OS1/10/26/56

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 56

Form 136
Page

commodious. Its fairs and cattle markets are of great note for the great extent of business done in each. The establishments for education have long been in considerable repute. There are schools for Latin , and Greek, for writing French & drawing and for the various branches of mathematics besides the academy in which are taught all the branches usual [lost in fold] such institutions. The principal import trades is that which supplies the town & surrounding district with [necessities]. There are [lost in fold] manufactuary carried on here, the principal of which is [honey], much of which is exported to England & other places, there are also {some} tanneries but this trade is rather declining of later years. The navigation of the Nith has been considerably improved of late at [missing in fold] great expense. There are commodious quays constructed along the river four of these are within the compass of 5 miles extending [missing in fold] the town. The situation of Dumfries as a border town renders it of note in history as being connected with the border wars & other events. [missing in fold] antiquities the old Bridge is remarkable. Dumfries Castle was of considerable but no vestige of present remains of this [feature] the New Wark which stood in the centre of the town served in subsequent times as a castle or place of strength. Tradition & history records [missing in fold] churches & chapels belonging to this town of which no vestige is now left remaining. In the Friars vennel stood the Grey Friars monastry church on the site of the present St.Michaels church stood the ancient St. Michaels church on the site of the present St. Marys stood Christy's Chapel. A chapel was also attached to the Castle. There was a chapel familiarly called "St. Allans on the [missing in fold] which stood in St Michael Street somewhere near St Allans Wells. This chapel is considered by some to have a small chapel attached [missing in fold] an old house which stood here until late years & was called the Bishops Lodging from it being a temporary residence of the Bishop of the Diocese in past ages. There was also a small chapel attached to a small nunnery or convent which stood somewhere in the [st.. hidden in fold] called Chapel Street. The chapel & convent were dedicated to St. Nicholas. The convent as tradition states was supported by the ladies of [hidden in fold] house of Lord Herries. There was also "St Thomas's Chapel in the Deanery" (see description Remark for this) Thus within the burgh or its [sub.. hidden in fold] were seven Chapels or churches before the reformation. The site of two of these chapels cannot now be founded although tradition records [check fol for missing words] existence I mean St. Allans & St Nicholas's together with the nunnery attached to the latter although every enquiry & effort was made to ascertain [th.. hidden in fold] Dumfries united with Annan, Lochmaben, Sanquhar & Kirkcudbright in sending a member to parliament.