OS1/15/18/88

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
GIFFORD Gifford Mr McKay Ph [Parish] Schoolmaster Gifford
Henry Davidson Esq Factor to the Marquis of Tweeddale
015 The Village of Gifford, chiefly, consists of dwelling houses, occupied by people, the most part of whom are employed in agricultural pursuits. About one third of the houses in the Village is the property of the Marquis of Tweeddale, the rest are held of him in fief. The fewars meet every two years, to choose two Baillies, and a committee of five by whom the affairs of the Village are managed. In ancient times the Factor of the Marquis of Tweeddale, who held the office of Baron Baillie, and the two Baillies chosen by the fewars. met three times Yearly, at the Market Cross. to Settle disputes, and try delinquents. The existence of this court (which was called the Birla or Boorla Court,) was discontinued about fifty Years ago. There are three fairs or trysts. held annually in Gifford, viz. on the last Tuesday of March, the third Tuesday of June, and the first Tuesday of October.
There is one Inn, and 3 pubic houses, and a number of hucksters Shops in the Village.
I made strict enquiries, regarding the report stating that John Knox, the father of the Scottish Reformation was born in Gifford. but did not learn anything to confirm the Statement made, by Beza, Buchannan, Crawford, and McCrie affirming that he was born in the Village of Gifford in the Year 1505.

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 88
List of Names Collected by J McDiarmid C.A. [Civilian Assistant]
Parish of Yester
Plan -- Trace
15A -- 6

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Moira L- Moderator, Jill S