1850.—LITERATURE.—“Poems and Songs, chiefly for the
Encouragement of the Working Classes. By Henry Syme,
Dunfermline. Published by
Wm. Clark, 1849.” This is a 12mo of 140 pp., and contains
48 Poems and 23 Songs on a great variety of subjects. As a
specimen of these Songs, we shall give the verses of “The
Shuttle Rins,” to the tune of the “Boatie Rows”—
“The weaver’s wife sits at
the fire,
And ca’s the pirn wheel,
She likes to hear her ain guidman
Drive on the shuttle weel.
The shuttle rins, the
shuttle rins,
The shuttle rins wi’ speed;
O sweetly may the shuttle rin
That wins the bairns’ bread.
“Thread after thread makes
up the claith,
Until the wage he wins, And ilka weaver makes the mair,
The mair his shuttle rims.
The shuttle rins,” &c.
DUNFERMLINE MUSEUM.—The
following is a copy of an advertisement of date
31st January,
1850, regarding the museum:--
“Museum.—The museum of
the Mechanics’ Institution, in the Large Room above the
Savings Bank, High Street, can now be seen on Tuesday and
Saturday, between 12 and 2 o’clock, and by strangers on any
day. Tickets of admission to be had at the shop of Mr.
Clark, bookseller. Contributions, especially of a local
nature, are earnestly requested, and will be gratefully
received, notice of which may be sent either to the Rev. P.
Chalmers, or to David Reid.”
It is greatly to be
regretted that this place of intellectual entertainment was
allowed to fall. Towns of far less importance support
museums. Had the days and hours fixed for visiting the
museum anything to do with the fall? (See An. Dunf. date
1855.)
ROYAL ACADEMY.—In March,
1850, Mr. Joseph Noel Paton was elected an Academician of
the Royal Scottish
Academy.
CRAIGLUSCAR WATER.—On
Wednesday evening, the 15th May, 1850, the water
from the Works at Craigluscar was introduced into the pipes
lately laid down under the streets; daily supply estimated
at 50,000 cubic feet, or 300,000 gallons of water delivered
daily.
THE East of Scotland
Malleable Iron Works, Transy, ceased working. All hands
were dismissed, May, 1850.
FIRST RAILWAY PLEASURE
PARTY TO DUNFERMLINE.—A large pleasure party arrived in
Dunfermline on 17th
July, 1850, by the Edinburgh, Perth, and Dundee Railway.
“It was the first railway pleasure trip to Dunfermline. The
party visited all the lions of the place. When they went to
the Auld Kirk, the Rev. Dr. Chalmers addressed them from the
steps of the east end on the popular points of the history
of the old building.”
THE FIRST TRIAL TRIP on
the Railway, from
Dunfermline to Alloa, took place on the 8th of
August, 1850, on the “Stirling and Dunfermline Railway.”
A GENERAL HOLIDAY was
held in Dunfermline
on August 30, 1850. All the shops were shut, and business
was suspended. Above 3,000 left town; 2,100 went to various
place by cheap special trains. (Dunf. Advertiser, Sept.,
1850.)
NORTH FREE CHURCH (Bruce
Street).—This church, which had for some length of time been
in course of erection, was finished and opened for public
worship on the 11th October, 1850. The opening
service was conducted by the Rev. Dr. Begg of Edinburgh.
This church has seats for about 760. (Newspapers)
LITERATURE.—“The Social
Curse (or Intemperance): A Rhyme; and other Pieces. By
Alexander Macansh. Published 1850.” This is a 12mo of 208
pages. The Social Curse, the great poem of the work,
occupies 53 pages, and is followed by 53 rhymes on a great
variety of subjects.
DEATH OF ARCHIBALD HAXTON.—Archibald
Haxton, Rector of the Grammer School of Dunfermline, died in
October, 1850, after the long service of 40 years
(1810-1850.) He was a native of Kirkcaldy. In 1809 he
studied under the Rev. Dr. Lawson, of the
Secession Church, Selkirk,
but did not prosecute his studies. He was a successful
teacher, and turned out a great many first-rate scholars.
