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Annals of Dunfermline
A.D. 1601 - 1701 - Part 6


1662.—MR. ROBERT KAY, Minister of the First Charge in Dunfermline Church, conformed to Episcopacy, and was ‘outed.”  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415.)

  SIR CHARLES HALKET, KNT, OF PITFIRRANCE, Created a Baronet.—James Halket was the first of Pitfirrane family who was created a baronet.  “He received two diplomas or royal patents of this honour from Charles II.; first a baronetship of Nova Scotia of date 25th January, 1662; a second on 25th January, 1671.”  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 296.)

  MR. WILLIAM OLIPHANT, for upwards of 17 years minister of the Second Charge of the Church of Dunfermline, died July, 1622.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415.)  At page 582 of the same volume it is noted that his death occurred in 1695.  Perhaps he publicly announced himself in 1622 as a Nonconformist to Prelacy, was ejected from his charge and left the district; restored in 1688, and died in 1695.

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  1663.—THE KING’S BIRTHDAY to be held in Dunfermline.—In Dunfermline Kirk Session Records, of date 14th May, 1663, there is a minute, noting that “intimation was made for keiping the King’s birthday, and his restoring to his kingdoms, on fryday nixt the 29th of May” (which was done.)  This is the first notice we have seen in any of the Dunfermline Records for keeping a King’s birthday.  The keeping of it appears to have been held yearly after this year, with demonstrations of joy.  The last of these “old demonstrations” ceased in 1820, on the death of George III.

  CROWN LEASE OF DUNFERMLINE LORDSHIP, &c., granted to Charles, 2nd Earl of Dunfermline, for three nineteen years commencing in 1639.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vi; p; 557; see also An. Dunf. dates 1611, 1637.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  1664.—THE BURGH TO BE STENTED HENCEFORTH YEARLY.—29TH Jan. 1664 (Peter Walker, provost, presiding).  “This day the provest declares the toun is threatned to get a charge of horning for payment of 200 merks as the touns parte of the Collig minister’s vacand steipend crop 1660 three which with the vacand steipend of certain oyr paroshes ar ordained be the secret Counsall to be payit to . . . . Hannay and remanentdue the hours of umqll Doctor Hannay lait Dean of Edinburgh for so much yr of as will pey to them two hundredth pund Sterling grantit to the sd den church be act of parliament for payment of the which stepend the sd provest, baillies and counsall statuts and ordains in respect of the waikness of the common guid and the burdings lying yr on that now and in all tym heireft yearlie the toun be Stentit and first zeir payment of the sd yeirlie stepend now charged , ordains two moneths stent to be collectit, and to yteffect the roll to belaid of new and nominates and appoints as stenters Wm. Walker, David Jerman, James Mudie, Jon Stevensone, Jon Peirsone, Harrie James, James Anderson, Andrew Mudie.”  (Burgh Records.)  This Act of Council appears to be the first notice in the Burgh Records regarding Stenting and “ye Stent Roll,” which after this date is yearly mentioned in the Records of the Council. 

  OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.—The ceremony of tendering the oath of allegiance appears to date from 16th Feb. 1664, viz., “which day the provest, baillies and counsall, in obedience of the several missives sent to them direct ffrae the lords of privie counsall Injoyning them to signe and subscribe the declaration ordained be act of parliament to be taken be all persons in public trust, have all subt the sd declaration with yr hands: And ordains and appoints Robert Walwood, baillie, to go over to Edinburgh give the sd declaration to the sd secret counsall to be recordit conform tp the desire of yr lordship.”  (Burgh Rec. Feb. 16, 1664.)  In 1675 the Provost resigned his office rather than sign this “declaration.”  (See An. Dunf. date Jan. 8th 1675.)

  JAMES BRUGH AND JOHN HORNE, the Drummer and the Piper of Dunfermline “were delated for nyt walking, drinking, and swearing.”  They were appointed to be cited before the Session.  The drummer got into a second scrape “and ran out of the toun.”  (Dunf. Kirk Ses. Rec.)

