1857.—POST OFFICE PILLAR
BOXES.—These useful pillar-boxes were introduced into
Dunfermline on 1st
March, 1857, when one was erected at the top of Chalmers
Street, facing Pittencrieff Street, the other at the top
of Moodie Street. (Dunf. Advertiser.)
THREE Cists and a
Cinnerary Urn were found at Craigdhu (or Blackcraig), near
North Queensferry,
on 3rd May, 1857. They were exhibited to a
select party by J. Douglas, of Craigdhu, on 25th
May, 1857. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 387.)
THE average number of
Prisoners in Dunfermline Jail during the three years
ending in June, 1857, was found to be 12 per day. The
gross cost per head of maintaining the prisoners,
including clothing, bedding, fuel, officials’ fee, &c.,
averaged £31 15s. 8d. a year. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii.
p. 382.)
“THE Crimean Hero Table
Cloth,” designed by Mr. James Balfour for Messrs. Dewar &
Sons, London, was
exhibited for three days in the Music Hall, ear the end of
September, when it was visited by about 11,000 people.
There was quite a furor to see it. (Chal. Hist. Dunf.
vol. ii. p. 343.)
DEBT OF THE BURGH.—On
15th
October, 1857, the debt of the Burgh of Dunfermline was
£6,188 4s. 4 1/2d., being a decrease of £7,233 8s. 5d.
since October, 1835. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 358.)
THE Assessed Taxes for
the Burgh for 1856-57 amounted to £275 19s. 6d.
THE number of letters
which passed through Dunfermline Post Office, between
31st
October, 1855 and 31st October, 1856, amounted
to 320,000 or at the rate of 890 per day.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1857. (Burgh Records.)
LITERATURE.—“A
Descriptive and Historical Gazetteer of the Counties of
Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan, by M. Barbieri, surgeon.
Published 1857.” There is in this work an excellent and
concise account of
Dunfermline and
vicinity. (An. Dunf. date 1862.)
RUSSIAN GUN.—On
16th December,
1857, a Russian Gun was brought to Dunfermline and placed
in position if front of the small area known as the
Bowling Green (the old south transept of the Monastery).
The secretary at Was, the Hon. Fox Maule, through Dr.
Henderson, presented it as a gift to the city. The gun is
a thirty six pounder, nine feet in length and is mounted
on a light iron carriage. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p.
199.)
1858.—ST. ANDREW’S
CHURCH.—Rev. James Rose inducted minister of this church
in January, 1858.
FAILURE OF THE WESTERN
BANK OF SCOTLAND.—A branch of this bank was established in
Dunfermline in
February, 1846. In February, 1858, the bank declared
itself bankrupt, and many persons in Dunfermline suffered
severe losses and reverses. (MS Note
AGRICULTURE.—It was
ascertained in 1858 that there were 5000 acres of land in
the Parish under turnips. (MS Note)
NATIONAL SECURITY
SAVINGS’ BANK.—The amount received from depositors during
the year, from 9th
Feb., 1857, to 9th Feb., 1858, with interest,
was £12,863 18s. 5d. and the amount repaid to depositors,
£11,928 3s. 4d.
JAMES HUNT, ESQ.,
proprietor of Pittencrieff, died at Pittencrieff House,
Dunfermline, on
the 6th March, 2858, aged 72 years. He
succeeded his brother in the estate in 1812; “in politics
he was a Liberal; an able and eloquent speaker; courteous,
kind, and obliging to all.” (Newspaper)
INGLIS STREET STEAM
POWER LOOM FACTORY.—This factory was erected in
North Inglis Street by
Mr. Andrew Boag, proprietor. It employs about 120
operatives, &c. The Messrs. Kirk Brothers were the
proprietors in 1877. (ms Note)
NUMBER OF SCHOLARS IN
THE PARISH.—In April, 1858, it was ascertained that 3,018
pupils attended the 23 schools in the parish, which had
then an estimated population of 22,000 souls.
