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

more »

... 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.