He was interred in Dunfermline. (MS. Note; see An. Dunf.
date 1810,)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—William Kinnis, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1850. (Burgh Records.)
THE East of Scotland
Malleable Iron Works, Transy, were, in November, 1850,
purchased for £15,250 by the Weardale Iron Works Company.
(See also An. Dunf. dates 1855, 1856; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol.
ii. p. 346.)
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICES
Removed to the Townhouse.—The Town Clerk’s Offices, or City
Chambers, were in November, 1850, removed to the upper
storey of the Townhouse, which apartment had been the common
jail since 1795, but had in consequence of the erection of
the new prison become useless. (Newspapers)
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT
GILFILLAN.—Mr. Robert Gilfillan died on
4th December,
1850, aged 52. The writer knew the poet well. He was a
most worthy man and sincere friend. (See An. Dunf. date
1831.) He died at Leith, where he had long resided, and was
interred there. He was for some time a clerk in the office
of Messrs. M’Ritchie, Leith, and latterly in the Tax-Office
there.
BOISTEROUS WIND.—Early on
the morning of 8th December, 1850, a great
hurricane of wind visited the town, which caused the
house-tops and high walls to shake in an extraordinary
manner. The roof of the
Free North Church was
partially stripped of its slating, and the turret blown
down. The Gas work chimney, and that of Mr. Walker’s
bleachfield, were overthrown. The post was several hours
behind time. (Newspaper)
REV. MR. LAW’S SOIREE.—A
deeply interesting meeting was held in St. Margaret’s
Church, on Monday evening,
16th December,
1850, on the occasion of his taking leave of his
congregation for Innerleithen. He was presented with his
portrait.
1851.—THEATRE ROYAL,
NETHERTOWN.—A large wooden building was comfortably fitted
up in the Nethertown, by Mr. Wynn, for his theatrical
performances, under the designation of the Theatre Royal.
GEOLOGICAL LECTURES—Mr.
Hugh Miller.—Towards the end of February this year, the
celebrated Hugh Miller, the geologist, and editor of the
Witness newspaper, delivered two popular lectures on
Geology, in the Free Abbey Church, Canmore Street, to large
audiences.
FIND OF SILVER COINS OF
KING CHARLES I.—In the month of February, 1851, some
labourers, while cutting a trench in a field, on the site of
the Battle of Pitreavie (1651), three miles south east of
Dunfermline, turned up the bones of some of the old
combatants. Near the breast bone of one of them
lay a leathern bag, filled with
silver coins of Charles I. On one of the coins was the king
on horseback, surrounded by the following inscription:--
CAROLVS
* D.G. MAG
* BRI * FRA
* ET * HIB * REX.
“Charles, by the Grace of
God, King of Great
Britain, France, and Ireland.”
And on the reverse side
CHRISTO
* AUSPICE * REGNO.
“I reign by Christ’s
authority.”
(Newspaper, see also Chal.
Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 282.)
CENSUS.—The sixth
Government census of
Dunfermline was taken in
April, 1851. The following are the results:--Population of
the Town and Parish of Dunfermline in April, 1851, 21,234;
Town of Suburbs within the new Parliamentary boundary,
13,861, of which 6874 were males and 6987 were females;
showing an increase of only 538 souls between 1841 and
1851. (Newspapers &c)
DUNFERMLINE TABLE LINEN AND
THE GREAT EXHIBITION IN LONDON, 1851.—The following is a
list of the contributors to the Great Exhibition in the
Crystal Palace, April, 1851:--
Messrs. Hunt & Son,
George Birrel, Messrs. Dewar & Son, Erskine Beveridge,
William Kinnis, Peter Bonnar—(Table Linen, Table Cloths, &c)
William Clark—(Specimens of Bookbinding.)
THE WATER COMPANY’S
ANNUAL REVENUE for
15th May, 1851, was £6679 4s. 4d.
(Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 64.)
THE Old Reservoir,
Douglas Street, was
converted into the Water Office, and for the storage of
pipes.
