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[page] 1
INDEX
Names of Objects -- Pages
Abercorn (Ph) [Parish] -- page 21
Abercorn -- 12
Blue Gate -- 11
BalKitty Park --11
Binns Mill (corn) -- 15
Berryhill Park -- 20
Deer Park -- 10
Hawthornsyke -- 5
Hawthornsyke Park -- 5
Hawthornsyke Burn -- 6
Highbraes -- 14
Hopetoun Wood -- 18
Justice Stone -- 16
Ladylees Park -- 17
Law Park -- 18
Midhope -- 6
Midhope Great Park -- 9
Midhope Burn -- 9
Midhope Glen -- 10
Millhill Park -- 11
Manse -- 12
Midhope Wards -- 13
Muir Park -- 17
Morton Park -- 19
Morton Yards -- 19
Ninewells Park -- 9
Philpstoun House -- 14
Pardovan Burn -- 14
School -- 12
Smiddyhill Park -- 20
The Glebe -- 20
West Craig Park -- 10
Whitequarries Park -- 17
West Law Park -- 19 |
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[Blank page] |
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OS1/34/3
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OS1/34/3/4
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STEEL'S KNOWE |
Steel's Knowe |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About ¼ mile north of Philpstoun House.
A Small Knowe planted with mixed trees, at the S. [South] East side of Westcraig Park, on the Hopetoun estate near Midhope. |
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HAWTHORNSYKE |
Hawthornsyke |
Property Plans et.
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
Situation] About 45 Chains NNW [North North West] of Philpstoun House.
A Small row of Cottages with gardens attached, the residence of the shepherd & others; On the Estate of Hopetoun near Midhope. There is not a syke of this name. |
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HAWTHORNSYKE PARK |
Hawthornsyke Park |
Plans of the property
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] From 24 to 43 Chains NNE [North North East] of Philpstoun House.
A grass Park on the Estate of Hopetoun near Midhope the property of the Earl of Hopetoun |
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[page] 5
Sheet 2 -- No.14 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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HAWTHORN SYKE BURN |
Hawthornsyke Burn
Hawthornsyke Burn |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] Running in a N [North] Easterly direction through the parish of Abercorn.
A Considerable stream, the Continuation Eastwards of Pardovan Burn, from Binns Mill through Westcraig Park & Hawthornsyke Park; it there enters Midhope Glen and is called Midhope Burn thence Eastwards to the Firth of Forth. |
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MIDHOPE |
Midhope
Midhope
Midhope
Midhope
Midhope
Midhope House |
Property Plans etc.
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Revd. [Reverend] D. Playfair
Forrest's Co. [County] Map
New Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] |
002 |
[Situation] About ½ mile WSW. [West South West] of the village of Abercorn.
A good substantial stone building of Considerable Antiquity & in tolerable preservation. The date of its erection is not Known. It appears to be built at two separate periods: the Western part being the most ancient, and was a place of some strength, and is Ornamented by Turrets at the four angles of the Roof. This portion appears to have been built about the 14th. Century; & the Eastern Part about the 16th. Century. On a stone in the Wall at the Gateway is Cut in the peculiar figures of the period, the date A.D. 1582. M.B. --
The House is occupied by several persons employed on the Estate - The Earl of Hopetoun is Proprietor |
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[page] 6
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 2 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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[page] 7
Parish of Abercorn -- Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 2
[Midhope House Continued]
"Midhope House a building of considerable age is in tolerable presentation. It consists
of a square turretted tower with a cumbrous addition attached to the east side. The old
doorway bears above it a coronet and the letters J.L. in cipher. the initials of the then Livingstone
Earl of Linlithgow. An oak stair of massive workmanship still gives access to the upper stories
of the house inhabitted by labourers." -- New Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] of Co. [County] Linlthgow page 26
"Midhope was formerly, "a fine tower house," the seat of Drummond of Midhope and
now belonging to the Earl of Hopetoun." Penneys Hist. [History] of Linlithgow. See also Sibbalds Hist. [History] of Linlithgow page 20. See also Chalmers Caledonia. |
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[page] 8
[Blank page] |
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NINEWELLS PARK |
Ninewells Park
Ninewells Park
Ninewells Park |
Property Plans etc.
