OS1/9/7/23

Continued entries/extra info

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"When the Scots became possessed of the important stronghold at the junction of the Leven with the Clyde, the old name of Caer Alcluid
seems gradually to have given way to that of Dunbritton, or Fort of the Britons, which appellation, by an easy transition, has in modern
times been converted into the more euphonious but less suggestive name of Dunbarton; and last of all to Dumbarton, by which
name the Castle, Town and County, are now generally distinguished. - About the year 1221, Alexander II granted a charter erecting
Dumbarton into a royal burgh," (This Charter was confirmed and extended by James VI in 1609.) and bestowed on her freemen
and their heirs for ever certain lands and rents, and all the privileges whatsoever known to pertain to any royal burgh in Scot-
land. - About the year 1425 one branch of the house of Albany, young James Stewart, or Big James collected a band of
retainers in the neighbourhood of Dumbarton, and assisted by his father's Chaplain, Finlay, Bishop of Lismore, attacked the burgh
with a fury which nothing could resist; the town was sacked and burnt to the ground, and the King's uncle Sir John Stewart
of Dundonald, or the Red Stewart, was slain by the maurauders. - During the war carried on by Edward IV against Scotland
the preceding year (1481) the English fleet advanced up the Frith of Clyde to Dumbarton, and laid siege to the Castle, but after
a brave and lengthed defence, directed by the celebrated naval commander, Andrew Wood of Leith, the enemy were forced to
retire without having gained anything by the attempt". - (Irving's History of Dumbarton.)
"Dumbarton must have been one of the earliest Christian settlements in Scotland; but all that is known of the constitution of its Church during
the existence of the Kingdom of Strathcluyd, of which it was the capital, is an intimation of a bishopric and bishop taking their
style from it in the sixth Century. The annals of Ulster record the death of Cathal Macfergus, bishop of Alcluyd in 554 -
The town of Dumbarton, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathcluyd, is one of the oldest towns of which we have
authentic historical record, whose site can now be identified. In 657 died Guivet, king of Alcluoith. In 693 Donald McAlpin,
king of Alcloith died. In 721, Bile McElpin, king of Alocluith. In 731, the venerable Bede describes Alcluith as the capital of the
Britons of that district, (civitas Britonum munitissima.) In 756, Eadberht and Unst King of the Picts led an army against
the city of Alcluith, and there imposed terms of submission on the Britons. In 779 is recorded the burning of Alucloith;"

and [continued on page 24]

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Alison James- Moderator, eAndrew McEwan

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