THE NETHERTOWN
IMPROVEMENTS—Rose Decorations, &c—This year Broad Street,
Nethertown, north side, was much improved in appearance by
the raising of roses in plots before the several houses.
The roses were sent by Mr. Ferguson, a native of the
district. (MS. Note.)
ERECTION of
St. Leonard’s Steam-Power
Weaving Factory.—This factory was erected by Messers.
Erskine, Beveridge, & Co. Proprietors, at St. Leonard’s
Place, Nethertown, and was opened for work in June, 1851.
There are about 1,200 operatives, &c, employed at this
establishment. (MS Note)
THE ELGIN BLEACHFIELD,
for boiling and bleaching linen yarn, was commenced by Mr.
Walker in 1851. Since then the establishment has much
increased; in 1877 it gave employment to about fifty
persons. (MS Note)
THE REV. DAVID RUSSELL
was ordained minister of St. Margaret’s Church,
East Port Street, on 3rd
September, 1851. (Dunfermline Advertiser)
ROMAN CATHOLIC
CHAPEL.—The Masons’ Hall, in Queen Ann Place, was taken on
lease by this body of worshippers, and by them fitted up for
their place of worship in October, 1851.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—William Kinnis, Esq., was re-elected Provost in
Nov., 1851. (Burgh Records.)
EAST OF SCOTLAND MALLEABLE
IRON WORKS, TRANSY.—These Works were purchased by the
Weardale Iron Co. in Nov., 1850, but finding after a year’s
trail that they had been carried on at a great loss,
resolved to remove and transport all the machinery to
Weardale, so that the works were closed, and all was quiet
before the end of December, 1851. From first to last these
works were an unfortunate and unhappy speculation, as noted
in the newspapers of the time.
LITERATURE.—The first
number of The Dunfermline Register, was published in the end
of December, 1851. The Register was issued on Mondays at a
penny, but ceased to exist at the end of 1852.
1852.—A MURDER Committed
on the High Street.—Two young men, named Charles Fancoat and
Michael Harrigan, who had been fellow workers at the late
malleable iron works, had for some time been on unfriendly
terms. On Saturday,
14th February, 1852, they had been drinking, when
irritating words passed between them. In the evening of the
same day they chanced to meet near the east end of the High
Street. Fancoat went into a flesher’s shop and borrowed a
knife under false pretence. Armed with the knife, he rushed
out into the street in search of Harrigan, and seeing him,
fatally stabbed him. For the murder Fancoat was tried at
Perth, on 28th April, and condemned to be
executed. The decision of the Court occasioned great
excitement in the town. A petition for commutation of the
sentence was drawn up, and received 1250 signatures. Early
in May the petition was forwarded to the Home Secretary. On
17th May the Provost received notice that a
respite had been granted, upon which “the excitement and
commotion subsided.” (MS Note)
DUNFERMLINE AND
CHARLESTOWN RAILWAY.—In February, 1852, a locomotive engine
was applied for the first time to the passenger train
running between the Nethertown and
Charlestown, instead of the
horse formerly used. The distance from the Nethertown to
Charlestown, 3 ¼ miles, is now done in about 10 minutes.
(MS Note)
THE VICTORIA LODGING
HOUSE, Nethertown, was opened for lodgers on March, 1852.
Terms, 3d. per night. (MS Note)
PENNY SAVINGS’
BANK.—“There were Penny Savings’ Banks established in
connection with some of the factories in town and collieries
in the vicinity.” (MS Note)
A PRESENTATION was made
to the Rev. Robert Cuthbertson on the occasion of his
leaving Dunfermline
for England, April. 1852.
THE POST OFFICE was
removed to the County Buildings at the Cross, May, 1852.
CONGREGATIONAL, or
independent Church, Canmore Street.—The Rev. Alexander
M’Auslane was ordained pastor of this church on
26th May, 1852.
(See An. Dunf. date 1858, the year when he demitted his
charge; MS Note.) He
resigned in August, 1858, for
Newport, Monmouthshire.