  ROBERT, 2nd Earl of Elgin, was created “Earl of Ailesbury,” in Buckinghamshire.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 289.)

  GEORGE BELFRAGE, Minister of Carnock, deposed for nonconformity to Prelacy, and was ordered to confine himself within the bounds of Carnock Parish.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 582.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFEMRLINE—Captian George Durie of Craigluscar, elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.)

  THE MARQUIS OF MONTROSE and Dunfermline Abbey Property.—“The Marquis of Montrose ravaged with his army over the whole barony of Campbell, and burned every cottage in the parishes of Dollar and Muckart, excepting one near the former village, which was saved upon the supposition that it belonged to the Abbey of Dunfermline.”  (Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 290.)

  Note.—This house that was “saved” is supposed to have been the house of the vicar, which, according to tradition, stood a little to the west of the present “upper brig” of Dollar.  It has also been thought that that “house” here referred to as being “saved,” was the old house or castle of Cowdens, near Muckart.

  1665.—THANKSGIVING DAY for the Naval Victory over the Dutch.—In Dunf. Kirk Session Records, dated 9th July, 1665, there is the following minute regarding “the great and glorious victory” of our fleet over the Dutch, viz., “This day, before noone, a printed paper was red out of the pulpit, ordaining in the King’s name a publict thankgiving to be keipt on Thursday next the 13th July instant, for the victorie gotten be King’s navie over the Hollanders, which was solemnlie keipt.”   This victory was gained on June 3rd.  (For account of it, see Pepy’s Diary, p. 242, Temb’s edit.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Captain George Durie of Craigluscar, re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.)

  MR. ROBERT KAY, Minister of Dunfermline, demitted office in November, 1665, and was admitted minister of Stow, 4th March, 1666.  (Dunf. Kirk Ses. Records and Stow Register.)

  THE EARL OF TWEEDDALE AND HERITABLE OFFICES of the Lordship of Dunfermline.—“john, Earl (afterwards Marquis) of Tweeddale, in consequence of a debt due him by the Earl of Dunfermline, obtained a right (by a decreet of apprising) to the Offices of Heritable Bailie, as also to a Lease of the Feu Duties and Teinds of the Lordship of Dunfermline.”  (Fernie’s Hist. Dunf. pp. 32-33; Dunf. Kirk Ses. Records, &c.)

  1666.—MR. WILLIAM PEIRSON (translated from Paisley) was admitted to the First Charge of Dunfermline Church on 17th January, 1666; and “Mr. Walter bruce, minister, of Innerkeithing, preached at this admission.”  (Kirk Ses. Rec.; also An. Dunf. date 1676.)

  “LINTEL DATE-AND-INITIAL HOUSES.”—Atiquarians now take notice of such houses in their works.  “Dunfermline, in the olden tyme,” had a great many lintel-date houses, very few of which now exist of an early date.  There is a small house of one storey, a little to the south of St. Leonard’s Works, which has on its “lintel-stane”—

16  *  DC  *  IM  *  66

Tradition says that “most part of this house was built from stones taken from the ruins of St. Leonard’s Hospital and Chapel.” 

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—William Walker elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)0

  MR. THOMAS KINYNMONT was “translated from Kilmany to the Churhc of Dunfermline on 18th July.”  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415.)

  THE SIN OF NUT-GATHERING ON THE SABBATH.—“On 2d Sept. Andro Watson and Wm belfrage, having been summoned to appear before the Session, compeird and confest they went and sought nutts on the Sabbath, and delated those who were with ym viz., Peter and James booth Jon neish, rot white, James shorties, Wm belfrage, James Jon stoun, Patrick spens,” who are appointed to be cited.  On Sept. 25 the whole batch appeared before the Session, when they were ordered “to sit down on yr knees, before the Session to seik pardon of God of yr fault, which they did, promising not to doe the lyk in tyme coming, and then they were dismissed and sharplie admonished,”!!  (Dunf. Kirk Ses. Rec.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—William Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  WITHCES AND WARLOCKS.—These harmless persons continue to trouble the minds of the clergy in the district, and “ye whole bodie of ye Sesione, especalie at Dunfermling and torie burne, whilk causes thaim alarme.”  (Kirk Ses. Records of the West of Fife, &c.)

