OS1/11/130/5

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
GENTES CUSTOMS Gentes Customs
Gentes Customs
Gentes Customs
Gentes Custom
Table of Customs at Collectors office
John Elliot
George Johnston
Statistical Acct. [Account] 1845
[Situation] About 13 Chains W, by N. [West by North] of High St,
A small house on the road leading from Musselburgh to Portobello, at which a tax called "Gentes Custom" is levied on all merchandise passing this place. It is the property of the Town of Musselburgh and is presently rented by John Spears at £200 yearly.

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 5
Parish of InveresK

Page in F [Form] 136
Gentes Customs - 21

[Note] Statistical Account of Edinburghshire Pages 271 & 272
"We have already mentioned the Roman roads traversing the parish
of Inveresk; and there seem to have continued long there, and
throughout the Country, as the only Public means of Communication;
but, by the Charter of David I., already more than once referred
to, and which was afterwards Confirmed by a Bull of Pope Gregory
IX in 1234, the magistrates of Musselburgh had the right given them of
levying a toll at the western extremity of the Parish, for the purpose
of upholding the Roman bridge over the Esk, and repairing the
Streets of Musselburgh. This toll is only eligible on beasts of burden,
flocks and herds, and is at this moment. in operation at the
Magdalene Bridge, under the name of the "Gentes Custom." How
this appellation was derived, tradition Saith not. unless we lean to the vague
report the name of the first tackswoman was Janet. and that familiarity changed it from Janet to Janety, and thence more remotely to "Gente"

Transcriber's notes

This Name Book refers to Musselburgh 1853 - Sheet 07
OS large scale Scottish town plans, 1847-1895 - Scale: 1:1056

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Bizzy- Moderator, Douglas Montgomery

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