OS1/34/42/30
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BURGH MUIR Edward I. with the English Army Encamped here. 1298 | Burgh Muir Burgh Muir |
Mr. R. Glen Mr. A Dawson |
001 | [Situation] On the farm of the Burghmuir In the north of the parish of Linlithgow This tract of land, which was rough & uncultivated, was the property of the town of Linlithgow, but has been long enclosed & portions sold. There only remains now about 60 acres Scotch which is let as a farm. On this muir Edward I [II] encamped on his way to Falkirk. Criminals were executed on the muir on a small hill called Gallows Knowe - Witches were also burned and in the accounts of the Burgh there are items entered for faggots, tar barrels for this purpose early in the 17 Century. A great number of Roman coins were found also, but the precise spot where they were found & where the other events took are not known with an exception of Gallows Knowe. [continued on page 31] |
| Supposed Place Where Witches Were Burnt (17th. Century) | Place where Witches were burnt | Mr. Rule Deacon of the Bakers Linlithgow | 001 | Witches were also burned and in the accounts of the Burgh there are items entered for faggots, tar barrels for this purpose early in the 17 Century. |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 30Note. There can be no doubt that the English Army encamped
on the Burgh Muir, yet on what particular part
there is no account, but as the army probably
amounted to 90,000 or 100,000 (see Redpath's Border Hist. [History] p.[page] 110)
they must have almost occupied the whole extent
of the Muir. Therefore the above explanatory phrase
to be written along under the name Burgh Muir will record the event
with sufficient accuracy on the Ordnance Plan.
[Note re witch burning place]
The spot on which the witches were burnt is not well known.
Every enquiry & research have been made but there was only
one man found in Linlithgow who could give any information
as to this tradition regarding this subject. But the phrase above
recommended will record this circumstance as accurately as can
ever be ascertained.
Transcriber's notes
In Burgh Muir description, after Edward there is 'I' inserted with a caret mark, but the number partly hidden in the fold is 'II'; I think this is an error and should have been deleted when the 'I' was written above, as it is certainly Edward I who was there in 1298, and even if his 14 year old son was with him on the campaign, he would not have been designated Edward II till his father died.Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, Jeanette
Location information for this page.
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