  ROYAL ASSESSMENT.—Dunfermline was assessed to the extent £102 Scots, in order to liquidate “the voluntary offer to his Majesty of £7200 Scots monthly for the space of 12 months.”  (Murray’s Laws and acts of Parl.)

  1668.—THE TOWN’S PEATS.—“21st May, 1668:  This day the councell, considering the great abuse committed be the haill nightbors In holding and casting to the touns moss in many parts and sua abuseing the same yt throu of tyme it will tend greatlie to the touns prejudice ffor remeid yr off and yt better order be kept in casting yrin, Statuts and ordains yt no person presume to cast any petts yrin or brek the ground yroff in any sort in tym coming, but be taking a direct face before ym in casting the sd mose.  And yt the face of the mose being taken up and wrought by those that needs and casts the peats yrin in such places of the sd mose and by such order and course as sall be desyrit and appoyntit by the visitors yrof.  And yrfor nominat the persons as follows to be visitors yrof, viz., Thomas elder, Wm. smart, Petter bust, Nieall Henderson.”  (Burgh Records.)  This appears to be the first notice of peats in these Records.

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—William Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  MR. THOMAS KINYNMOUNT, Minister of the First Charge of the Church of Dunfermline, was translated to and ordained Minister of Auchterderran, 11th November, 1668.  (Kirk Ses. Rec. Dunf.)

  1669.—LORDSHIP, &C., OF DUNFERMLINE.—John, Marquis of Tweeddale, had his office of Heritable Bailie, &c., of the lordship of Dunfermline confirmed by an absolute charter under the Great Seal, dated 12th February, 1669.  (Fernie’s Hist. Dunf. p. 81: also Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 257.)

  DAVID JERMAN.—There is a “Jermin’s Mortification” in Dunfermline, of which Dr. Chalmers, in his History of Dunfermline, says that “the donor and original amount of this bequest seem at present equally unknown.”  The writer adds the following paragraph, cut from a newspaper, which may help to find out at least who the donor was:  “5th August, 1669: Discharge by David Jerman, burgess of Dunfermline, to David Bruce, younger of Kennet, of the sum of £42, money of Scotland, as the assured rent of £700, like money, due at the term of Lammas, 1669, in bond by the said David Bruce and his said father to the said David Jerman, Dunfermline.”  (Alloa Adver. 24th June, 1865; see also Dunf. Par. Rec.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker elected Provost.   (Burgh Records.)

  THE BELLS IN THE KIRK STEEPLE.—“In Pretorio, Dunfermline, 25th Sept. 1669: This day qnsidering that the Bells in the Stipill of the Kirk being rung cowping wayes doe oft becom louse in the Stokes and sua are in danger of getting predjudiced and yet rang and soundet better formerlie with mair ease and less predjudice qn they rang be the tung; Therefor the prouost, baillies and counsall ordains the sd bells in tym coming to be rung be the tung wtall yt they also be maid fast in the Stokes yt they may also ring cowping wayes if they pleis.”  (Burgh Records, 25th Sept., 1669.)

  1670.—SEVERE WINTER.—This was the most severe winter of snow and frost within the memory of the then “oldest inhabitants” of Scotland.  In Dunfermline and district the winter, according to tradition, “raged in all its fury for a space of three months.”  (MSS.)

  MANUAL OR HAND SEAL of the City of Dunfermline.—Under date 1589, the matrix or double seal of the city is described, and representations of it given.  The double seal being too large for ordinary use, a new one, much smaller in size, was ordered from Holland this Year (1670), which seal continues to be used for common purposes.  The following figure represents the face of this common seal.

In the Burgh Records there is a minute regarding it, viz.:--“23 May, 1670: In Pretorio Dunfermline Petrum Walker propositum, &c.; Appoints the thesaurer to pay to the Clerk 50 gilders debursed by him for cutting the town’s seal is 1 ¼ inches in diameter, same size of the engraving.