THE HON. JAMES
ABERCROMBIE, BARON DUNFERMLINE, died in April, 1858. He
was succeeded by his son. (MS Note)
THE REV. THOMAS SMITH
was ordained minister of the united Presbyterian
congregation in Maygate Chapel, on
April 24, 1858.
DEATH OF THE REV. DR.
EBENEZER HENDERSON—Died, on the 16th May, 1858,
at Mortlake, near
London, the Rev. Ebenezer Henderson, D. Ph., D. D., aged
74. He was a native of the parish of Dunfermline, and
uncle of the writer. “He was an eminent linguist and
divine, and was the author of the following
works:--‘Journal of a Residence in Iceland’—‘Biblical
Researches and Travels in Russia’ –‘Commentaries on
Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel,’ &c.” From 1826 to 1850,
he was the Theological Professor of the Dissenting
Colleges at Hoxton and Highbury. He was interred in Abney
Park Cemetery, near London. (See An. Dunf. date 1800.)
WILSON’S SCHOOL, NEWROW.—This
school was finished and opened on 17th May,
1858, for the free education of children in the town and
suburbs of Dunfermline, a preference being given to those
of the name of Wilson, and to children whose parents are
members of the Free Abbey Church—Mr. Andrew Spittal,
master. (MS Note)
DEATH OF MR. ANDREW
BALFOUR.—“On 17th
July, 1858, Mr. Andrew Balfour, builder, died at his
residence in Bath Street, aged 45. The deceased was held
in so much respect by the community, that the shops, on
the line of route taken by the funeral procession, were
closed. He was employed by her Majesty’s Board of Works
on the Abbey Church and the Monastic Ruins, which arduous
task he completed to the satisfaction of all parties. He
was the builder of Gillespie Church, &c and was also the
prime mover in the carrying out of a resolution to erect a
statue to the memory of Ralph Erskine. this he
successfully accomplished.” (Newspapers.)
RESIGNATION OF THE REV.
ROBERT WALKER.—The Rev. Robert Walker, who had been
minister of Chalmers’ Church since 6th
November, 1844, resigned his charge on 10th
August, 1858, and went to Australia, where he became a
mission preacher.
INSURANCE
AGENTS.—According to the Register of Dunfermline, there
were in
Dunfermline in 1858 31 life,
fire, and annuity agents.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., was re-elected
Provost, November, 1858. (Burgh Records)
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND
DEATHS.—At the end of December, 1858, the public Registrar
found by his entries that there had been 822 births, 174
marriages, and 422 deaths during 1858.
1859.—BURNS’S
CENTENARY, 25th January.—The celebration of the
centenary exceeded all expectations. At
three o’clock a numerous
procession, consisting of the United Burns’s Club and the
trades, accompanied by three bands of music, promenaded
the principal streets. In the evening the St. John’s and
Union Lodges paraded in torch-light. The Senior Burns’s
Club, the oldest in Scotland, dined in Milne’s Hotel, the
door of which was decorated with flowers and evergreens by
Mr. John Reid. The bells rung merrily at intervals. The
members of the United Burns’s Club did justice to their
supper in the Hall, Queen Ann Place. The 25th
January, 1859, was a red-letter day in Dunfermline. For
the occasion Mr. A. Thomson, Commercial Schools, composed,
and afterwards had printed, a very appropriate set of
verses. They were read by the author to a large gathering
in the Music Hall. (MS. Note)
LITERATURE.—“Our Banner
and its Battles; or An Evening in a Free Church Manse. By
a Disruption Minister [the Rev. James Mackenzie, Free
Abbey Church,
Dunfermline.] Published by James Nichol, Edinburgh,
1859.” This is a small 12mo of 64 pages illustrated with
upwards of twenty wood cut engravings, amongst which are
John Knox—Knox’s House, Edinburgh—The “Maiden”—Jenny
Geddes’s Stool—The “Thumbkins”—The “Boots”—Martyr’s
Monument, Edinburgh—the Bass Rock and Prison, &c. This is
an interesting little work. It has passed through several
editions.
