OS1/21/23/2

Continued entries/extra info

2 [left corner of header]
Parish of Douglas [in header]

"there occurred on the 2nd of July, a frost so severe, as seriously to injure the potato crop. ***
Although the parish may be considered a hilly district, none of the hills are of great
elevation, except Cairntable, which rises to the height of 1650 feet above the level of the Sea.
Auchinsaugh hill is likewise of considerable altitude; but is, more remarkable as being
the spot where the Cameronians met, towards the close of the 17 century, for the renewal of
solemn league and covenant. The only stream of any consequence is the Douglas, which
issues from the foot of Cairntable, about nine miles from the town, and falls into the Clyde
after a course of 16 miles. ***. During the long struggle with Scotland had to maintain
for her independence, in consequence of the pretentions of Edward I of England, and his
successors, the castle of Douglas was so important as a stronghold, and as a key of the western
counties, that it was so often the object of violent contention. It repeatedly fell into the hands
of the English, and as often was wrested from them by its rightful owners. In these fearful
conflicts, it was more than once destroyed by fire, always rising from its ashes, in greater strength
and stateliness. So perilous, indeed, was its occupation to the English governors, that it was
designated the Castle of Danger ****. Frequent meetings of the Covenanters were held in
the church of Douglas about the time of the Revolution in 1688. After many scruples and frequent
and long discussions it was at length resolved to raise a regiment, in aid of the Protestant
government of William, and defence of their principles and rights; and the Cameronian
regiment, now 26th Regiment of the line, was first mustered on a holm or place near the
town of Douglas, on 29 April 1689. ***. The parish of Douglas belonged of old to the Abbots
of Kelso by one of whom part of it was given to Theobald, a flemming, the Founder, according
to George Chalmers, of the Douglas family. The church and parish were dedicated to
St Bridget or Bride; and the old church is still named St Bride's. *** Lord
Douglas is patron of the parish and titular of the teinds."
Statistical Account (1641)

Transcriber's notes

This page is a continuation of the Description from page 1 (OS1/21/23/1). The text spreads across the Authority, Situation and Description columns.