Founding member and long-time Honorary Secretary of the Trimontium Trust.
Born 9 March 1934; died 9 January 2025
When Donald died at the age of 90, Melrose and the archaeological community of Southern Scotland lost a well known and much admired personality and a dear friend to many.
Donald, a founding member of Trimontium Trust and Honorary Secretary of the museum for 30 years, played a crucial role in its development. In 2008 he was awarded the MBE for services to the Trimontium Trust and the community in Melrose.
In retirement he threw all his considerable expertise and knowledge of ancient history and archaeology into the running of the museum which became his overriding passion. Donald rarely missed a day in his museum. Invariably, he would meet up with the Volunteer leading the Fort Guided Walk midway through their route, to check that all was well. This was often very welcome as “Mr Trimontium” could answer an unexpected question that may have stumped the guide!
Donald would use his love of music and drama to make history and archaeology come alive for youngsters. Visits at the Museum always included dressing up, sword play and riding Donald’s “Bucephalus”. Out at the Fort site Donald used drama to catch the children’s attention.
I have lovely memories of “Centurion Donald” with his “Legionaries” marching off behind him wielding banners, carrying swords and singing the Trimontium Song, compiled of course, by Donald. As he was an outstanding scholar of Classics, Donald would always include a good sprinkling of Latin phrases to add to the children’s role play on their march.
Donald’s maxim was “Carpe Diem” and he worked incredibly hard but did enjoy what he called “a tea party” when there was something to celebrate. In 2023 we were privileged to attend his last tea party marking the launch of his book, “Trimontium Revealed” which was for Donald, the culmination of many years painstaking research into the correspondence of James Curle.
Despite his increasing frailty Donald continued to keep Trimontium’s story in the public eye by submitting a weekly Trimontium – related article in the local press. Incredibly his final piece made print, just days before Donald died.
Donald’s thirst for knowledge never flagged. He maintained a keen interest in Trimontium’s happenings such as the metal detecting programme directed by Professor Stuart Campbell. He was over the moon when Stuart very kindly invited Donald to a private viewing of some of the special Local Finds.
The sheer joy and excitement and the care in which Donald aged 90 gently handled these special finds from Newstead topsoil at the Trimontium site, will remain my abiding memory of Donald Gordon MBE.
Ave Donald! Gratias Agimus Tibi!
By Geraldine Rowley, Trustee of the Trimontium Trust.
Image: Donald Gordon at the Millennium Milestone, Newstead (© Ogilvie Dickson)