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation) About ¾ mile NNW. [North North West] of Philpstoun House.
A Grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate near Midhope; the property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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MIDHOPE GREAT PARK |
Midhope Great Park
Midhope Great Park
Midhope Great Park |
Property plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] From about 1/8 mile to 1 1/8 miles west of Abercorn village.
A large grass Park separated into smaller parks by Palings - on the Hopetoun Estate, at Midhope; the property of the Earl of Hopetoun |
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MIDHOPE BURN |
Midhope Burn
Midhope Burn |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander Armour |
002 |
[Situation] Running in a northerly direction through the ph. [parish] of Abercorn and passing a few chains west of the village of Abercorn
A Considerable Stream which rises in the Parish of Linlithgow, and flows Eastwards by Pardovan, Binns Mill & Midhope, through Midhope Glen - to Nethermill where it falls into the Firth of Forth. The Portion from Hawthornsyke Park to the Firth of Forth id Called Midhope Burn. |
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[page] 9
Sheet 2 -- No.14 -- Trace 1 & 2 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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MIDHOPE GLEN |
Midhope Glen
Midhope Glen
Midhope Glen |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] A few chains west of Abercorn village.
A deep, wooded Glen on the Estate of Hopetoun at Midhope, - through which flows the Midhope Burn. It extends from "Hawthornsyke Park" to Nethermill. |
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DEER PARK |
Deer Park
Deer Park
Deer Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] At the SE [South East] side of Abercorn village
described in Sheet 2 No. 15 |
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WEST CRAIG PARK |
West Craig Park
West Craig Park
West Craig Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] North side of Hawthornsyke Burn.
A grass Park on the Estate of Hopetoun at Midhope, the property of the Earl of Hopetoun |
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[page] 10
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 3 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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BLUE GATE |
Blue Gate
Blue Gate
Blue Gate |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Mr. Sampson Younger |
002 |
[Situation] About ¼ mile SE by S [South East by South] of Abercorn vlllage.
A Gate at the Western entrance to the Deer Park on the Hopetoun Estate The Houses at this gate have no names;- there is not a Lodge at it. |
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BALKITTY PARK |
Balkitty Park
Balkitty Park
Balkitty Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] From 5 to 22 Chains South of Abercorn village.
A grass park on the Hopetoun Estate near Abercorn, the property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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MILLHILL PARK |
Millhill Park
Millhill Park
Millhill Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] From about 20 to 42 chains SW. [South West] of Abercorn village
A grass park on the Hopetoun Estate near Abercorn; the property of the Earl of Hopetoun.
This and Balkitty Park although the fence separating them has been removed, retain their separate names. |
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[page] 11
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 3 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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ABERCORN |
Abercorn
Abercorn
Abercorn
Abercorn
Abercorn |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Revd. [Reverend] D. Playfair
Forrest's Co. [County] Map |
002 |
[Situation] In the northern portion of the Parish of Abercorn
A Small Village in the Parish of Abercorn on the Hopetoun Estate Consisting of the Parish Church, Manse & School and a few other Cottage Houses. It is pleasantly Situated adjoining the Deer Park |
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SCHOOL |
School (Parish)
School (Parish)
School (Parish) |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Mr. Christopher Dawson |
002 |
[Situation] In the village of Abercorn
A neat dwelling with Schoolro [Schoolroom] Gardens etc. attached; the Parish scho [school] of Abercorn; Mr. Christopher Dawson is Schoolmaster. The Salary is the Max [Maximum] with the usual legal Accommodations, and fees. The number of Scholars is about 65 Chiefly Boys. |
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MANSE (Parish) |
Manse
Manse
Manse |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Revd. [Reverend] D. Playfair |
002 |
[Situation] In the village of Abercorn.
A Neat Manse with Outbuildings, Gardens, and a Glebe attached;
Situated in the small village of Abercorn. It is the residence of the Parish Minister, The Revd. [Reverend] David Playfair.
The Stipend is: 4 Bolls Wheat; 92 Bolls Barley & 96 Meal, with £50 Cash;- also £8.6.8 for Communion Elements
The Communicants are about 190; there are 269 on the Roll. |
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Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 3 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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Words lost in fold of page. |
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MIDHOPE WARDS |
Midhope Wards
Midhope Wards |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] At the South Side of Midhope
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate at the South side of Midhope.
