OS1/14/25/44
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowgate Port (Continued) | [continued from page 45] It has long been fondly believed that the famous George Wishart preached from the top of this gate in the time of the plague in 1544 when it was kept shut to prevent the clean and unclean coming into contact and an atrocious attempt upon his life took place but in fact Wishart was martyred in the year 1546 a considerable time subsequent to his sermon on the gate. The fortifications of the town were not commenced untill late in the following year and hence it must have been the gate which stood at the top of Fintry's now Sugarhouse Wynd where the martyr preached. Previous to 1547 and 1548 the only defences the town possessed were the courage of the inhabitants and a gate at the end of each street uniting the houses on the opposite sides and when the fortifications were completed the gate at Fintry's Wynd became the gate in the inner wall as the present Cowgate Port was that in the outer. Several applications have from time to time been made to the Town Council to have this time honoured relic of a bye gone age removed on the plea that it narrowed and incommoded the street but these applications have always been met with a negative - respect for the memory of the martyr and the affectionate services rendered by him to the inhabitants being specially urged as reasons for its retention. That it incommodes the street is certain as many times carts ladened with bales of tow have stuck fast in the arch and only have been enabled to pass through after the removal of part of the load and as to preserving the memory of Wishart it has no more connection with him than with Erasmus or John Calvin. Thomson's Hist. [History] of Dundee p. [page] 139-40 |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 44Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, Iain496
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