LITERATURE—The
Dunfermline Press.—This newspaper was first issued on
21st
April, 1859, under the editorship of Mr. Thomas Brown. A
newspaper cutting of the period informs us, that “the
School of Arts building, in the New Row, was purchased by
Erskine Beveridge, Esq., for £480, for the purpose of
altering it into a newspaper office, March, 1859. Early
in April a steam press and two hand presses arrived. An
editor, sub-editor, and staff of assistants, were engaged
by the proprietor. Being at first a bi-weekly, the second
number appeared on Saturday, the 23rd April.”
After a short period, the Press ceased to be issued
bi-weekly, and one issue only (on Saturdays) was resolved
on, which still continues (1878), and with the designation
of The Dunfermline Saturday Press, and West of Fife
Advertiser. A. Romanes Esq. is the second editor, and
also the proprietor. (Newspaper and MS Note)
A WATER CONDUIT,
running north and south, was discovered 8 feet under the
surface, and about 6 feet to the west of the East Walk in
the South Churchyard. It was built on sides and top with
stones nearly joined. The top was covered with puddle
clay, to keep out surface water. (Newspaper)
LITERATURE.—“Historical
and Statistical Account of
Dunfermline. By Peter
Chalmers, D.D., A.M., F.S.A., Scotland, Minister of the
First Charge, Abbey Church, Dunfermline. Second Volume;
illustrated with numerous additional Engravings.
Published by William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and
London.” This volume, published about the end of May,
1859, is an octavo, and similar to vol. i. It is an
elaborate production of 476 pages. Much of it, however,
is taken up with corrections of vol. i.; but it likewise
contains many interesting particulars collected by the
learned author between the publication of his first
volume, in 1844, and that of the second, in 1859. It is
embellished with 14 fine copperplate engravings.
THE ANNUNCIATION
STONE—An Important Archæological Discovery.—In the Annals
of Dunfermline,
under date 1812, there is a drawing and short description
of this stone, to which the reader is referred. From 1812
to 1859, the supposed date 1100 had often been made the
subject of controversy, inasmuch as the Arabian numerals
were not in use until about the middle of the 13th
century! The following is a notice of the discovery taken
from a newspaper of the period:--
In August, 1859. Mr.
John Ions, photographer, Dunfermline, resolved on taking a
camera likeness of the stone, and as its surface was in
some places covered with small patches of what he took to
be hardened dust, he ascended to the stone to clear such
blemished away. During the process of cleaning, he found
that the patch, which lay on the space on the right of
“1100,” which had been supposed to cover the letters
“A.D.” (anno domini), covered the letters “con” which,
when the lime was picked out, stood out sharp and clear.
At this stage of the cleaning, the strip of stone at the
bottom was found to read “CON1100”; BUT THIS
READING WAS AS GREAT A
PUZZLE AS BEFORE, AND MADE HIM INSPECT MORE CLOSELY THE
SUPPOSED 1100. He soon discovered that what had been
taken for the first unit and the first cipher of the
supposed date, were slightly covered with minute patches
of plaster, which, on being carefully removed, revealed
that the first unit was an
f,
and the first cipher a
d—thus,
instead on 1100, it now read “FIDO,” which on “CON’ being
prefixed to it, brought out the Latin word—confido
which signifies “I
trust,” and being directly under the shield of George Dury,
the last abbot of
Dunfermline, may be the motto of the Dury Arms.
It may be remarked
that the Latin word “Confido” is to be found over the
doorways of many religious and other houses, erected
between the 16th and 18th
centuries. “In Domino Confido” (the title of Psalm xi.)
is cut on a stone in the front wall of an old house, in
the West Bow,
Edinburgh. (Chamb. Gazetteer of Scotland, p. 333.)