The Property of the Earl of Hopetoun |
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Sheet 2 -- No. 14 --Trace 2 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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HIGHBRAES PARK |
Highbraes Park
Highbraes Park
Highbraes Park |
Estate Plan etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] A few Chains NE [North East] of Philpstoun House.
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate near Philpstoun the Property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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PHILPSTOUN HOUSE |
Philpstoun House
Philpstoun House
Phiipstoun House
Philipston House |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare Factor
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Forrest's Co. [County] Map |
002 |
[Situation] About 1¼ miles SW by W. [South West by West] of Abercorn village
A neat dwelling house with gardens and a small park attached; Occupied by Mr. S.B. Hare, the Factor, as an Office and Occasional residence.
It is also the residence of Mr. Armour his Chief Clerk. - It is now the Property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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PARDOVAN BURN |
Pardovan Burn
Pardovan Burn
Pardovan Burn |
Mr. S. B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
ForreSt's Co. [County] Map |
002 |
[Situation] Passing north Side of Binns Mill.
described in Sheet 6 No.1 |
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[page] 14
Sheet 2 -- No.14 -- Trace 4 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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Binns Mill |
Binns Mill (Corn)
Binns Mill (Corn) |
Peter Seaton Tenant
Mr. Armour Philipstoun Ho [House] |
002 |
[Situation] About 34 Chains WNW. [West North West] of Philpstoun.
This name is given not only to the mill proper but to a dwelling house and offices to which are attached a few acres of arable land. The occupier is Mr. Peter Seaton and the proprietor is Sir William Dalziel of Binns. |
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[page] 15
Parish of Abercorn -- Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 4 |
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Justice Stone |
Justice Stone
Justice Stone
Jousting Stone |
James Robertson
Sampson Younger
Mr. S. B. Hare |
002 |
[Situation] About 7/8 mile South of Abercorn village.
A Coarse Stone Standing on end, in Hopetoun Wood where disputes are said to have been settled by the Barons and Magistrates in Old times.
It stands about 3 feet high and is about 3 feet long & 3 feet Broad.
Mr. S.B. Hare Considers that it was a place of Meeting by the Barons & Knights for the purpose of Tournaments, or Jousts and therefore called "Jousting Stone"
"In the Wood of Abercorn there is a coarse grey Stone Standing on end which tradition intimates to have been the appropriate site of ancient meetings" Chalmers Caledonia, vol. II p. 839 |
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Sheet 2 -- No.14 -- Parish of Abercorn
[Note] -- "In the Wood of Abercorn there is a coarse grey Stone Standing on end which tradition intimates to have been the appropriate Site of ancient meetings" -- Chalmers Caledonia, vol. [volume] 2 page 839 |
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LADYLEES PARK |
Ladylees Park
Ladylees Park
Ladylees Park |
Estate Plan etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 3/8 mile South of Midhope.
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate on the West side of Morton Park.
The property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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WHITEQUARRIES PARK |
Whitequarries Park
Whitequarries Park
Whitequarries Park |
Estate Plans etc
Mr. S. B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 5/8 mile South of Midhope
A grass Park at present Cultivated - on the Hopetoun Estate South of Westlaw Park. The property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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MUIR PARK |
Muir Park
Muir Park
Muir Park |
Estate Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 5/8 mile South by east of Midhope.
A grass park on the Hopetoun Estate at the N.W. [North West] side of Hopetoun Wood. The Property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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[page] 17
Sheet 2 -- No.14 -- Trace 5 & 6 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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HOPETOUN WOOD |
Hopetoun Wood
Hopetoun Wood
Hopetoun Wood
Hopetoun Wood |
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour
Sampson Younger
Forrest's Co [County] Map |
002 |
[Situation] About ¾ mile South of Abercorn village.
An Extensive Wood of Forest & fir trees mixed, on the Hopetoun Estate, through which are several Roads or drives. It appears to have been formerly a Moor. In this Wood is situated the "Justice Stone" - mentioned in the Statistical account as "a Course Stone standing on End & where disputes are said to have been settled by the Barons & Magistrates in old times. It stands about 3 feet high & is about 3 feet long & two thick or broad. |
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LAW PARK |
Law Park |
Estate Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
006 |
[Situation] About 5/8 mile South of Abercorn village.
