• Galashiels is the first station Gemma arrives at on her journey north to Blackbird Hall. She first notices the sullen, grey houses, and meditates on her past life so far, even as she moves forward. Livesey writes, "Beyond Galashiels the countryside grew desolate, populated only by scruffy sheep and dark twisted trees. I thought of Ross's story of running away, and sleeping in a sheepfold" (Livesey 147).
    The following is written about the town in The Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland: Or, Dictionary of Scottish Topography, Compiled from the Most Recent Authorities, and Forming a Complete Body of Scottish Geography, Physical, Statistical, and Historical: “The name Galashiels means simply 'the shepherds' huts on the Gala,' — the word Gala or Gwala itself signifying 'a full stream.' The terms 'shiels' and 'shielings ' were very commonly used by the Northumbrian Saxons to denote the temporary shelters of shepherds” (Wilson 705).
    Since Galashiels is the first station visited on Gemma’s way to Blackbird Hall, it symbolizes a transition in her life. Gemma is no longer the misused child worker she was at Claypoole, and will soon become a respected caretaker and lover. Since Galashiels is derived from shiels, which means temporary shelter, it creates an interesting connection: Gemma, as the name Galashiels alludes, is transitioning to a place she’ll soon consider her dwelling, even if only for a temporary time.
    Bibliography: Livesey, Margot. The Flight of Gemma Hardy.  HarperCollins, 2012.
    Wilson, John Maurius. The Imperial Gazetteer of Scotland: Or, Dictionary of Scottish Topography, Compiled from the Most Recent Authorities, and Forming a Complete Body of Scottish Geography, Physical, Statistical, and Historical. Fullarton, 1868.
     

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Jane Eyre and Neo-Victorian Appropriations Map
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