Again, over the ancient Monastery of Blackfriars at
Edinburgh, there was a sculptured stone, which had on
it—“Ave Maria, Gratia Plena, Dominus Tecum”—That is, “Hail
Mary, full of favour, the Lord be with you!”—which, with
the exception of Maria, is precisely what we have on the
Annunciation Stone. Would such a motto at Blackfriars, in
Edinburgh, be likely to occur to Abbot Dury’s mind for one
of his mottoes on the stone at Dunfermline? (See Arnold’s
Hist. Edin. 1816, p. 187.)
Thus was set at rest,
and satisfactorily explained, what had been “a puzzle and
a bone of contention” with antiquarians for 47 years. Had
the plaster which covered the whole surface of the stone
been all carefully removed in 1812, it would have given
many a quiet hour to zealour antiquarians! It is singular
that such a finely sculptured stone should have been made
the roof part of the bay window in the Palace; perhaps it
may have been taken in “troublous times” from the
Abbey Church, and place
in the roof of said window, and plastered over with lime
for safety. The stone has been semicircular, and is still
very nearly so, having a radius of about 2 feet 10 inches;
the base is 5 feet 9 inches in length; and from its middle
to top of curve, 2 feet 2 inches. These measures so
nearly coincide with that of the top of the arch of the
innermost or lowest of the receding arches of the great
western door of the Abbey, that it is not unlikely that
its original place was in the top of this arch. Be that
as it may, if placed here, it would have a fine
appearance; well seen and appreciated by all Many of the
great western door arches of English Cathedrals are
embellished with Scriptural Stones. The great west door
of Rochester Cathedral, which very much resembles that of
Dunfermline Abbey, has in its lowest receding arch a
beautifully sculptured stone of great age, which has been
referred to by antiquarians, historians, &c. (See An.
Dunf. date 1812.)
HONORARY BURGESS—The
Freedom of the Burgh.—On the 31st of August,
1859, the freedom of the Burgh of Dunfermline was
conferred on Ebenezer Henderson, LL.D. for his antiquarian
researches, and in recognition of his services in
connection with the restoration of the Burgh to its
ancient status of a City. He was, in the evening,
entertained t a public dinner,
presided over by Robert Robertson, Esq., Provost.
(Newspaper)
PATRIARCHAL
DINNER.—Forty “auld
Dunfermline men,” whose
ages varied from 70 to 93, dined in Mr. Aitken’s hotel at
the Cross, on 23rd September, 1859. “The
united ages of the forty old ones amounted to 3,003
years. Toasts, songs, and “cracks”, were “the order” of
the evening; and they one and all enjoyed a very
pleasurable evening.
CHALMERS STREET
CHURCH—Ordination.—The Rev. Alex. Milne Jervie was
ordained Minister of the Church on the 7th
Sept., 1859; resigned in 1876.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., was re-elected
Provost in November, 1859. (Burgh Records)
THE VOLUNTEERS.—The
Dunfermline Volunteer Corps originated at a public
meeting, held on
the 14th November, 1859.
1860.—TOWNHOUSE
STEEPLE.—“The wooden cone above the bartizan of the
Townhouse Steeple was removed on 11th January,
1860, in consequence of a report regarding the unsoundness
of the timber; it was, however, ascertained that the
timber work was sound, but instead of replacing it, the
tower was allowed to remain without a cone for six years!
(MS Note) “Lament of the Steeple for want of its
Cone-cover!”
A MEMORIAL
WINDOW.—Early in 1860, Lady Willoughby D’Eresby, of
Drummond Castle, caused
one of the windows in the south aisle of the old Abbey
Church to be filled with stained glass to the memory of
her ancestor, Queen Annabella Drummond, Consort of Robert
III. On a brass-plate underneath is the following
inscription:--“This memorial, bearing the escutcheon of
Annabella Drummond, Queen of Scotland, was erected by
Clementina Sarah Drummond, Lady Willoughby D’Eresby, in
memory of her royal ancestor.” This was the first stained
glass window put into the Abbey.