RACES AND GAMES.—In
August, 1852, public races were run on both the north and
south sides of the town. There were also games of various
sorts. (MS Note)
AGRICULTURE—Bell’s
Reaping Machine.—Bell’s Reaping Machine was practically
exhibited in September, on Clune Farm. Thousands witnessed
the performance, and highly lauded the contrivance. (MS
Note)
THE CHOLERA—Sanitary
Duties, &c.—Much excitement prevailed in consequence of the
probability of another visit of cholera. The Sanitary Laws
were put in force, and a general cleansing of houses, &c.,
in town took place. (MS Not
THE DUKE OF
WELLINGTON’S OBSEQUIES.—The
shops, &c., in town were closed on the 18th
November, 1952, in respect for the memory of the Great Duke,
whose remains were deposited in St. Paul’s Cathedral on that
day. At intervals the muffled bells tolled. The Abbey
Church pulpit and Magistrates’ seat were draped with black,
and appropriate sermons were delivered in the several
churches.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—William Kinnis, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1852. (Burgh Records.)
A RELIEF CENTENARY SOIREE
was held in
Gillespie Church, on November, 1852. There was a large
attendance. Prof. M’Michael occupied the chair. (Dunf.
Advertiser.)
A PROPERTY investment
Society was established in
Dunfermline. Shares to the
amount of £18,100 were subscribed. (Dunf. Advertiser,
December.)
MUSIC HALL.—The large and
commodious Music Hall, capable of holding an audience of
about 1500, was opened by a grand concert on 30th
December, 1852. The principal entrance is from Guildhall
Street. (Dunf. Advertiser.) Mr. Clark, bookseller, &c., is
the proprietor. The building was in progress during the
whole of the year 1852.
1853.—MONASTERY RUINS—A
public subscription was raised to defray the expense of
removing the filth and rubbish lying between the entrance of
the west approach to the Abbey Church and the Pends; as also
to clear away the stones, rubbish, &c, lying on the vacant
triangular piece of ground below the Pends, at foot of
Frater Hall wall. The clearance above, or north of the
Pends, was effectually made, but the rubbish lying below the
Pends was untouched. (MS Note)
LITERATURE.—The first
number of a newspaper called The Dunfermline Chronicle, was
published on Friday, April 22, 1853, by John Henderson,
bookseller, 51 High Street.
BRUCEFIELD ESTATE was
purchased by Erskine Beveridge, Esq., from A. Struthers,
Esq., for about £12,000. (Newspaper)
WEAVING.—A Patented
Improvement.—Mr. Houston took out a patent for a new plan of
weaving without the use of the leads. (Dunf. Advertiser)
MASTER OF THE SONG
SCHOOL.—Mr. John Locke, the favourtie candidate for this
office “made his psalmody trial in the
Abbey Church in June, when
the Church was filled to overflowing. There was mach
excitement and curiosity manifested.”
POWDER MAGAZINE.—The
Powder Magazine on Garvock Hill, built at the expense of the
Burgh, was finished in June, this year, and all those who
dealt in powder were ordered to store it in the new
Magazine, they being allowed to retain a few pounds’ weight
on their premises for sale.
PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Erskine
Beveridge, Esq., was elected Provost, November, 1853.
(Burgh Records)
MR. JOHN LOCKE received
his legal appointment to the office of Master of the
Song School, and Parish
Clerk of Dunfermline, Nov. 13, 1853. Mr. Locke was elected
sometime before this date, but, owing to some irregularity
in conducting the election, he did not receive his “legal
orders” until this date.
1854.—SHERIFF COURTS.—The
Sheriff Courts, which had heretofore been held once a week,
began in January, 1854. to sit twice a week, “for the
quicker dispatch of business.” (Dunf. Advertiser.)
THE Foundation stone of
the New School of Arts was laid in March, 1854. (Dunf.
Advertiser.)
THE
SCHOOL OF ARTS was
re-opened on April 17th, 1854. There were 387
pupils; Mr. Leonard Baker, master. The Masons’ Hall was
used as a temporary school.
STONE PAVEMENTS were
ordered by the town Council to be laid in all the streets of
the Burgh, “which will be a great convenience to those daily
using them, especially the out-streets.”
