Beetty Dick
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Beetty Dick (1693-1773) was an elderly town crier for Dalkeith, a town in Midlothian, Scotland in the mid-18th century.[1]
Born1693
Died1773 (aged 79–80)
OccupationTown crier
Beetty Dick | |
|---|---|
engraving by John Kay | |
| Born | 1693 |
| Died | 1773 (aged 79–80) |
| Occupation | Town crier |
Instead of using a bell, Dick would beat a wooden plate with a spoon making a loud din to draw attention to announcements, working for just a penny per announcement.[2] She was known for wearing a distinctive long gown, cap and cloak.[3] Dick never married and died in 1773, her remains were interred at the east side of the old Churchyard, Dalkeith.[4]
Dick was drawn by artist John Kay in his published work A Series of Original Portraits[5] and the portrait hangs in an exhibition in a collection at the Dalkeith Museum.[6]