Notes on the Life of William Lithgow, Traveller, 1582-1645

Abstract

The notes on the life of William Lithgow, popularly known as " Lugless Willie," are chiefly derived from fresh material available through the publication of the Records and Charters of the Burgh of Lanark, 1150-1722; from an examination of the will of Lithgow's mother, dated 1603; and from notices regarding the family of Lithgows at Boathaugh, Lanark, contained in the MS. minutes of the Kirk-Session of Lanark. He acquired celebrity through the publication of the narrative of his travels in 1632, and by reason of the tortures inflicted on him by the Spanish Inquisition. The circumstances attending the cutting off of his ears are surrounded with considerable mystery.