THE COUNTESS OF ELGIN
died in Paris on
31st March, 1860, and was interred in the Elgin
Vault, Dunfermline Abbey, on the 12th April.
(MS Note)
LITERATURE.—“The
Pilgrim Psalms; an Exposition of the Songs of Degrees,
Psalms cxx.-cxxxiv. By the Rev. Neil M’Michael, D.D.,
Dunfermline.
Price 4s. 6d.” This work was published in May, 1860.
ST, LEONARD’S SCHOOLS
were erected at
St. Leonard’s Factory, St. Leonard’s, near Dunfermline, in
1860.
MOUNTED
VOLUNTEERS.—This corps was first suggested at a public
meeting held in March, 1860, and were organized in July
and Aug.
BERRYLAW TAP.—The top
of the Berrylaw, traditionally knows as a sepulchral site,
was dug into on July, 1860, at the instance of Mr. Joseph
Paton, Wooer’s Alley,
Dunfermline. Nothing
particular turned up, excepting charred wood, rotten
bones, and a few rough flat stones.
THE DUNFERMLINE
VOLUNTEERS repaired to
Edinburgh (Aug. 7, 1860)
to take part in the Grand National Review in the Queen’s
Park.
ABBEY GARDENS
FACTORY.—This factory, erected by Messers. Reid & Sons,
proprietors, in St. Margaret Street, was finished in
Sept., 1860, when 175 steam looms were set in motion, it
employs about 250 hands.
VIEW OF THE CITY OF
DUNFERMLINE.—A fine chromo-lithographic view of
Dunfermline from the west
north west, 30 inches by 18, was published by Mr. W.
M’Farlane, lithographer, 19 St. James Square, Edinburgh,
price 21s. (This chromo view is taken from the original
painting by Mr. Andrew Blair, artist, Dunfermline.)
LOUIS BLANC, the
celebrated French Deputy, delivered a lecture to a
numerous audience in the Music Hall on the evening of
October 11, 1860.
Subject,--“On the Mysterious Persons and Agencies in
France towards the end of the 18th Century.”
(MS Note)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Robertson, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1860. (Burgh Records)
LASSODIE FOUNTAIN.—This
elegant granite fountain built into the north west corner
of Queen Ann Street Church boundary wall, has the
following inscription cut upon it,--“Lassodie Fountain.
Presented to the City of
Dunfermline, by Henry A.
Dewar. M. D., Aberdeen. 1860.”
1861.—THE Dunfermline
C0-Operative Society (Limited) was inaugurated in Jan.
1861. The rules were registered on 1st May,
and the first shop opened on
1st June,
1861. (An. Dunf. date1866.)
PUBLIC DINNER AND
PRESENTATION.—On 8th February, Ex-Provost
Robertson was entertained to dinner by upwards of 100
gentlemen of the city and district in the Mason Hall,
Queen Ann Place, and presented with a beautiful silver
tray, value £90, bearing the following
inscription:--“Presented to Robert Robertson, Esq., lately
Provost of Dunfermline, by his fellow citizens, in token
of their appreciation of the zeal, ability, and integrity
with which, during a period of six years, he discharged
the duties of his office as chief magistrate of this
city.
Dunfermline, 8th February, 1861.” Provost
Whitelaw occupied the chair, and E. Beveridge, Esq.,
presented the testimonial. The speeches delivered on the
occasion were most interesting, and the whole proceedings
a complete success.
THE Dunfermline Penny
Savings’ Bank was instituted early in April, 1861; there
were 359 depositors on 16th April.
