our country’s great Empire building, but it was not the British government that took initial control of India, rather it was an unregulated private company. In 1600, a royal charter was proclaimed giving a small group of merchants a monopoly for just 15 years to ‘trade to the East’. This was to become known as the East India Company.
Initially trading in silks, cotton and spices and looking for the best trade routes to link to Britain, the company grew rapidly, overseeing the building of railways to ensure trading links would flourish. Within 150 years, it was described as ‘an empire within an empire’, having created a sophisticated administration and a huge security force. By 1803, it boasted a 260,000 strong army and had made vast territorial conquests. It was not until 1858 that the British Government took over direct rule following the horrors of the Indian Rebellion.
In 1600, Britain contributed only about 1.8% to the world GDP whereas India accounted for around 23%, rising to around 27% by 1700. By 1940 Britain’s share of global GDP had grown to 10%, while India had been reduced to ‘third world’ status, plagued by poverty and famine.
Despite the uneasy history of the East India Company, it brought many riches and much wealth to many. The legacies of Dr Alexander Gray and Major General Andrew Anderson remain very much part of Moray life.
Dr Gray’s Hospital (known then as the Institution) was opened in 1819 ‘for the benefit of the sick and poor’. The 30-bed hospital tended to 200 patients within the first year. Anderson’s Institution opened 14 years later in 1833 to provide care and education for 50 children and support for 10 elderly citizens (which was over 55 in those days!).
These formidable Elgin landmarks continue to bring relief, care and support to the people of Moray and beyond.
My thanks once again to Jenny Main for her invaluable insight into our rich local heritage.