SCOTTISH BAPTIST
CHURCH.—The congregation of Scottish Baptists here
(established in 1805) after many changes, broke up on
7th July, 1854.
Their place of worship was sold to the Holy Catholic
Apostolic Congregation (Rowites, or Irvingites) who
worshipped in the Maygate Chapel. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol.
ii. pp. 319, 320.) The body, on breaking up, joined the
English Baptists.
THE CENTENARY of the
Cairneyhill Congregation was held in the church there on
July 17th,
1854. It was a large meeting.
CHOLERA.—The Cholera
broke out in Limekilns and
Charlestown. The cleaning
out of the houses in these places was done vigorously, as
also in Dunfermline, &c. (Dunfermline Advertiser.)
AGRICULTURAL SHOW.—Grand
Show of Cattle, &c., at Urquhart in August. The exhibition
was greatly admired and commended. (Dunfermline
Advertiser.)
ELECTRIC
TELEGRAPH.—According to two of our notes, the electric
telegraph was conducted into the Post Office, and made ready
for business on 4th
October, 1854.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., merchant, elected
Provost. (Burgh Records, Nov.)
STOCK MARKET.—Early in
December a Stock Market was opened under the Music Hall,
Guildhall Street,
which was inaugurated by a dinner. (Dunfermline
Advertiser.)
WEAVING TRADE.—Great
dullness in the weaving trade prevailed in the town and
suburbs; 800 looms reported to be idle, and 500 men out of
work. (Dunfermline
Advertiser.)
PATRIOTIC FUND.—The
amount collected in the town and district in aid of this
fund during November and December, was found to be close on
£1000. (Dunfermline
Advertiser.)
PHOTOGRAPHY.—Mr. Louis
opened a studio in the High Street for taking likenesses at
2s. 6de. each. It was the first photographic establishment
in Dunfermline.
1855.-REGISTER OFFICE,
MAYGATE,--On 1st
January, 1855, the new Act for the registration of births,
marriages, and deaths came into operation. (MS Note)
STONE COFFINS
DISCOVERED.—Several stone coffins were found on 12th
January, whilst a grave was being dug for the remains of
Ex-Provost Kinnis, at the south east corner of
Abbey Church. (Newspaper)
THE ELGIN DINNER.—A
public dinner was given in the Music Hall to the Earl of
Elgin, on Friday, 2nd
February, 1855. Provost Robertson occupied the chair.
There was a large audience. The dinner and speeches passed
pleasantly off.
NORTH QUEENSFERRY was
disjoined from the parish of Dunfermline and united to that
of Inverkeithing, by the Sheriff, “for the better carrying
out of the new Registration Act.” (Dunf. Advertiser.)
EVANGELICAL UNION.—On
Sunday, 7th
January, 1855, this recently formed congregation assembled
for worship in the Masons’ Hall, Queen Ann Place, under the
pastorship of the Rev. J. Frame.
THE Dunfermline School of
Science and Arts, known also as the
School of Design, was
opened in their new building in the Newrow, on Monday, 8th
January, 1855, and provided with a complete collection of
casts, &c., from the Department in London. The master of
the school was Mr. Leonard Baker.
DUNFERMLINE
SURVEYED.—Early in March, 1855, Capt. Baylis, R. E. of the
Ordnance Office, with his staff of assistants, began to
survey the streets of the burgh for the plan of the city of
Dunfermline. (See
An. Dunf. date 1853.) Much interest and curiosity was
excited. The plan was engraved, finished, and on sale in
the month of Dec., 1856.
MONASTERY
DIGGINGS,--During the months of May and June, 1855, Mr.
William Clark, jun., bookseller, along with his assistants,
made numerous diggings within the area of the Monastery for
the purpose of tracing out the contour and the extent of the
old walls underground for E. Henderson, LL.D. The
underground foundations, &c., were discovered, and much that
was extremely interesting ascertained. (Vide Chal. Hist.
Dunf. vol. ii. pp. 132-134.)
