"Followis the Deidis, Legacie, and Lettre Will:-

"At Dunfermeling the xxij. daye of Aprile, 1598 zeirs.  The quhilk day the
said Dauid Fargusoun maid his testement and lettre will as follows - viz.,
That is to say, he leuis and disponis to William Fargusoun, his sone, his
haill naturall historical buikis, and his Scottis Cronicle, and nominatis
for this airschip buikis of theologie, ane Inglis bybill, and ane Latyne
bybill allenerlie. Item. - The said Dauid leuis and dispones to Mr. Dauid
Spens, Mr. Johnne Row, and Dauid Ramsay, his sonnes-in-law, equallie all
his buikis of theologie, and ordainis the saidis Masteris Dauid Spens and
Johnne Row to satisfie the said Dauid Ramsay for his third-pairt thairof,
because the saidis buikis can nocht be proffitabill to him.  Item. - He
leuis and disponis to ilk ane of his saidis thrie sonnes-in-law and thair
bairnes hes oyis xllb. money.  Item. - Leuis and disponis to the
appotecarie and vtheris quhilkis ministrat curis to him the tyme of his
sicknes thrie crounes of the sone.  Item. - To ilk ane of his foirnamit
seruandis thair feis addettit to thame at Witsonday nixt, with the doubill
thairof; and leuis and disponis the rest and superplus of all his frie
guidis, geir, dettis, and plenessing to the saidis Maisteris Dauid Spens,
Johnne Row, and Dauid Ramsay, his sonnes-in-law, and thair bairnes,
equallie to be diuidit amangis thame be thrie equal thridis, and nominatis
the said Masteris Dauid Spens, Mr. Johnne Row, and Dauid Ramsay, his
sonnes-in-law coniunctlie his executoris and intromittoris with his saidis
guidis, geir, and dettis.  Thais thingis war done at xj houris at ewin or
thairby, in the said Dauid Fargusoun's chalmer, day, zeir, moneth, an din
presens of the witnesses aboue-written heirto specialie and togeddir
requyret.  (Sic subscribitur.)  Ita est ut premittitur Dauid Brown,
notarius publicus in premissis omnibus et singulis cum prenominatis
testibus presens et requistus testante manu propria et signo.  We, Mris
John Prestoun, &c., and gevis and comittis the intromissioun with the samyn
to the saidis Mris Dauid Spens, Johnne Rowe, and Dauid Ramsay, executoris
testamentaris to the said umquhile Dauid Fargussoun.  Reseruand compt to be
maid be thame thairof, as accordis of the law; and thai being suorne and
hes fundin James Dobie, merchand, burges of Edinburgh, cautioun, &c., as
ane Act beiris."

It may also be noticed, that David Ferguson, soon after he became minister
of Dunfermline, was married to Isobel Durham, by whom he had nine children,
five sons and four daughters.  His eldest son, William Ferguson, A.M.,
survived him.  His daughter Margaret, born May 31st, 1562, was married to
David Spens, minister at Orwell, on June 18th, 1581.  His daughter Grizzel,
born February, 1576, was married to John Row, at Carnock, in 1595; and his
youngest daughter Isobel was married to David Ramsay (a layman), in April,
1598, a few days before ger venerable father's death. (See An. Dunf. dates
1571 and 1572.)

Besides his published "Answer to Renat Benedict," in 1562-63, he collected
and published the "Scottish Proverbs," which, in his Will, he calls the
"Scottis Cronicle."  He was interred at Dunfermline in the latter end of
April 1598, but in what spot is not known.  Tradition points to a high
tombstone, with triangular back, in a dilapidated condition, with
unreadable inscription, that stands on the edge of the west walk, or road
into the Church, about twenty yards to the north of the "auld kirk
porch-door," as the tomb under which lie the remains of this venerable and
illustrious man.

The following "Carmen," or ode, was composed on Ferguson, shortly after his
death, by his "brother-labourer in the word," Joannis Davidsonii.

CARMEN.

"Graecia mellifluo quantum det nestoris ori,
Aut Demosthenio debeat eloquio,
Ipsi facundo quantum (mihi crede) parenti
Attribuat linguae turba togata suae:
Nos tibi Fergusi tantum debere fatemur
Scotanam linguam qui reparare studes.
Sermonem patrium ditas, inculta vetustas
Horret qua longe barbariemque fugas.
Adde etiam neque abest facundis gratia dictis
Respondet verbis materia apta tuis,
Quod satis ostendit nobis tua concio praesens,
Qua nihil in lucem doctius ire potest," &c.

Davidson, author of the foregoing "Carmen," a native of the parish, was
remarkable for his "wise sayings and predictions."  The following is a
specimen of one of these predictions: "Being at Dunfermline in the time of
Synod, immediately after the death of David Ferguson, minister thereof,
giving thanks after dinner, among other things uttered by him, he thus
expressed himself:- 'Lord! thou hes now removed thy worthie and faithfull
servant, who laboured heir among thys people in the gospell, . . ; but,
Lord! who shall succeid him in his ministrie thou knowes! Many are gaping
for it, and using moyen at Court to gain it, but it will be Jok up-a-land;
it will die in thy hand (pointing at Mr. Andro Foster, who, at the tyme,
with sundrie other ministers, wes sitting at the table with him, having
dyned there); therefore, the backe shall beare the saddle-band,'" &c.
(Row's Hist. Kirk Scot. p. 463.)  Mr. John Fairfoul succeeded David
Ferguson, but was minister for a short time only.  Whether he was pressed
to resign by the favourites of Andro Foster or was deposed, is not known.
In an after-note it will be shown that Foster, his successor, was minister
of Dunfermline for about 17 years; that he fell into gross sins, and was
deposed and disgraced, and "his back did bear the saddle-band, and the
charge died in his hands." (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 419.)