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate at the south side of Smiddyhill Park, north of Hopetoun Wood. The Property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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[page] 18
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 6 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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MORTON PARK |
Morton Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 5/8 mile S.W. by S. [South West by South] of Abercorn village.
A grass park on the Hopetoun Estate on the West side of Berryhill Park, the fence separating them has been removed The Earl of Hopetoun is proprietor |
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WEST LAW PARK |
West Law Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour. |
002 |
[Situation] About ¾ mile W by S [West by South] of Abercorn village.
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate on the south side of Ladylees Park and West of Morton Yards. The property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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MORTON YARDS |
Morton Yards |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About ¾ mile SSW [South South West] of Abercorn village.
A Grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate on the East side of Westlaw Park; the fence separating them has been removed. There was a House etc in this Park Called Morton, all trace of which has been removed except some scattered trees; hence its name of Morton Yards |
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[page] 19
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 6 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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SMIDDYHILL PARK |
Smiddyhill Park |
Estate Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 3/8 mile South of Abercorn village
A grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate near Abercorn; the Property of the Earl of Hopetoun. |
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BERRYHILL PARK |
Berryhill Park |
Property Plans etc
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] About 3/8 mile SW by S [South West by South] of Abercorn village
A Grass Park on the Hopetoun Estate south of Millhill Park; the property of the Earl of Hopetoun |
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THE GLEBE |
The Glebe |
Property Plans
Mr. S.B. Hare
Mr. Alexander H. Armour |
002 |
[Situation] A few chains south of Abercorn village
A grass park on the Hopetoun Estate granted as Glebe to the Minister of Abercorn for the time being. The present Minister is the Revd. [Reverend] David Playfair. - |
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[page] 20
Sheet 2 -- No. 14 -- Trace 6 & 3 -- Parish of Abercorn |
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ABERCORN PH [Parish] |
Abercorn Ph [Parish] |
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002 |
See Name Sheets for Sheet 2 No.10 |
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[page] 21
[signed] R D Kerr Capt RE [Captain, Royal Engineers] 21 Aug 1855 -- [signed] James Carpenter C. Asst. [Civilian Assistant] 8th August 1855 |
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[page] 22
OS1/ 34/3
3
Co. [COUNTY] LINLITHGOW
SHEET II [2] No. 14
Parish of
ABERCORN
[stamped] ORDNANCE SURVEY M.S. [MANUSCRIPTS] STORE -- 13 JUL 1891 -- SOUTHAMPTON |
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[page] 23
Brief Account of Antiquities, etc
in the Parish of Abercorn
The Roman Wall or "Vallum (1) Antonini" connecting the Firth of
Forth and Clyde has been styled by writers the "wall of Abercorn"
It is however matter of dispute whether that line of defence extended
so far east. Sir Robert Sibbald indeed writing from his own
observation and Ponts former Survey says that the wall passed
Abercorn and terminated at the laird of Manner's Windmill which
occupied an abrupt eminence at the commencement of the eastern approach
to Hopetoun House where traces of escarpment are still visible.