  It will be seen that this seal is a miniature representation of one of the sides of the large matrix seal of 1589, with part of the same legend, viz.:--

SIGILLVM  *  CIVITATIS  *  FERMILODVNI

That is, “Seal of the citizens of Dunfermline,” or “City of Dunfermline” the “Esto Rupes,” &c., on the matrix seal being omitted o the small one.  (See An. Dunf. date 1589.)

  KING’S BIRTH-DAY AND BONFIRES.—“29 May: The Solemntie of the King’s day being to be keped, and falling on the nixt Sabbath, being the lord’s day, appoints only two  fyrs to be put on at the toun end.”  (Burgh Records, 23rd May, 1670.)  The town’s end refers to the locality of the East Port.  The town’s end is noticed in Henryson’s Poems, circa 1490-1500.

  CONVENTICLE MEETING ON HILL-OF-BEATH.—In the middle of June, 1670, a conventicler, or field meeting, was held on the Hill-of-Beath, four miles north-east of Dunfermline.  The preacher was the celebrated and pious Mr. John Blackadder, the ejected minister of Troqueer, which produced a profound sensation in the parish; great numbers assembled from places 12 to 20 miles around.  About 2000 are supposed to have been present at “the gathering.”  Shortly after public worship had begun, on the Lord’s day, some officers of militia rode up, as if to disturb and disperse them.  These officers were promptly met by the men on watch, armed for self-defence.  The prudent interference of Mr. Blackadder prevented an “outbreak,” and worship under the canopy of heaven was continued without further molestation.  There was a remarkable manifestation of spiritual influence in the sacred services of that day, long held in remembrance. 

  The news of “this horrid insult,” as the treatment of these military officers was called, having reached Edinburgh, Archbishop Sharp caused a rigorous inquiry to be made as to who were there; so that many country gentlemen who were at the meeting were put to much trouble and expense in consequence.  Among others, Robert Wellwood of Touch, one mile and a half east of Dunfermline, confessed before the constituted Council that he had been present, and was fined in 500 merks (£27 15s.6d. sterling), and ordered to lie in prison till he paid it, and to engage in a bond of 2000 merks to frequent no more such meetings.  This was “the first armed conventicler after the Restoration.”  In one way, this Prelatic “Persecution” between 1670 and 1688, was as bad as the Roman Catholic “Persecution” between 1538 and 1559.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 278, and Hist. Scot.)

  THE AULD KIRK AND RUINS OF THE CHOIR, 1670.—The annexed view of the Auld Kirk and Choir ruins is compiled from several old

prints and drawings.  Shortly after this period (1672), “the aspect was changed by the fall of part of the eastern wall of the Choir.”  The point from which this view is supposed to be taken is “the Friar’s Yard,” about 50 yards NNE. of St. Margaret’s tomb.  The houses shown to the right of the steeple are the tall constabulary houses, along with Queen Anne of Denmark’s house.  The “lantern tower” is partly taken from a representation of it on one of the Abbey Seals of the latter end of the 15th century.  The tall windows of the Choir are taken from a drawing of them, made in 1819, before they were removed.  (See also Frontispiece View of “Extracts from “Extracts from Dunf. Kirk Session Records,” published by E. Henderson in 1865.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  SIR HENRY WARDLAW  and the Masterton-Seat in Dunfermline Kirk.—The following minute,extracted from the Kirk Session Records of Dunfermline, refers to the ”Maistertoun-seat,” and also to the great tomb of William Shaw, “Master of the King’s Wark,” &c.:--  “3 October [1670].  Qhlk day , Mr. William Peirson, minister, in name, and at the desire of the ryt honoll Sir Henrie Wardlaw of Pitreavie, preponed to the elders and Kirk Session being yr convened with him, that the rowme or dask in the ye kirk which pertainth to Robert Kellok portioner of maistertoun, situate on the north side wall of the kirk beside the north eist dore yrof, betwixt Sir William Shaw’s tomb on  ye west, and jon potters wyfes seat on the east, should be appropriate an belong to the said Sir henrie wardlaw of pitreavie and his heirseftir in respect yt he hes bought the lands of mrtoun which belonged to the said Robt.” &c.

