OS1/34/10/1/10

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
BATHGATE (TOWN) (Continued) 009 [continued from page 9]
of limestone that abound in the neighbourhood - there is a public fountain in every street, and some streets have two - the principal employment of the inhabitants is handloom weaving, and a number of Coalpits having been Opened lately, they give employment to a great number of hands. A Market is held here every Wednesday principally for the sale of Agricultural produce, and three fairs for the sale of Cattle held in a field called "Bathgate Muir" west of the town. One the first Wednesday after Whitsunday O.S. [Old Style] One the firts Wednesday after Martinmas O.S. [Old Style] and One in October on 4th Wednesday. These are the only fars now held for [trades. *] There are five places of Worship - two U.P [United Presbyterian] Churches, a Parish Church, Free Church and a Chapel of the Evangelical Union or Morrisonians, a Parish School and a very fine Academy on the E. [East] side, endowed and free to all parishioners. There are two Corn and flour Mills worked by Steam and Water power, a Brewery, Gas Works and a Distillery a little North of the town. The neighbourhood abounds in limestone, parrot or Gas Coal, Common Coal - Ironstone and Fire Clay - There is a small Jail containing three Cells & a room for debtors but now disused - there is a branch of the National Bank of Scotland and one of the Union Bank, a Mason's Lodge in which the business of a Savings Bank is transacted and also a Sherriffs Court is held here every three months - there is also a Post Office - The town is a Burgh of Barony and is governed by a Provost, three Bailies, treasurer and twelve Councillors - the head Constable has charge of the Jail.

* There are, or were, four other gatherings for Servants, trades. etc. but they are almost discontinued and there are now only three regular Cattle fairs in the Year -

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 10

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Alison James- Moderator, louisetherapist

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