Bede however states that the wall terminated at Peanfahel or
Penneltum distant about two Roman miles from the monastery of
Abercurnig. This language would apparently determine Blackness
as the Peanfahel or head of the wall. A prolongation or outwork
may have been at some period continued along the coast as far
as the "Windmill Knowe" (2). The remains of the monastery at Abercorn
have wholly disappeared. Some foundations of buildings and
a mass of deep black loam of limitted extent in the vicinity of
the church are the only traces hitherto found. The site of the
Castle of Abercorn (3) is marked by a green mound the ruins having
been carefully removed at the dictate of the taste prevailing
when the Hopetoun pleasure grounds were first laid out. The situation
was singularly strong accessible from the east by a narrow neck of
high ground. but surrounded on all other sides with steep banks
(4) Midhope House. A building of considerable age is in tolerable
preservation. -- New Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account]
(5) In the wood of Abercorn there is a coarse stone Standing on end
which tradition intimates to have been the appropriate site of ancient
meetings. -- Chalmers Caledonia
(6) There appears to have been an ancient British Fort on the
top of Binn's Hill -- Ibid [as above]
Abercorn Castle was built by by the Earl of Douglas on the
site of the ancient monastery (7) -- Goughs Camden 3. [page] 318 quoted by Chalmers
(8) The Romans were probably the first makers of roads in this
shire. A military way accompanied the wall of Antonine for the |
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[page] 24
[Brief Account of Antiquities Continued]
accommodation of the troops who defended it. From the Roman
Station at Cramond a Roman road proceeded westward along
the Shore of the Forth to Carriden, crossing the Avon it entered
Linlithgowshire and passing thence by Barnbougle Hill it crossed
Echlin Moor where its remains plainly appear and proceeded
forward to the end of the wall. The Romans appear to have had
several small posts along the shore of the Forth. from Carriden
to Cramond and Gildas and Bede our oldest antiquaries
clearly evince. One of these is supposed to have occupied the site of
the old Castle of Abercorn. At some distance eastward from
Abercorn there are the vestiges of a small Roman Camp at
a Windmill which belonged to Dundas of Manor. Thus the
remains seem to confirm the intimations of those early antiquaries
who speak of the Roman towers along the bank of the Forth. -- Chalmers Caledonia
(9) "On Echline Moor a moor no longer but now a thorough
drained farm there have been several Roman coins found. A
Silver Coin of Hadrian of the thickness of half a crown was
found by a labourer several years ago on the line of the old Roman
Iter it is in beautiful preservation. Also a Roman penny
of the Empress Faustina and one of Antoninus Pius found
in the neighbourhood" -- Summer Life on Land and Water by Fyfe.
[Note] -- See remark relating to the finding of Roman coins in a sheet lately sent to you.
The principal antiquities in Abercorn are, The Roman Wall, & Road, the
Monastery, and the Castle, with respect to the first though someti [sometime]
termed the wall of Abercorn it has been established on the autho [authority]
of the venerable Bede that it never reached to Abercorn but
commenced at a place called Pinnahuel which we must say
has been with great probability identified with Blackness
Point at the distance of two miles to the west of Abercorn. Bede
alone has also repeatedly mentioned the monastery of Abercorn
which may with propriety be supposed to have occupied the
Site of the present church etc. etc. It however has been conjectured
that the neighbouring places Called Priestinch, Priests Folly and
St. Serf's Law take their names from the days of this |
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[page] 25
[Brief Account of Antiquities Continued]
monastic institutions. Abercorn Castle which stood
at a point northeast of the church in the most authic [authentic]
of these Abercorn edifices. It was the seat of the gallant
Sir John the Grahame the friend of Wallace who fell
at Falkirk July 22. 1298 fighting against Edward I
of England. The castle subsequently passed into the hands
of the Douglasses, the Mures, the Lindsays, the Setons and the
Hopes. It was under the Douglas family that Abercorn sustained
the memorable siege in which it was dismantled by the forces
of James II. April 1455 -- ibid [as above]
In Hopetoun Park is a remarkable large tree Known as
the Lyra Tree from its resemblances to a huge musical instrument
poised in air and responsive like the ancient stony Harp of
Memnon to the vibrations of the breeze --ibid. [as above]
The fragmentary ruin of the ancient castle of Staneyhill
Tower once the property of the Dalyell family on the
Summit ground of the park is an object of passing
interest. -- ibid [as above]
[Note] -- In the foregoing brief extracts I have endeavoured
to bring to your notice such objects of interest as you might
otherwise probably omit. You will also observe a difference
of opinion expressed as to the site of the Abbey of Abercorn
one opinion is that the Castle was built on the site of it, the
other opinion is that the church was built on the site of it.
This latter I am of opinion is the most feasible for many
reasons. You will also observe a difference of opinion as
to the termination of the Roman Wall or Wall of Antonine
one is of opinion that it extended as far as the "Windmill
Knowes" at or near the eastern entrance to Hopetoun demesne
the other opinion is and that to which I consider has the greate [greatest]
probability that it terminated at Blackness Point. But
it is very clear that other Roman works extended all |
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[page] 26
[Note Continued]
along the Forth from Blackness to Cramond and one
of these works or fords or watch towers must have stood
at the place alluded to as the "Windmill Knowe" and
subsequently led to the belief that it was the termination
of the Wall. This I give as my opinion but I would advise
to make enquiry in the locality as to what evidence
here is of its extension to the Windmill Knowe and state the
opinion of some intelligent persons in this locality.