  The grand old tomb of the Master of the King’s Wark stood against the north wall of the “Auld Kirk,” immediately behind where the pulpit stood.  (See An. Dunf. date 1793.)

  COALS.—“10th Oct. 1670.  This day theh provest baillies and counsall being informed yt the Earls of Dunfermline and tweeddale were satisfied the Coill in the touns muire be wrought be the toun, and the yeirlie profit to be devydit equallie betwixt the said Earls and the toun Thairfoir resolve to agrie yranent, and the toun to deburse 200 lib. to be payed to ym again in yr awin ahnd with the profit of the Coill.”  (Burgh Records.)  This appears to be the first notice of “the touns coil” in the Burgh Records.

  1671.—SIR CHARLES HALKET, Knight, of Pitfirrane, was by Charles II, created a Baronet of the United Kingdom, on January 25th, 1671.

  LORD KEEPER OF THE PRIVY SEAL.—Charles, Earl of Dunfermline, chosen to fill that office.  (Sib. Hist. of Fife, p. 262.)

  COLLIER’S WAGES.—May 20th, 1671: “This day report is maid yt the men yt work mining the coall ar agried as follows, Robt. hogan to have 10s, thomas ffalconer and Jon Drummond 8s, and the rest each 6s per diem, and David thomsone being principle workman is referred for his work and pains till afterwards.”  (Burgh Rec.)  This is the first notice of colliers’ wages in the Burgh Records.

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  1672.—FIRE AT CUPAR—Contribution.—In the Kirk Ses. Records, it is noted that, on Frb. 27, 1672, the Session appointed to “intimate a collection the next Sabbath to be collectit the Sabbath yraftir, for the toun of Coupar qhrn many hous’s were brunt, which wes done.”  March 17th.—Collected by the collectors for the toun of Cupar, 20lib. or yrby.”

  HOUSE OF CORRECTION ordered to be built in Dunfermline for the reception of “idle beggars and vagabonds.”  (Murray’s Laws and Acts of Parl.)

  POOR “SCHOLLARS.”—“14th March.  Report is made be adam Anderson, that he and the rest of the collectors had collectit 18lib. or yrby for the poore scholars, the roll of thaim are appointed to be brought in.”  (Dunf. Kirk Ses. Rec.)

  ROLL OF POOR SCHOLARS.—Payment of Teachers.—In the same Record, it is notified on 25th June, that “all on the roll of the poor schollers being broughten the money collectit for ym was distribute in peying of yr quarters to yr teachers.”

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.0

  THE WALLS OF THE ABBEY CHOIR.—“The eastern part of the walls of the Choir and Ladye Chapel, which had long been in a dilapidated state, fell at the end of the year 1672, caused by a great wind.”  (MSS.)

  1673.—DUNFERMLINE BURGH RECORDS.—The 5th volume of the Burgh Records begins with the year 1673, and ends with the year 1687, from which we obtain several entries. 

  ST. MARGARET.—Pope Clement X. in May, 1673, allowed the Festival of St. Margaret, (the titular saint of Dunfermline) to be celebrated on the 10th June annually.

  MR. ALEX. MONRO (afterwards Dr. Monro) admitted to the second charge of Dunfermline Church, on 7th April, 1673.  The second charge had been vacant since 1668.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  1674.—CHURCH OF DUNFERMLINE ACT anent Brides and Bridegrooms.—“3d May:  It is ordained anent brides and bridegrooms yt if they shall not come on the dya of yr marriage into the Krik before the first psalme be closed, they shall pey 12s. or maore, as the minsr shall please, to be publictly intimate, which was done.”  (Kirk Session Records.)

  CONVENTICLE MEETING and Rovert Ged of Baldridge.—“Mr. Robert Ged of Baldridge, in Dunfermline parish, was this year fined in the fourth part of his yearly rent for attending a field meeting.”  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 279.)