MR. JOHN FAIRFUL or FAIRFOULD was admitted minister of Dunfermline, in
1598, as successor of Mr. David Ferguson, lately deceased. (Kirk Ses. Rec.;
Fernie's Hist. Dunf. p. 32.)

MASONIC GUILD. - It would appear from the "Schaw Statutes" that there was a
Mason Guild in Dunfermline as early as the year 1598.  In connection with
said "Statutes" of this date are the names and status of several of its
members, viz.: "Thomas Robertsoun, Warden of the Ludge of Dunfermling and
St. Androis, and takand the burding vpon him for his bretheren of ye masoun
craft within they Ludges, and for the Commissionars eftir-mentionat, viz. .
. Andro Alesoun and Archibald Angous, Commissionars for the Ludge of
Dunfermling," &c. Dunfermline, Robert Pest.  (Lyon's Hist. Lodge Edin. p.
59; An. Dunf. date 1630.)

1599. - THE BAILIE AND SERJEANT'S HOUSES BUILT. - Two lofty houses were
built this year close to the west side of the Old Church Steeple, as
residences for the High Constable, Mayor, and Serjeant, and for the
Heritable Bailie of the Regality of Dunfermline.  The "date-stone," which
was over one of the doors of these buildings, is still to be seen, lying on
the top of the gate of the Dunfermline entrance into Pittencrieff policy.

MR. JOHN FAIRFUL, or FAIRFOULD, ceased to be minister of Dunfermline after
a short ministry of about eight months; whether he resigned or was deposed
is not known.

MR. ANDREW FOSTER (Forster, or Forrester), third Protestant minister,
inducted minister of Dunfermline Abbey Church this year.  (Fernie's Hist.
Dunf. p. 32; Kirk Ses. Rec. &c.)

1600. - "REGISTRUM CARTARUM ANNAE REGINAE." - One of the Abbey books, with
this title, commences with the year 1600, and ends with 1611. (Vide Print.
Regist. Dunf. pp. 496-504.)  From this MS. book several extracts have been
made, and entered in Annals of Dunfermline.

CHARLES I. BORN IN DUNFERMLINE. - Charles, the second son of King James
VI., was born in the Royal Palace of Dunfermline on the 19th day of
November, 1600.  (Calderwood's Hist. Ch. Scot.; Maitland's Hist. Scot. vol.
ii. p. 1308; Ab. Scot. Chron. p. 93, and all the Histories of Scotland.)
Birrell, in his Diary, alluding to the birth, says: "20th day of November,
the Queen's M. deliuerit of ane chyld, at the pleasure of Almighty God, at
qlk tyme the canons schott for joy."  The late Dr. Robert Chambers, in his
Picture of Scotland, vol. ii. p. 164, second edition, relates an old
tradition, which he says he heard in Dunfermline (circa 1828), viz.:
"Charles was a very peevish child, and used to annoy his parents dreadfully
by his cries during the night.  He was one night puling in his cradle,
which lay in an apartment opening from the bed-room of the King and Queen,
when the nurse employed to tend him suddenly alarmed the royal pair by a
loud scream, followed up by the exclamation, 'Eh! my bairn!' The King
started out of bed at hearing the noise, and ran into the room where the
child lay, crying 'Hout, tout, what's the matter wi' ye, nursie?' 'Oh!'
exclaimed the woman, 'there was ane like an auld man came into the room and
threw his cloak owre the Prince's cradle; and syne drew it till him again,
as if he had ta'en cradle, bairn, and a' awa' wi' him.  I'm fear'd it was
the thing that's no canny.' 'Fiend, nor he had ta'en the girnin brat clean
awa!' said King James, whose demonological learning made him at once sed
the truth of the nurse's observation; 'gin he ever be King, there'll be nae
gude i' his ring; the deil has cussen his cloak owre him already!'  This
story is generally told (says Chambers), and in the same manner, by the
more primitive portion of the inhabitants of Dunfermline, and the latter
part of the King's observation is proverbial in the town, it being common
to say to a mislear'd or ill-conditioned person, 'I daresay the deil has
cussen his cloak owre ye!'"  This traditional anecdote is now worn out -
never now heard of. (See also Annals Dunf. dates 1649, and Appen. S.)

"THE DUNFERMLINE BARNS." - An old building of two storeys, with a broad
outside stair in front of it, known as the "Dumfarlin Barns," and which,
until 1873, stood on the north side of East Queen Street, near its junction
with Inglis Street, had "an initialled date-stane," of which the following
is a copy:-

I K E M
1600

It is not known to whom these initials refer.  This stone is now fixed into
the front wall of the new building on the same side.  The two first
initials may refer to John Kingorne, who, about this period, was clerk of
the Regality of Dunfermline; if they do, then it is probable that the barns
belonged to the Regality.

THURSDAY CATECHISM TEACHING IN THE AULD KIRK. - An ordinance of Council
passed this year, ordaining that, "on the Thursday of ilk ouk, the masters
of households, their wives, bairnes, and servants, should compeir ilk ane
within their awn parish kirk, to their awn minister to be instructed by
them in the grunds and heads of catechisms, and to give as they should be
demanded ane proof and trial of their profitying in the said heads."
(Chamb. Domes. An. Scot. vol. i. p. 356.)  An old MS. notifies, that the
Thursday lessons were pretty well attended in the Auld Kirk at first, byt
through time they were given up.