VOLUNTEERS.—The
Volunteer Corps created a great sensation in town on
Saturday, 5th April, when the whole body of
them turned out for the first time. The chief attraction
was the band, nineteen in number, and their dress is
lighter in shade and gayer in trimmings than that of the
riflemen. “The rifle band will be a credit to the city.
the corps marched to
Brucefield Park and on
their return; they paraded through the principal streets
of the city. Dunfermline felt proud of the martial
appearance of her sons.” (Dunf. Advertiser)
THE CENSUS.—The seventh
Government census was taken is April 1861. Results
relative to the Parish of Dunfermline:--Population of the
town and parish of
Dunfermline, 20,952; town
and suburbs within the Parliamentary boundary, 13,504. Oh
these 6,438 were males, and 7,066 females. Compared with
1851, it shows a decrease of 436 males, but an increase of
79 females; total decrease, 357. Males in the parish of
Dunfermline, 10,016; females, 10,936; total decrease in
the parish, 382.
GRAND RECEPTION TO THE
EARL OF ELGIN.—On
17th April, 1861, the Magistrates, being
apprised of the time when the Earl would arrive at
Dunfermline Railway Station, ordered the bells to be rung,
and the flags to br hung out,
while they walked in procession, escorted by the
volunteers, to await his arrival. His Lordship, Lady
Elgin, and family were conducted to the Council chambers,
where his Lordship was presented with an address. This
was a great day in Dunfermline.
PRESENTATION.—Mr.
Andrew Thomson, of the
Commercial School, during
the winter delivered a series of readings gratuitously.
These lectures, which were very popular, were brought to a
close on 4th April, 1861. At the concluding
meeting Provost Whitelaw presided, and presented Mr.
Thomson with the sum of £30 as a testimonial for his
labours.
CHALMERS STREET
CHURCH.—The old church of 1789 being removed, the
foundation stone of a new and more commodious place of
worship was laid on July, 1861. In a case were enclosed a
brief history of the congregation, a copy of the
principles of the United Presbyterian Church, the local
newspapers, and the current coins of the realm. The case
was placed in a hollow, cut I
the foundation stone, and properly secured. (Newspaper)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., ironfounder, elected
Provost, November, 1861. (Burgh Records)
A PUBLIC DINNER and
Presentation were given to James Macfarlane, Esq.,
November, 1861.
1862.—METEOROLOGY,
&c.—According to a note in our possession, by J. M. from 1st
March, 1861, to 1st March, 1862, the wind blew
from south, south west and west, 191 days, and from the
north, north east, east and south east, 174 days. There
were 127 rainy days, and 228 without rain. The average
height of the barometer in summer was 30 9/10ths. The
average height of the thermometer in July was 92° in the
sun and 79° in the shade.
MR. ANDREW M’DONALD
died at Swinton, near
Manchester, on 4th
June this year, aged 68. He was for upwards of thirty
years an eminent teacher in Dunfermline, connection with
the Commercial Academy.
CHALMERS STREET CHURCH
finished and opened for worship. (See A. Dunf. dates
1789, 1861.)
THE Regality House,
East Nethertown
Street, was removed to make way for another building.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1862. (Burgh Records.)
M. BARBIERI, surgeon
(late of Limekilns) died at Inverkeithing on 20th
November, aged 81 years. For some years previous to his
death he corresponded with the writer. Dr. Barbieri had a
fine taste for antiquities and history.
THE Dunfermline Journal
(Messrs. Clark, publishers) after an existence of about
twenty two years issued its last number in December,
1862. (See dates 1840 and 1872.)
1863.—LITERATURE.—The
first number of “The Fifeshire Illustrated Family Almanac
and General Advertiser for 1863,” was published by D.
Campbell, Chalmers
Street, Dunfermline. It is an 8vo. Price 1d.
THE Dunfermline
Advertiser, published by Mr. Miller, after an existence of
about twenty nine years, issued its last number in May,
1863. Mr. Miller’s Advertiser and Mr. Clark’s Journal
were at first monthly papers. Afterwards they appeared
fortnightly, alternating with each other, and thus giving
the public the advantage of a weekly paper betwixt them.
But the Dunfermline Press, established in 1859, took the
lead, and was the cause of the extinction of the
Advertiser and Journal. (MS Note; See An. Dunf. date
1834.)