SALE OF DUNFERMLINE
ANTIQUARIAN RELICS.—The late Mr. Laurence Wilson, of
Mid-Mill, near Dunfermline, previous to his leaving the
locality for America, in the end of July, 1855, had a public
sale of his household effects. Among the articles sold were
the following Dunfermline relics, viz.:--A splendid carved
oak cabinet, and a small cupboard, called the Queen’s Amrie,
also beautifully carved; these were sold to an Edinburgh
gentleman, and considerable regret was expressed that they
had not been retained in the town; also and original
portrait of Queen Anne by Kneller, purchased by Mr. Hunt,
Pittencrieff, and several antique looking glasses and
pictures were also disposed of. The servet or napkin woven
by James Blake in 1719 was sold privately by Mr. Wilson,
shortly before his sale, to Mr. E. Beveridge, manufacturer.
The writer from time to time, between 1840 and 1855,
received from Mr. Wilson many interesting letters relative
to Dunfermline in the olden time.
THE Dunfermline Harmonist
Society was resuscitated in Sept., 1855. (Dunfermline
Advertiser.)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., re-elected Provost.
(Burgh Records, Nov., 1855.)
SOLDIERS’ BARRACKS,
GOLFDRUM.—The Government authorities, early in 1855,
purchased the old Flax Mill at west end of Golfdrum for the
purpose of converting it into military barracks. During the
year the mill underwent a thorough revolution in its
internal fittings, for the accommodation of a detachment of
military; by the end of December, 1855, it was ready, but
some unknown hitch occurred and no soldiers were
forthcoming! (MS Note)
1856.—ORDNANCE PLAN OF
DUNFERMLINE and Town
Council Minute.—The writer of the “Annals” had, for a
considerable length of time, been in correspondence with the
Secretary of War and the officials of the Ordnance Map
Department at Southampton, relative to having the word
“City” engraved on the Ordnance Plan of Dunfermline as its
proper title, instead of “town”, “city” being the ancient
designation. After due consideration, the above authorities
resolved to adopt the suggestion, and he afterwards received
the following note announcing it:--
“Ordnance Map Office,
Southampton,
6th
February, 1856.
“Sir, I beg to
acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 21st
ultimo, and to say, that, after consulting the Solicitor to
the War Department, we have decided on designation
Dunfermline a City. I have
the honour to be &c.,
”To Dr. Henderson,” &c.
“Henry James.
Lieut. Col. royal
Engineers.
The writer sent this note
to Provost Robertson of Dunfermline, who, on February 14th,
laid it before a meeting of the Town Council, held that day,
when they unanimous
“Resolved, That in all
writs issuing in the name of the Magistrates, or Council, or
in which they or the town shall be referred to, the title
“City” shall be used in place of “Burgh” or “Town” as
heretofore, when this falls to be done; and the Clerk in
instructed to this effect.”
(Burgh Records,
Feb. 14, 1856; also Chal.
Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 55.)
The City Clerk should
attend to this resolution of the Council.