QUEEN ANNA OF DENMARK'S HOUSE. - In the year 1600, a new palace was erected
for the Queen on the site of the former one (which stood on the north-east
end of the King's Palace), adjacent to the entrance to Pittencrieff.  Part
of the west end of the wall of its pend, or archway, which went under it,
is still to be seen on the west side of the street adjoining Pittencrieff
Lodge.  The new erection was built in a modern style, was very high ,
consisted of three stories, and had, of course, many convenient apartments,
but how many is not now known.  Having been built by Queen Anna, it was
always known by the name of the "Queen's House," or "Queen Anna of
Denmark's House."  A long, narrow pend went under it, leading to the main
courtyard of the palatial buildings.  Immediately over the south key-stone
of this pend, there was a large sheet of copper, secured to the wall by
copper bolts, having on it the following inscription in Latin:-

PROPYLEUM ET SUPERSTRUCTAS AEDES, VETUSTATE ET
INJURIIS TEMPORUM COLLAPSAS DIRUTASQUE, A FUN-
DAMENTIS IN HANC AMPLIOREM FORMAM RESTITUIT
ET INSTAURAVIT ANNA REGINA FREDERICI DANORUM
REGIS AUGUSTISSIMI FILIA ANNO SALUTIS 1600.

Translation:- This porch, and the house built above it, having through age
and the injuries of time fallen down and come to ruin, have been restored
from the foundation, and built on a larger scale by Queen Anne, daughter of
Frederick, the most august King of Denmark, in the year 1600. (Vide
Fernie's Hist. of Dunf. p. 70; Mercer's Hist of Dunf. p. 86.  For full
particulars, see Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol.i. pp. 105-109.)

Grose, in his "Antiquities of Scotland," at pp. 285-288, has two views,
which show the upper parts of the Queen's House, drawn in 1790.  That
fronting p. 288, taken from the New Inn window, Bridge Street, shows the
whole of the western gable, and about a half of the upper part of the north
front; the other view shows a small portion of the upper part of the east
side.  The writer has in his possession several sketches, copied from
Pen-and-ink drawings, by John Bain, civil engineer, Edinburgh, done in
1790.  These "pen sketches" embrace several views and plans of the Church,
the ruins of the Monastery, the Palace, the Queen's House, and the Tower,
done with great accuracy.  From some os these drawings, and other
engravings, the writer made a composition view of the north front of the
Queen's House, the Bailie and Serjeant Houses, the Kirk Steeple, &c., and
had the view lithographed. (See Annals Dunf. date 1864.)  In the year 1855,
the writer made a composition view of the same old buildings as they
appeared from the south, near "the Pends."  (See Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii.
p. 129.)

END OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

MDCI
(BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.)

ANNALS OF DUNFERMLINE. - (CONTINUED.)

1601. - THIS Century "opens on a new state of things."  The Abbey, which
was destroyed in 1560, is in ruins; "the tops of the walls are covered with
grass;" the Abbots, monks, and other functionaries, have long since
disappeared; the nave of the Abbey is used as a Parish Church; and John
Fairfoul is minister of the new Protestant congregation.  The Burgh is in a
very depressed state; its eight trades are "pauperised."  Population of the
burgh about 1600; the Laird of Pitfirrane is Provost.

THE PALACE YARD THOROUGHLY REPAIRED. - This yard lay immediately in front
of the Palace, and was anciently known as the "Abbey Close;" but, after the
destruction of the Abbey in 1560, it came to be known as the Palace Yard.
It was bounded on the north by the south-east front of the Queen's House;
on the east by the Dormitory walls of the Monastery; on the south-east, by
the Pends; and on the west, by the east or front wall of the Royal Palace,
occupying that large space of ground from a point a little below the
entrance to Pittencrieff policy to the arch of the Pends. or about 140 feet
from north-west to south-east, with an average breadth of about 90 feet, an
area of about 1400 square yards.  In this large open triangular space in
front of the Palace, "courtiers, warriors, and knights were marshall'd in
days fo yore;" and, as a matter of course, here, in this wide area,

"The Bruce oft met his 'marshall'd knights,'
And shook the Carrick spear."

THE LAIRD OF PURY OGILVY Searched by the Magistrates of Dunfermline. - The
Laird of Pury Ogilvy wrote to King James complaining that, "on coming from
Dunfermling to Edinburgh, to satisfy his Majesty's pleasure, he found
himself pursued and searched by the magistrates."  The charges brought
against him, he said, were unfounded, and not worthy of his Majesty.
(Calend. of State Papers, Scot., State Paper Office, London.)

BIRTH OF A PRINCE AT DUNFERMLINE. - "On the 18th day of February this year
(1601), the Queen was brought to bed of her third son at Dunfermline, and
he was christened the 2nd day of May, Robert.  The King, his father, that
same day created him Lord of Annandale, Earl of Carrick, Marquis of Wigton,
and Duke of Kintyre. (Balfour's Annals of Scot. vol. i. pp. 408-410.)
Robert Birrell, in his Diary, alluding to the event, says - "The 18th of
Februar, hes M. had an thrid Sonne born (at Dunfermline) at the pleasure of
Almightie God, being Monday." (Frag. Scot. Hist. &c.)

