OS1/10/32/1A

Continued entries/extra info

Glenkill Burn and the other between the lower grounds and the Glenkill Burn. The greatest elevation is the Holehouse Hill in the North Eastern district which is 1500 Ft. above Sea level. The turnpike Road from Dumfries to Moffat nearly bisects the Parish.Veins of ironstone and ochre abound throughout the Parish consequently some of the springs are slightly chalkyeate, but are not of particular notice. There are no minerals wrought nor manufactories carried on- the district is entirely rural - there are no towns nor villages. A parish church is situated rather inconveniently in the S?? district - two parish schools respectively in the ?? and Sn district. The principal Mansion in Kirkmichael House. The Duke of Buccleach is proprieter of about 1/2 of the parish. Population about 1130.

A branch of the Roman Road leading from Netherbie in Cumberland is said to have existed in this Parish, of which however, no traces can now be discovered. The statistical account (1834) says ´The only Roman Road in the Parish is a branch of the great road that lead from Netherby in Cumberland to the chain of forts built by Collius Urbicus between the Forth and the Clyde. This can still be traced through the maps, and seems to have terminated at Catellum, of which two sides still remain very distinct, and which now forms the Minister´s garden. The maps here adverted to has evidently been reclaimed, which may account for the entire disappearance now of this antiquity, but in connection wherewith the Fort or Castellum is still distinctly visible in what forms part of the Parish manse garden wall. There are several indistinct remains of the fortifications, but there are no traditions about any of them. (New statt. acct.) Accordingly the remains of three-termed in the locality. British Forts have been shown. Another Fort called Wallace´s Tower, the origin of which has been ascribed to the partriot has also been shown, and in connection with which two other antiquities in this locality called Blue Cairn and Sax Corses may be here, mentioned in the original ? of all of which may be correctls asighned from the following quotation taken from the Statistical Account of the Parish. There are no traditions about any of the ancient fortifications, except a small fort, commonly called Wallace´s Tower, adjoining TorrGenn, a glen filled with natural wood stretching westward from Knockwood. This fort commands an extensive view to the South, occupying the summit of an angle formed by the junction of two branches that steep revine and being protected on it´s third side by a large ??.
Sir William Wallace while meditating the capture of Lochmaben Castle in 1297 is said to have kept sixteen men there with whom he sallied forth to annoy the English garrison under Greystock and Sir Hugh de Moreland. Having taken some of their horses, the Scottish hero was pursued to Tor Head by Moreland, who, in the encounter which ensued was slain with several of his followers. A large stone named Sax Corses ie. six corpses marks the burial place of the banquished. Greystock enraged at this defeat and strengthened by fresh supplies from England immediately proceded to attack Wallace with 300 men. Wallace having fallen back among the hills was joined by Sir john Graham of Dundaff and his kinsman Kirkpatrick with 20 retainers, and having been overtaken by the English a general engagement ensued near Holehouse - Greystock fell, the victory was complete and the survivors seeking shelter in the woods, Wallace reached Lochmaben before them and took posession of the Castle. A Cairn as was then usual ha been raised on the field of battle which is now called Blue Cairn. The Old Stst. Acct says of Wallace´s Tower it is said to have been thrown up by Wm. Wallace after he had slain Sir Hugh de Moreland. A small fragment of the Castle belonging to the Barony of ???, may still be discerned by the thickness of the wall from those of the adjoining steadings of the ??? Mains which for the most occupy nearly the entire site of this castle. No particulars respecting.