OS1/35/9/20

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
BLOOD MOSS Blood Moss
Blood Moss
Alexander Milroy
George McHaffie Esqr.
007 [Situation] In the northern Part of the Parish.
A large moss on the farm of Polbae and DarlosKine. This is supposed to have derived its name from the circumstance of driving young Bullocks into it for the more easy securing them for the purpose of Bleeding.
DEIL'S DYKE Deil's Dyke
Deil's Dyke
Statistical Account of Wigtonshire 1841
Samuel McClure
007 [Situation] North East of Loch Derry.
Extract from a letter of Mr Joseph published in the Statistical Acct [Account] of Wigtonshire 1841. P. 234
"This Ancient fence is invariably eight feet broad at the base, with a fosse on the north or inland side of it, and seemingly, as far Stones could be procured conveniently, it is built of BlocKs of common moorstone, which bear no marK either of Chisel or hammer, As it recedes from the Stony District, it is built of an admixture of Stones and earth, or wholly of earth. The builders of the vast rampart, have not taken advantage of natural Barriers, such as, lochs, rivers and glens to strengthen its position as a line of defence, but in Galloway it uniformly includes the fertile land to the South of it, from which circumstance and from the fosse being on the opposite side, it appears to have been built by a people inhabiting the lower and more Southern part of the district.
The Deil's Dyke. considering all its circumstances it is extremely difficult to assign its age, its object, or its builders. I am disposed to think that this work is several centuries older than the arrival of the Irish Cruithne or Picts in Galloway. In Caledonia, Vol III p [page] 237 alluding to the same subject, he adds, It is obviously a very ancient work and was probably formed by the Romanised Britons after the departure of the Roman Armies.-

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 20
Parish of Kirkcowan

[Signed] W.S. Loop
Secd. Corpl. RS & M [Second Corporal Royal Sappers & Miners]

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Chr1smac -Moderator, DANIALSAN

  Location information for this page.