1602. - CARNOCK. - Sir George Bruce, who had become proprietor of the lands
of Carnock, "repaired the Kirk there, and skleatit it."  His initials and
date were on the old pulpit, thus, "G.B., 1602."

QUEEN'S CHAMBERLAIN at Dunfermline. - In consequence of the death of Mr.
William Schaw, the office of Chamberlain of the Queen's Rents, &c., at
Dunfermline becomes vacant.  Henry Wardlaw, of Balmule, elected to the
office, pro tem.  (See Annals, date 1603.)

DEATH OF WILLIAM SCHAW, "Master of the Works." - William Schaw, architect
to King James VI., died on the 18th of April, this year.  He was an
accomplished man, and "held in the highest esteem by his Sovereign, and by
all who was honoured with his friendship."  About the year 1594, the
restoration of the Abbey, &c., was committed to his charge.  He built the
steeple and the north porch, some of the buttresses, the roofs fo the north
and south aisles, and that part of the west gable immediately above the
great western door.  He also planned and built the "Queen's House," the
Bailie and Constabulary Houses, &c.  He died at Dunfermline, on the 18th
April, 1602, after a short illness, and was interred in the north aisle of
the nave which he had restored.  His monument, a very massive one, was
reared about his grave, "behind the pulpit-pillar."  In 1794 the monumental
tomb was removed, and, in a detached state, placed within "the
bell-ringer's place at the bottom of the steeple" - where, in the same
state, it still remains.  The reason given for its removal was, that "the
upper part of it interfered with the light of one of the windows, and
thereby prevented much of the light falling on the pulpit-bible. (Vide
Annals Dunf. date 1794.)

The following is a copy of the inscription on his tomb:-

M. S.
INTEGERRIMO AMICO
GULIELMO SCHAW
VIVE INTER SUPEROS AETERNVMQUE OPTIME VIVE HAEC TIBI
VITA LABOR MORS FVIT ALTA QVIES
ALEXANDER SETONIVS D. F.
D. O. M.

HVMILIS HAEC LAPIDVM STRUCTURA TEGIT
VIRUM EXCELLENTI PERITIA PROBITATE EXIMIA SINGVLARI
VITAE INTEGRITATE SVMMIS VIRTVTIBVS ORNATVM GVLIELMVM SCHAW
REGIIS OPERIBVS PRAEFECTVM SACRIS CAEREMONIIS PRAEPOSITVM
REGINAE QVAESTOREM EXTREMVM IS DIEM OBIIT
18 APRILIS 1602.

MORTALED INTER VIXIT ANNOS QVINQUAGINTA DVOS GALLIAS MVLTAQVE
ALIA REGNA EXCOLENDI ANIMI STVDIO PERAGRAVIT NULLA LIBERALI
DISCIPLINA NON IMBVTVS ARCHITECTVRAE PERITISSIMVS PRINCIPIBVS
IMPRIMIS VIRIS EGREGIIS DOTIBVS COMMENDATVS LABORIBVS ET
NEGOTIIS NON ENDEFESSVS MODO ET INSVPERABILIS SED ASSIDVE
STRENVVS ET INTEGER NVLLI BONO NON CARISSIMVS CVI NOTVS
AD OFFICIA DEMERENDOS HOMINVM ANIMOS NATVS NUNC INTER
SVPEROS AETERNVM VIVIT.

ANNA REGINA NE VIRTVS AETERNA COMMENDATIONE DIGNA MEM-
BRORVM MORTALITATE TABESCERET OPTIMI INTEGERRIMIQVE VIRI
MEMORALE MONVMENTVM PONI MANDAVIT.

Translation:-

To his most upright Friend,

WILLIAM SCHAW,

"Live with the Gods, and live for ever, most excellent man;
This life to thee was labour, death was deep repose.

ALEXANDER SETON, Erected

DEO OPTIMO MAXIMO.
(To God the Best and Greatest.)

This humble structure of stones covers a man of excellent skill, notable
probity, singular integrity of life, adorned with the greatest of virtues -
William Schaw, Master of the King's Works, President of the Sacred
Ceremonies, and the Queen's Chamberlain.  He died 18th April, 1602.

Among the living he dwelt fifty-two years; he had travelled in France and
many other Kingdoms, for the improvement of his mind; he wanted no liberal
training; was most skilful in architecture; was early recommended to great
persons for the singular gifts of his mind; and was not only unwearied and
indefatigable in labours and business, but constantly active and vigourous,
and was most dear to every good man who knew him.  He was born to do good
offices, and thereby to gain the gearts of men; now he lives eternally with
God.

Queen Anne ordered this monument to be erected to the memory of this most
excellent and most upright man, lest his virtues, worthy of eternal
commendation, should pass away with the death of his body.

(Vide Monteith's "Theatre of Mortality, 1752," pp. 210, 211; also Chal.
Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 488.)

There is a small marble monogram stone inserted in Schaw's monument, the
interlaced letters on which in relief make out those on the scroll at the
top, viz., "William Schaw."  The following is a copy of it:-

This fine old monument ought to be reconstructed in the place where it now
stands, in the Belfry, or close to the wall inside the great western
entrance.

BAPTISM OF THE INFANT PRINCE at Dunfermline. - "The 2 Maii being the
Sabbathe day, his M. thrid sone was bapteizit 'Robert,' in the toun of
Dunfermling.  He was stylit Duke of Kintyre, Marquis of Wigton, Earl of
Carrik, and Laird of Annandaill." (Bir. Diary; Frag. Scot. Hist. vol. i. p.
55.)