THE
New Cemetery was opened
for interments on 31st July, 1863. The
cemetery is about ¾ of a mile east from the burgh,
comprises about 6 acres and is tastefully laid out in
walks &c.
THE
Public Park, Hallbank,
was opened in August, 1863.
THE
Dunfermline and
Charlestown Railway was in September the year
discontinued, after having done good service for about
twenty nine years. (MS Note)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1863. (Burgh Records)
LORD HIGH CONSTABLE OF
DUNFERMLINE’S DINNER.—The Dinner of the Lord High
Constable, an old institution, which had been long
discontinued, was this year, in November, revived by Mr.
James Macdonald, writer, who was then Lord High
Constable. The Provost, Magistrates, &c., were his
guests. Toasts and speechifying were the order of the
evening. The dinner was held in Turnbull’s Hotel. (MS
Note)
1864.—LITERATURE.—An
8vo. tractate, of 34 pp., was published this year,
entitled “Burgh Life in
Dunfermline in the Olden
Time: a Lecture. By the Rev. William Ross, Aberdour.
Delivered in the Music Hall, Dunfermline, 8th
February, 1864, at the request of the Literary Society of
the Town. Published by Edmonston and Douglas, Edinburgh,
1864.” This little work is brimful of most interesting
extracts from the oldest of the Burgh Records
(1473-1506). We are indebted to it for many of the
entries in the Annals, and for extracts taken from it.
“DUNFERMLINE
IN THE OLDEN TIME.”—A lithographic view (9 by 7 ¼ inches)
under this designation was published by the writer early
this year, finely done by Schenck and M’Farlane of
Edinburgh. It is composition view, drawn from several
detached sources, and pieced together to represent as
follows:--The Porch door and “Auld Kirk” Steeple, the
Constabulary and Bailie House, the Queen’s House, and Pend
which has erroneously been styled “the West Port” by the
print, whereas it was erected so late as 1770 as a private
gateway to Pittencrieff Policy. The said view is supposed
to be taken from the foot of the Kirkgate (omitting the
West Port in St. Catherine’s Wynd) as the view would
appear in 1790. The price was 1s. 6d.
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., was re-elected Provost
in November, 1864. (Burgh Records)
1865.—LITERATURE.—There
was published in May, this year, “Extracts from the Kirk
Session of Dunfermline, from A.D. 1640 to 1689 inclusive;
or a Glimpse of the Ecclesiastical History of Dunfermline
for a period of Fifty Years. With Illustrative Notes.
Edited by E.
Henderson, LL.D. Printed by Fullarton and Macnab,
Edinburgh. May, 1866.” This is a thin 12mo of 82 pages,
and contains a few hundred extracts from the long lost and
now oldest records of the Dunfermline Kirk Session. The
frontispiece (a woodcut) represents the Ruins of the Abbey
Choir, Auld Kirk, &c, of Dunfermline. It is a composite
drawing by Dr. Henderson. A great many of the extracts
are to be found in the Annals of Dunfermline, between
dates 1649 and 1689.
THE Bothwell Steam
Power Weaving Factory was erected in
Elgin Street, by David
Dewar & Sons. in June, 1865. About 900 operatives were
employed, The present
proprietors are M. Mathewson & Son.
THE Town House Bell,
which had, since the year 1654, “served the town at all
times when bell sound was needed—for Council meetings,
opening of the old market days, day of rejoicing, and
funerals, was disused this year, 1865, in consequence of
its getting out of tune, and giving an uncertain sound.”
It was replaced by another, set to G—no very great
improvement upon its predecessor. (See An. Dunf. date
1876; MS Note.)
PROVOST OF
DUNFERMLINE.—John Whitelaw, Esq., re-elected Provost,
November, 1865. (Burgh Records)
CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH.—Induction.—The Rev. Jas. Mitchell Robbie was
inducted minister of the Congregational Church,
Canmore Street, in
November, 1865.