COAL OUT-PUT.—The
quantity of coal raised this year from all the pits in the
Dunfermline
district, ending with May 15, was 100,000 ton. (Newspapers)
KOSSUTH IN
DUNFERMLINE.—About the beginning of June this year (1856)
several of the admirers of M. Kossuth, the late Governor of
Hungary, invited him to
Dunfermline. The
invitation was accepted, and June 24th fixed for
the day of his visit. We take the following from our notes
at the time:--
Great excitement
prevailed in the town and country around; a day or two
previous to the 24th was employed in erecting
triumphal floral arches, flower decorations, flags,
bannerets, and bunting. There were three triumphal floral
arches erected, viz.:--One of noble proportions and height
was erected at the Townhouse, and there was displayed on it
with unique effect the word “Welcome” in burning fire! One
at Mr. E. Beveridge’s, Priory House, having on it--” Welcome
Kossuth and Freedom to
Hungary.” The third and
finest arch was erected on the road at St. Leonard’s
Factory, by the operatives; it was decorated with four
banners, having the inscriptions—“Kossuth,” “Hungary,”
“Italy,” “Poland,” In the High Street there were several
banners with inscriptions on them such as—“Hungary
Independent,” “Italy Free,” “Poland Restored,” “An Honest
Man’s the Noblest Work of God,” &c. The Journal Office
displayed, a “Free Press is a Nation’s Bulwark,” while the
Advertiser Office had a banner with—“Hail Kossuth,” “All
Honour to Kossuth,” &c. All these being in settled
preparation for the great event, the 24th
arrived, when Kossuth, along with Madame Kossuth, left
Edinburgh via Queensferry for Dunfermline. “The whole way
was an ovation.” On arriving near Dunfermline the crown was
immense, and the long and loud huzzas of the vast multitude
the ringing of the town bells, and other demonstrations of
joy, exceeded al bounds. On getting into his hotel, in
Bridge Street, Kossuth addressed the people from an open
window amid great excitement. At eight o’clock in the
evening he delivered an address in Queen Ann Street Church
to an audience of about 2,000 persons relative to Hungary,
Austria, Russia, &c, and the part he had taken in the late
wars. After the oration, a set of damask table linen was
presented to Madame Kossuth by the workers of St. Leonard’s
Factory, through Mr. Dobbie, the manager. Kossuth returned
thanks for the handsome gift. Shortly afterwards, Madame
Kossuth sent a letter of thanks to the donors.
THE FREEDOM OF THE BURGH
CONFERRED ON M. KOSSUTH.—Kossuth visited
Dunfermline a second time
on July the 14th and was presented with the
freedom of the Burgh of July 16th. On this visit
he was taken to the Abbey Church and adjacent grounds. He
pondered awhile over the tomb of his great countrywoman St.
Margaret, at the east end of the Abbey (outside). In the
evening he delivered a valedictory political oration to a
large audience. At his own request, this visit was
unaccompanied with any popular demonstration.
THE WEST OF FIFE MINERAL
RAILWAY.—The Bill for the construction of this railway
received the Royal assent on
July 14, 1856.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1856. (Burgh Records)
LITERATURE.—“Royal Tombs
of Dunfermline, by
E. Henderson, LL.D., published by W. Clark, Dunfermline,
Nov., 1856.” This small 12 mo, of 28 pages, is a
re-publication of several short papers, which appeared in
Mr. Clark’s journal, on the Royal Tombs, by the writer. A
fine small woodcut of the Abbey Church fronts the
title-page. It is now out of print.
PLAN OF THE CITY OF
DUNFERMLINE.—The first parcel of the Ordnance Plan of the
City of Dunfermline,
from the Ordnance Map Office, Southampton, arrived in
Dunfermline early in December, 1856.
The Plans are
splendid. They are of a large size. Scale, 5 inches to a
mile; consequently the plan of the City is as minute as it
is correct in all its details. The survey was accomplished
in 1855 “by Captain Bayly, R.E. and staff of assistants;
engraved under the direction of Captain Cameron, R.E. in
1856, at the Ordnance Map Office, Southampton; and published
by Lieut-Colonel James, R.E., F.R.S., M.R.I.A., &c.,
superintendent.” In sheets, price 2s. per sheet.
There is a smaller Plan
of the City, forming part of the map of the
county of Fife, surrounding
Dunfermline. Scale, 6 inches to a mile and is the most
minute and accurate map of Dunfermline and its environs ever
published the survey for which was accomplished in 1853,
engraved in 1854, and published in 1856, by the same staff
of officials who did the City Plan. Price per sheet, 2s.
(See An. Dunf. dates February, 1853, March, 1855, and
February, 1856.) Sheets on sale by Messrs. John Millar &
Son, and Mr. William Clark, bookseller, Dunfermline,
December, 1856. (MS Note)
THE East of
Scotland Malleable Iron
Works.—During the last half of the year 1856 the whole of
the machinery, &c., belonging to these works were removed
piece-meal, and in December the tall chimney was blown up,
or rather blown down, by gun powder charges, so by the end
of December nothing was to be seen but a great mound of
rubbish where the works once stood. (MS Note)