DEATH OF THE INFANT PRINCE at Dunfermline. - "He departed this life at
Dunfermline, the 27th day of May, and was interred there."  (Balf. An.
Scot. vol. i. p. 410.)  "The 27 day of Maii, Robert, Duck of Kintyre,
deceasit at Dunfermling." (Bir. Diary; Frag. Scot. Hist. vol. i. p. 55.)
This prince was only 14 weeks old at the time of his death.  Probably he
was interred in the vault outside the south-east corner of the Old Church.
This vault was given to Sir Henry Wardlaw, of Pitreavie, by the King and
Queen, in 1616. (An. Dunf. date 1616.)

THE GALLOWGAITE. - In the Regality Court Records, and also on an old title,
mention is made of a toft or croft "lyand without the East Port, in ye
Gallowgaite;" called the Gallowgaite obviously because it led to " the
toun's gallows," three-quarters of a mile distant, nearly opposite the
entrance to Headwell. (See also An. Dunf. date 1757, &c.)

1603. - EDWARD BRUCE Created Lord Kinloss. - Edward Bruce, second son of
Sir George Bruce, of Carnock, was, by James VI., created Baron Bruce of
Kinloss. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 288.)

THE GREAT CUSTOMES of Dunfermline, Let. - "A tak of the great customes of
Dumfermeling, and of the port and heaven of Lym Killis, were disponet to
James Kingorne, Regality Notary, 3 Feb., 1603." (Print. Regist. Dunf. p.
496.)

HENRY WARDLAW AND THE LANDS OF BALMULE. - In the charter chest of
Pitfirrane there is a Charter, granted by Anne, Queen of Scotland, Lady of
Dunfermline, with consent of her husband, King James VI., to Henry Wardlaw,
of the lands of Balmule (3 miles north of Dunfermline) and others.  Dated
at Halirudhous, 3 March, 1603.

HENRY WARDLAW, Queen's Chamberlain. - Henry Wardlaw, of Balmule, who had
been appointed pro tem. Chamberlain to Queen Anne (after the death of
William Schaw, in 1602), was this year confirmed in his appointment of
Chamberlain to the Queen.  (See other dates in An. Dunf.; Chal. Hist. Dunf.
vol. i. p. 304.)

REGISTER OF THE LORDSHIP of Dunfermline. - In the Advocates' Library,
Edinburgh, there is a folio volume in MS. of the Lordship of Dunfermline,
from Feb. 1, 1603, to Feb 28, 1611, in excellent condition; 314 leaves.

FAREWELL OF THE ROYAL FAMILY to Dunfermline. - In the month of March this
year King James VI. succeeded to the throne of England.  Shortly afterwards
he bade farewell to his Scottish residences, and repaired by slow marches
to London.  The Palace at Dunfermline was given in charge to Lord Seton,
and Henry Wardlaw, her Majesty's Chamberlain.  The Lord Seton, tutor to
Charles I., remained for some time in the Palace after the royal departure.
(Vide Histories of Scotland, &c.)

1604. - REV. JOHN DAVIDSON, an eminent native of the Parish of Dunfermline,
died, aged 60. - The Rev. John Davidson, who in his youth was one of the
Conventual Brethren of Dunfermline, afterwards became a distinguished
reformer.  He was for some time a Regent or Professor in St. Leonard's
College, St. Andrews.  In 1595, he became the minister of Prestonpans, and
died pastor of that place in 1604.  In 1571, "in the month of July, Mr.
John Davidson, ane of our Regents (St. Andrews), made a play at the
marriage of Mr. John Colvin, whilk I was playit in Mr. Knox's presence,
wherein, according to Mr. Knox's doctrine, the Castle of Edinburgh was
besieged, taken, and the Captain, with ane or twa, was hangit in effigecy."
(Dom. An. Scot. vol. i. p. 74.)  Mr. Davidson was an excellent poet.  The
following is a list of his poetical remains, &c.:- I. "Ane Breif
Commendatioun of Vprignes," quhairunto is addit in the end, "Ane Schort
Discurs of the Estaitis quha hes caus to deploir the Deith of that
excellent Seurand of God" (John Knox).  (A curious specimen of the old
Scottish language and versification.)  II. "Ane Dialog, or Mutuall Talking
betwixt a Clerk and ane Courteour, concerning foure Parische Kirks till ane
Minister."  III. "A Memorial of the Life and Death of two worthye
Christians, Robert Campbel of Kinyeancleugh, and his Wife, Elizabeth
Campbel; with a Biographical Account of the Author, and various Papers by
James Maidment," 8vo, Edinburgh, 1829, to which the reader is referred for
further particulars.  Mr. Davidson was born in the parish of Dunfermline
about the year 1533, but in what part of the parish the writer has been
unable to discover.  (See also "Carmen," Annals of Dunf. date 1598.)

1605. - CREATION OF EARLDOM OF DUNFERMLINE. - Alexander Seton (a branch of
the Winton family), who was, previous to this date, Baron Urquhart, and
also Lord Fyvie, was, on March 4th, created "Earl of Dunfermline."
(Fernie's Hist. Dunf. p. 81; Frag. Scot. Hist. vol. i. p. 63, &c.)
Birrell, in his Diary, notes: "The 4 of Marche, Lord Fyvie, President (of
the Court of Session), an uthers, wer made Earles - viz., Lord Fyvie, Earl
of Dumfermling; Lord Home, made Earl of Home; and Lord Drummond, made Earl
of Perth; and alswa twelve Knyghts."