You will also see the opinion as to the course of
the Roman Road, of which there is scarcely any difference
among writers on this subject.
There are several names of objects referred to in the preceding
historical remarks some of which are incidentally noticed and
which you are requested in each case to make inquiry concerning -
It is also requested that you return this sheet when
you will have finished your part of the work pertaining
to Abercorn Parish.
By order
J. Carpenter C Asst. [Civilian Assistant] |
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[page] 27
Answers to the foregoing accounts of Antiquities in Abercorn Ph [Parish]
Memoranda, on Parish Extracts for Abercorn
Roman Wall -- There is no evidence of this Wall having passed
through this Parish. It appears to have terminated at or about Blackness
as the published accounts Indicate
Windmill Knowe -- sheet 2 No.15 -- I have shown, and etched this feature (sheet 2 No. 15): It is
now planted; and has not the least appearance of a Camp.
It may, however, have been the site of one of the Watch Towers,
but there are no Traditions as to whether it was so or not.
Site of Abercorn Castle -- Sheet 2 No.10 -- I have Shown the Site of this Castle on Trace etc. Sheet 2 No.10
and have written descriptive Remarks etc.
Midhope House -- Sheet 2 No.14 -- This is Called "Midhope" and frequently "The Midhope" and not Midhope House
Standing Stone -- Sheet 2 No.14 -- This is Called the Justice stone and is situated in
Hopetoun Wood: there is no Abercorn Wood. The Name
was written on Trace and described, I presume, originally by
the Examiner.
Fort on Binns Hill -- Sheet 2 No.13 -- I have shown the supposed site of this Fort on Trace etc
There are no remains that Could Consistently be Etched,
the ground having been frequently Cultivated to the Summit.
Abercorn Monastery -- Sheet 2 No.10 -- The present Church was erected on the Supposed
Site of this Monastery. Shown on Trace & described
Roman Road etc -- The site or Course of this Road cannot be traced
with the degree of accuracy requisite for so large
a Scale. The traditions etc Current in the neighbourhood
are what has been gleaned from the Published Accounts
thereof; Such as, - Ainslie's Map; " Fyffe's Queensferry etc" etc etc
The ground has been so long under Cultivation, and has
undergone so many Changes, that all appearances of the
Roman Road have disappeared. It would be possible
to trace it for a One Inch Scale.
Roman Coins etc -- There is nothing now Known of the discoveries
of Coins etc Mentioned, only what is given in the
published accounts. The places where found Cannot be
pointed out, the Circumstances being forgotten.
St. Serf's Law -- I cannot meet with any person that ever heard of this [continued on next page] |
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[Memoranda continued from previous page]
[St Serf's Law] of this Law. The name appears to have been disused.
Priest's Folly -- This name is not Known in the Parish; at least
not to any whom I have had an opportunity of meeting
Priest Inch -- This was formerly a small property Said to belong
to the priests of the Church of Auldcathie, by one of whom
it is said to have been forfeited to the Laird of Duddingston
The legend is, - that "the Priest borrowed a Horse from the laird
of Duddigston to proceed to Ireland on some Important Church
Matters, and left the land in pledge for the safe return of
the animal. Neither the priest nor the Horse returned and
therefore the land Called Priestinch became forfeited"
The Lyra Tree -- I have shown on Trace the position of the
only Tree on the Estate having the appearance of a Lyre
It is a "Silver Fir" the trunk of which rises about
four feet from the Surface, and then Spreads out
into sixteen Separate branches evidently trained;
but there is no person on the Estate nor in the neighbourhood
that ever heard of it or any other tree Called by this name
and some whom I Consulted have been 60 years on the
Estate. I have also Consulted the Factor, Minister,
Schoolmaster, Sampson Younger & others; and none
of them ever heard of it before.
Stoneyhill Tower -- Sheet 2 No.15 -- I have shown this Ruin on Trace and given descriptive remarks
[signed] Michael Duggan C.A. [Civilian Assistant]
30.4.55 [30 April 1855] |
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