  CARNOCK.—A new pulpit was erected in Carnock Church.  On it was the date 1674, with the motto, “Sermonem vitæ præbentes,” viz., “Holding for the word of life.”  The church bell bears the date 1638.  (Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 270.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Peter Walker re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  1675.—CAPTIVES IN TURKEY.—Contribution.—“Jany. 10, 1675:  This day intimatin was made of a contribution to be collectit for the ransom of two captives with the turks, named walter gibbieson and jon reid, men of Inverkeithing.” 

  THE LAIRD OF “PITREAVIE’S HOSPITAL” FOUNDED.—In the year 1675, Sir Henry Wardlaw, of Pitreavie, “founded and built an Hospital at Masterton” (a little to the east of Pitreavie, three miles south-east of Dunfermline), in favour of four widows. “women of honest fame, relicts of honest men, who live on the lands of Pitreavie, or other land belonging to him and his successors, to whom the patronage of the hospital is declared by the charter to belong; and failing widows of the before-mentioned description, then to be in favour of such other honest women as the patrons shall please to prefer.  Each of the widows is to have a chamber or house, and six bolls of meal yearly, or six bolls of oats and three bolls of bear, at the option of the patrons.”  The eighth part of the lands of Masterton, which the founder acquired from Robert Kellock, is burdened with the payment of the widows’ provision.  (Fernie’s’ Hist. Dunf. pp. 47, 48.)  Pitreavie House was probably built between the years 1615-1631

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Charles Wardlaw, of Logie, elected Provost.  (Burgh Records.)

  REPAIRS OF DUNFERMLINE CHURCH.—The north wall of the Church, near the porch-door, showed symptoms or decay and a new buttress was built on the outside to support it.  The date 1675 is on the north buttress next the porch-door.  (MSS., &c.)

  1676.—RESIGNATION OF THE PROVOST.—8th Jan. 1676.  This day “Mr. Charles Wardlaw, not being cler to signe declaratione, declares he will exerces his office no longer, but demitts and thair foir wills and requyrs the baillies and Counsall to appoint and proceid to ane new electionof ane provest.”

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Walwood, on 17th January, 1676, was, “by a plurality of voices, made Provost.”  (Burgh Records, date January, 1676.  See also “ Oath of Allegiance,” under date 16th February, 1664, An. of Dunf.)

  DR. ALEX. MONRO, Minister of the Second Charge of Dunfermline Church, demitted office, and was translated to the Church of Weems, 22nd March, 1676.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415; also An. Dunf. date 1673.)

  LEGACY TO THE POOR.—John Drysdale, in the Netherton, bequeathed 500 merks to the Poor of the Parish.—Regarding this, is the following entry in the Kirk Session Records, viz.—“8th August:  This day the Session having seen Jon Drysdaill’s confirmed testament brought in to ym be Jonet burn, his relict, Qlk mentions thus, viz., that the said Jon leaves to the toun and burgh of Dunfermline, for the use of the common good yrof, the soume of 400 merks Scotts money, restand be James Mercer of Kirkland be band, and the soume of 100 merks for sd restand to him be george stirk, weaver in whitefield of Pittencrieff be band;  The said toun or burgh always peying dewly to the Kirk Session of Dunfermline the ordinar annuel rent of the said two soumes yeirlie, and the annuel rent to be employed and laid forth be ym for mentainence and holding of poore Schollers at Schooles.”  (See Annals Dunf. date 1678.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Robert Walwood, was re-elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.)

  MR. WILLIAM PEIRSON, Minister of the First Charge of Dunfermline Church, demitted office in October, 1676, was translated to Stirling in November, 1676, and died in 1679

  MR. ALEXANDER DUNBAR was admitted Minister of the First Charge of Dunfermline Church on the 19th October, 1676.

  MR. JOHN BALNEVE was admitted minister of the First Charde of Dunfermline Church on 8th November, 1676.  (Epis. Cler.)