COLLIER ROW AND EAST PORTS. - It would appear from the following item in
the Burgh Accounts, that these Ports were "secured by lock and key" as late
as this period - viz., "To John Turnbull, for mending the lock of the
Colzieraw Port, vi.s; and for mending the lock of the East Port, vi.s"
(Burgh Records, Dec. 1605.)

ALIENATIONS OF ABBEY LANDS &C. - Confirmation Charter in favour of John
Stobie, to the lands of Waster Luscour; ditto, to "George hutone, the croft
commonly called the acorne ward" (half a mile east of Dunfermline); Carta
to Sir Robert Halket, of Pitfirrane, "a tak of the teind scheaves of
Braidleys" (six miles N.W. of Dunfermline.  (Print. Regist. Dunf. pp.
496-504.)

CLEANING THE PUBLIC CLOCK. - "To John and Harie Burells, for taking Sindrie
the Knock, and putting it togidder againe, and dichting the samin vii.s"
(Burgh Records.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Sir Robert Halket was elected Provost of
Dunfermline this year. (Burgh Records.)

GUNPOWDER PLOT. - Public Rejoicings, &c. - According to an old MS. note,
"The 13th November, 1605, was kept in grand style in Dunfermline, in
consequence of the Kings Majestes escape from being murthered by gunpowder,
by a lot of papists in London."  There was an entertainment given at the
Royal Palace; there were "tar barrels burning and bonfyres in several
streets; also, public singing, bells ringing, and prayers in the Kirk."  In
the Burgh Records, inthe accounts given in at the end of 1605, there are
two items mentioned in connection with the rejoicings - viz., "To Margaret
Murrey, for ye furnishing her to get players on thep lay-day, &c.; and fro
tarr-barrels, ferns, &c., and to the minstrellis at the touns
congratulation for His Majesty being deliverit fra his enemies," &c. (Burgh
Records.)

1606. - ALIENATION OF ABBEY LANDS, &C. - Charter granting to James Reid the
croft acres of Dunfermline; to Nichol Pollok the third-part of the lands,
and the mill of Lassodie; to Alexander, Earl of Dunfermline, the coal in
the Lordship of Dunfermline; to the same, the fourth-part of the land of
North Fod; to Robert Peirson, the lands of Nether Beith; to Robert Halket,
the mill of Pitliver.

CONSTABLESHIP OF DUNFERMLINE PALACE. - The office of Constable or Keeper of
Dunfermline Palace, instituted by Queen Anne in 1596, and conferred on Lord
Urquhart, was this year (1606) confirmed by Act of Parliament to Alexander
Seton, Lord Urquhart and Earl of Dunfermline, and his heirs male for ever.
(Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 259.)

1607. - ALIENATION OF ABBEY LANDS, &C. -  A deed, or charter, granting "ane
tak of the teind scheaveis of Pittencreiff at Pitdennus, Sett to Eduard
Bruce, Mr. of Kinlos," and to Henry Wardlaw "the lands of Pitbauchlie."

THE ROTTEN-RAW PORT, or Postern, was probably erected this year. This Port
is noticed in the Burgh Records, of date 3rd May, 1735, when the Town
Council gave leave to Bailie Lindsay to erect the south-east corner of his
malt-barn, to be built nine feet north from the south pillar of the
Rotten-Raw Port.  This Port has escaped the researches of the historians of
Dunfermline, and appears to have occupied the site at the top of the
Rotten-raw, near to the south entrance of North Chapel Street. (See An.
Dunf. date 1735.)

We cannot tell when this Port was removed, and nothing is known of its
history, unless by tradition - viz., that when the port was taken down, it
was re-erected at the top of a close known as "Bardner's Close."  If this
tradition is correct, then we get at the date of its erection.  On the
keystone of the arch fronting the street, there is a long shield, some
mutilated initials, and the date 1607.  The following is a reprentation of
this stone, which was sketched by Mr. William Clark, bookseller,
Dunfermline, and kindly sent to the writer in 1852:-

It is not known whose initials these are - probably of some public
functionary of the period (1607).

THE REPAIRING of the Nave of the Abbey was completed in 1607.  After the
Royal Family went to reside in London, the Earl of Dunfermline (Dominus de
Dunfermling) appears to have attended to the completion of the repairs.  On
the side of the south porch-door there is a stone, having on it the earl's
crest, and date 1607, which date is understood to indicate the completion
of the repairs. (MS. Note.)

FREE BURGESSES OF THE BURGH CREATED. - The honour of the freedom of the
Burgh was conferred on David Peirsoun, July, 1607; and on Andrew Law and
John Watsoun, Sept., 1607. (Burgh Rec.)

SIR ROBERT HALKET continued Provost of the burgh. (Burgh Rec. )

MALT KILNS. - The Council "grant a license to David Watsoun and Archibald
Dowglas to bigge malt-kilns in the back-syde befoir thair barnis." (Burgh
Rec.)  "Back-syde," (Queen Ann Street). (See also Annals fo Dunf. date
1600.)

HONORARY BURGESS. - David Peirsoun was elected a free burgess of the burgh,
July, 1607. (Burgh Rec.)

HONORARY BURGESSES. - Andrew Law and John Watsoune were elected free
burgesses of the burgh, Sept. 1607. (Burgh Rec.)

