OS1/29/14/2

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 2
Parish of Hawick County of Roxburgh

Carlisle and Edinburgh Turnpike Road runs in a N.N.Wn. [North North Western] direction across the Parish to the town of Hawick. The district is chiefly distinguished for its extensive woollen manufacturies. The important manufacturing town of Hawick is situate in close proximity to that of Wilton on the N.Wn. [North Western] Boundary, the two being completely identified in nearly all their factorial and social interests. (See description of town of Hawick). There are two Parochial Churches and Ph [Parish]School, three United Presbyterian Churches, an Episcopalian Church, a Free Church, an Independent Church and Roman Catholic Church. Population at the last census 7,801.

Lines of entrenchments in good preservation towards the Sn [Southern] district of Parish are characterised as Roman Camps. They lie in the route of a road which Genl. [General] Roy supposes was abandoned by the Romans during its construction. (See description of Wilton Ph [Parish]). Tumuli occur in south parts on the opening of which some years ago, there were found several large stones set on edge Somewhat in the form of a rude Coffin and enclosing a human skull with several bones of more than ordinary size supposed to have been the remains of a Celtic Chief. The principal Antiquity is a large Moat or Mote situated in the Town of Hawick. The Statl. Acct. [Statistical Account] says "xx An object of great antiquity usually denominated the Moat xx consists of an artificial mound of earth which is circular at the base while it rises in a conical form to the height of 30 feet and is almost flat upon the top. It contains 4060 cubic yards, whilst the circumference is 117 feet at the top and 312 at the base." It is supposed by some to have been used as a Court for the Administration of Justice and by others as a place of assembly, where the chiefs of the district held deliberations on public affairs. The vestiges of several strongholds are still remaining in different parts of the Parish. One of the most Ancient now forms a part of the Tower Inn in the town of Hawick - celebrated as the residence in former times of the Barons of Drumlanrig and at a later period of Anne Duchess of Buccleuch and Monmouth whose husband was beheaded in 1685. It was originally surrounded with a deep moat drawn from the Slitrig. Branxholm Castle in the Wn [Western] district, the ancient residence of the family of Buccleuch and which occupies so conspicuous a place in the Lay of the Last Minstrel is partly entire, two Towers bearing the names of Tantyfoot and Nebsie being attached to the modern mansion of Branxholm a Seat belonging to the Duke of Buccleuch.