  1677.—THE SIN OF MASKING AND STIRRING THE POT ON SUNDAYS.—Regarding this, the following curious minute is to be found in the Kirk Session Records—“10 April (1677) : This day report was made of agnes drysdaill for masking on the Sabbath, and Wm burley an andro hannan, for steiring the pat to her, who are appointed to be cited before the Session.  They appeared, and agnes boldly affirmed that she did mask on the Sabbath, and thought it no sin.  She was referred to the Presbytery.  Wm. burley, who confest his fault in steering the pat, evidenced his repentance on his knees yrfore before the Session, and was sharplie admonishit, he promising not till doe the like again.”  What became of Andro Hannan, it is not said.

  CONVENTICLE MEETINGS, FINES, &C.—Conventicle or field meeting, for religious services, still continued rife in the parish.  In 1677 Sir Alexander Bruce of Broomhall, in Dunfermline parish, was fined in £1200 Scots for not obliging his servants to sign the Bond of Conformity and to refrain from attending conventicles.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 279.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—John Walwood, elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.)

  1678.—ST. MARGARET’S FESTIVAL DAY.—The festival day of St. Margaret, “the Titular Saint of Dunfermline,” which had in 1673 been altered to June 10th, was again altered this year.  “In the year 1678 Innocent XI. Allowed the festival to be celebrated on June 8th.  (Lord Hailes’ An. Scot.; Bishop Geddes’ Life of St. Margaret, &c.)

  MR. ALEXANDER DUNBAR, minister of the First Charge of Dunfermline Church, died on 22nd March, 1678.  (Kirk Sts. Records.)

  PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE.—Sir Charles Halket, of Pitfirrane, elected Provost.  (Burgh Rec.)

  DRYSDALE’S “BEQUEATHMENT.”—Early in the year 1676 John Drysdale, in the Netherton, bequeathed to the Kirk Session of Dunfermline the sum of 500 merks for the support of poor scholars at school.  These merks were resting in the hands of two persons at the time.  The Kirk Session this year, having received security for the payment of this sum, notifies it by the following minute in their Records—“1st Dec. 1678 : The Session having receivand security in peyment of 500 merks left be Jon Drysaill, viz., James Lindsay of Cavil having givin in his band for 200 merks yrof, which was put into the boxe and James mercer of Kirkland having now peyit be rot stirk, makand ytby 300 mks, was lent forth be consent of the Session to James  Moutrry of Roscobie, who, with his sone, gave yr band yrof, which was put into the boxe.”

  THE KIRK SESSION mortified into the hand of the Town Council of Dunfermline the sum of 1000 merks Scots, or £55 11s.11/3d. for the use of the Doctor of the Grammar School.  They (the Session) by a bond from the Town Council—dated 14th September, 1678—acquired an equal right of patronage with themselves in presenting the Doctor, &c.  (Fernie’s Hist. Dunf. p. 41.)

  “MR. ROBERT NORIE was ordained minister of the First Charge of the Krik of Dunfermline be Mr. Dauid Lauther, minister of Inverkeithing, on 18th September, 1678, who yn preached.”  (Kirk Ses. Records.)

  CHOOSING OF DEACONS.—The Incorporation of Fleshers meet in the Auld Kirk regarding the Choosing of a Deaocn, &c.—The writer has in his possession an old MS. which appears to have belonged to the Incororation of Fleshers.  The following is a copy of the first few lines of the ancient document—“Dunfermline, 24th September, 1678:  Which day the heall breethern of the fleshers of the burgh of Dunfermline being convened in the Church of Dunfermline anent the Choisen of the Deacon, and Considering the Great abuse Committed by some of the breethern of the said trade in abuse blowing their flesh, each man of their said trade, for mending of the said abuse, gave their oaths freely each before others that they should blow none flesh, lambs excepted, in anie time hereafter.  Sic subscribit—William Steuart, James Causing, William Hodge, Thomas Elder, Andrew Smart, Thomas Locke, William Belfrage, John Locke, William Wallwood.”  (See also Annals Dunf. date 1703, &c.)


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