1608. - ALIENATION OF ABBEY LANDS, &C. - A deed granted to John Durie and
Janet Majoribanks, his spouse, of "the 8th partes, with xxxii parte of the
ville of Muirhall, alias South quenesferrie;" to Alexander, Earl of
Dunfermline, the lands of "Lymekillis;" "a tak' of the teind scheaves of
Pittravie" to Henry Wardlaw; to Robert Ged, the Mill of Geddismill; to
Marion Crichtoune, "a tak' of the teind scheaves of Clunie;" to John
Stevenson, the lands of "Stevensones Baith."  (Regist. Infeod. et Alien.;
Print. Regist. Dunf. pp. 496, 504.)

GREAT EARTHQUAKE IN DUNFERMLINE. - The whole of the western district of
Fife was affected by this earthquake.  An old MS. referring to it says,
"The hail houses in Dunfermling were shooken and furniture thrown doon, and
it was observit that the surface of the lochs round about were agitatit."
Another account notifies, that "upon Thursday, the 8th day of November,
1608, there was in Fife an earthquake, betwixt nine and ten hours at even,
which lasted about a quarter-of-an-hour; that it terrified all the persons
within the towns of Coupar-of-Fife, Newburgh, Dunfermling, Burntisland, and
others within Fife."  (Sibbald's Hist. Fife et Kin. Appendix, p. 423.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - James Reid was elected Provost.

1609. - THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE was this year admitted a member of the
English Privy Council. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 285.)

MR. JOHN FAIRFUL, Minister of Dunfermline, was this year called before the
Privy Council by the King's command, for praying for the distressed
ministers (imprisoned or exiled by the King), within and without the
country, in December. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 366.)

SCULPTURED STONE. - "The Golden Rose," High Street. - This sculptured
stone, seen over the door of a plain house in East High Street, appears
from the sweep of the curve at the top of the stone to have been originally
placed over a much larger door or gateway than that which it now adorns.
Probably the stone belonged to a house which may have been destroyed by the
great fire of 25th May, 1624, and on re-erecting a house on the same site,
the then proprietor may have placed the stone over his door as a memento of
the original house.  It is not known to what the sculptures refer.  It will
be seen that in the centre of the lower part of the stone there is a circle
with the figure of a rose within it, and in a semi-circle over it, in
old-fashioned letters, are the words, "The Golden Rois."  On the top of the
semi-circle of words rests a large shield, in the lower compartment of
which there is the representation of "a walking fowl, or bird," with a
buckle or ring, before its bill.  It is separated by a diagonal bar from a
space in which are six flying darts and a five-pointed star; while on each
side, as supporters, there is a bearded face with high ears.  The bearded
face on the right has a tongue hanging out of its mouth, with the initials
S.DE. below.  That on the left has the date of 1609 below the chin.  For
darts, &c., see Annals, dates, 1624-1626.)  The Golden Rose appears to have
had a Roman origin.  The ceremony of blessing the golden rose, since the
time of Pope Urban V. in 1366, has been celebrated annually at Rome on
March 13.  The rose thus blessed by the Pope is then presented to some
highly-favoured person.  The house is now a tavern, and bears the name of
"The Golden Rose."  This stone, it would appear, was long unknown; it was
accidentally brought to light in 1859 while the house was undergoing some
repairs.  It may be noted, that previous to 1828 there stood adjacent to
"The Golden Rose," on the east, a very antique house, traditionally known
as the "French Ambassador's House."

REPAIRS OF THE EAST PORT AND EAST PORT-HOUSE. - On the east gable, near the
top, there is a "date-stane," having cut on it the initials "W.G.," a rose,
and date "1609."  (Burgh Rec; see also An. Dunf. dates 1753 and 1835.)

ELECTION OF HONORARY BURGESSES. - "Jon. Gib and Patrick Murray of Pardews"
were elected honorary freemen of the burgh in June, 1609.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - James Reid was elected Provost of Dunfermline, in
October, this year. (Burgh Rec.)

1610. - THE ROYAL GALLERY erected in Dunfermline Church. - This year, a
gallery was erected between the two pillars opposite the pulpit, for the
accommodation of the Royal Family when they visited Dunfermline.  The front
of this gallery is still in a state of good preservation.  (See Annals,
date 1855).  In the centre there is a round shield, containing the details
of the royal insignis.  It is surmounted by a crown, and his the royal
initials "I.R.," "A.R.," and date "1610."  There are some devices below the
shield, which appear to have been intended for "The Thistle, the Rose, and
the Shamrock,"  emblematical of Scotland, England, and Ireland. (See also
Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol.i. p. 121.)

MORTIFICATION OF œ2000 SCOTS BY QUEEN ANNE in favour of the Grammer and
Music Schools of Dunfermline. - The following is a copy of the Deed of
Conveyance, viz.:-

"Copy Extract Bond by the Town of Dunfermline, anent Queen Anne of
Dunfermline, her Mortification of œ2000 Scots, whereof the Annal Rent of 10
per Cent. be a Fund for a Salary to the Master of the Grammar and Song
Schools of Dunfermline, dated 24th August, and Registrate 5th September
1610.

