Whilst researching for my book “The History of Crossbasket Castle”, I had to consider reference to a few sketches and some narrative that was included in a 1904 publication by the Co-op. These are pictured attached. The wording mentions a sketch of Crossbasket Tower, done in 1765 which was sketched just after the first extension where the mid section Georgian manor house was added. The Co-op narrative says the sketch was done by “W Binton”, but i admit i struggled to find any reference on or offline to the elusive Mr Binton.
A week or so, before my book was published, I had to make a last minute correction, when East Kilbride historian, sent me 5 sketches of a similar nature, including Calderwood and Mains Towers. On closer inspection the sketches had a reference on them saying “1765 Calderwood, N Britain” a reference to location. Chris suggested to me, which i wholly accept that the N Britain wording looks VERY similar, especially in its handwriting to W Binton and that the sketches, including the one of Crossbasket were possibly made by Paul Sandby who was sketching and painting the landscapes at that time. This seemed a much more plausible explanation and i made the correction to my book draft in time before publication. Whilst not 100% conclusive, i accept there is a much more strong likelihood of them being sketched by Mr Sandby, rather than an elusive “Mr Binton”.
The mystery deepens when the signature “T Ross or Goss” appears within the Crossbasket sketch, which may have been the mark of the publisher or engraver.