"At Edinburgh, the fifth day of September, in the year of God 1610 years,
In presence of the Lords of Council, compeared Mr. Thomas Rollock, Pror.
specially constituted for James Reid, Provost of the Burgh of Dunfermline;
John Anderson and James Mochrie, Bailies; John Walker, Dean of Guild;
Patrick Turnbull, Treasurer; David Stewart, John Anderson (younger),
Lister; William Brown, and Andrew Bennet, four of the Council of the said
Burgh, and gave in the Bond and Obligation under-written, subscribed with
their hands, desiring the same to be Registrate in the Books of Council, to
have the strength of a Decreet of the Lords thereof, with executions to
pass thereupon in manner therein contained; the which desire the said Lords
thought reasonable, and therefore has ordained and ordains the said Bond
and Obligation to be insert and Registrate in the said Books of Council;
Discerns the same to have the strength of their Decreet, and ordains
Letters of Execution to be decreet thereupon in manner specified
thereintill, whereof the tenor follows:-

"'Be it kend to all men by ther present Letters, we, James Reid, Provost;
John Walker, Dean of Guild; Patick Turnbull, Treasurer of the Burgh of
Dunfermline; David Stewart, John Anderson (younger), Lister; Andrew Bennet,
William Brown, Burgesses and neighbours of the said Burgh, presently upon
the Council thereof, for ourselves, and taking the burden upon us for the
heall Remanent Council and Community of the said burgh, For as much as the
Right High, Right Excellent, and Mighty Princess Anna, be the Grace of God,
Queen of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Lady Dunfermline, and her
highnesses successors in the Lordship of Dunfermline having the free
nomination and presentation of the masters of the Schools to our said
Burgh, of her natural love and affection to virtue, promotion of liberal
sciences, Education of the Youth - Intertainment of the Masters and
Instructors thereof, of the readiest of her rent and patrimony of the
Lordship of Dunfermline, for the special cause under-written, has instantly
caused Henry Wardlaw of Balmule, Her Highness's Chamberlain, advanced pay
and deliver to us, for ourselves and in name of the heall community of the
said Burgh, All and Heall the sum of Two Thousand pounds usual Scots money,
to be employed by us for performing of certain of our affairs tending to
the well profite and commodity of the Burgh and heall inhabitants thereof,
for the relief of diverse debts, sums of money, and burdens presently lying
upon our common good, and for the which we and the heall Inhabitants of our
said Burgh, stand obliged and astricted, Destinate, affected, and mortified
be Her Most Excellent Majesty, to remain with us and our posterity, in all
time coming, for payment to be made be us and them of the current annual
rent after-mentioned, to the Masters and Instructors of our Youth, as is
under exprest, as a common benefit to us all: Of the which sum of Two
Thousand pounds money above written, we for ourselves, and in name and
behalf of the said community of our said Town, our and their successors,
Provosts, Bailies, Council, and Community thereof, exoner, quit claim, and
Discharge the said Right High, Right Excellent, and Mighty Princess, her
heirs and successors, her said Chamberlain, and all others whom it effeirs
thereof, for now and for ever: Therefore we be bound and obliged like as by
the tenor thereof, We, the said Provost, Bailies, Dean of Guild, Treasurer,
and Council for the said Burgh, for ourselves, and taking the burden upon
us for the said Community, as representing the heall Body of our said
Burgh, Bind and oblige us and our successors, Provost, Bailies, Council,
and Community of Dunfermline, to make good and thankfull payment of the sum
of Two hundred pounds money foresaid yearly, and termly, in all time
coming: To witt, to the present Master of the Grammar School of
Dunfermline, and his successors, the sum of one hundred pounds money
foresaid, and to the present Master of the Song School, and his successors,
the sum of one other hundred pounds money foresaid, to be paid yearly and
termly in all time coming, at two terms in the year, Whitsunday and
Martinmas in winter, by equal portions, beginning the first term's payment
thereof at the first term of Martinmas next to come, and so forth, yearly
and termly, to endure and be paid to the present Masters of the foresaid
schools, and their successors, Masters thereof, for ever, for a perpetual
annual and yearly duty, founded and mortified by her most excellent Majesty
for entertainment and maintenance of the foresaid Schools and upbringing of
the Youth thereintill, in all time coming.  Providing always that it shall
not be Leisome to the Provost, Bailies, nor Community of the said Burgh,
nor our successors, to admit or place nor to depose the present Masters of
the said Schools, nor them that shall be admitted and placed thereafter,
without the special advice, concurrence, and consent of the Queen's most
excellent Majesty and her Highness's successors, our Superior, or else of
the present heritable Bailie of the Lordship of Dunfermline, and his
successors, heritable Bailie thereof, so that the full right of nomination
and presentation of the said Masters, present and to come, shall remain
with her Majesty's successors' heritable Bailies, and their successors: and
we, Provost Bailies, Council, and Community of the said Burgh, oblige us,
and our foresaid successors, to give her Highness, and the said Bailies and
their successors, our faithful advice anent the qualifications, life,
conversation, admission, and deposition of the said Masters in all times
coming; which advice her Highness and the said Bailies, for them and their
successors, promise to accept, in so far as the same makes, for the weil of
the said Burgh, virtuous and good upbringing of the Youth; and for the more
security, we are content and consent that the presents be acted and
Registered in the Books of Council ad perpetuam remanentiam, and to have
the strength of an Act and Decreet of the Lords thereof, and their
authority to be interponed thereto with executions of horning upon a simple
charge of ten days to pass thereupon; and for registrating hereof,
constitute Mr. Thomas Rollock, conjunctly and severally, our procurators,
in forma promittend rata, &c.  In witness whereof, written by Wm. Brown,
Notary in Dunfermline, we have subscribed the same with our hands at
Dunfermline, the 28th day of August, in the year of God 1610 years, before
these witnesses: John bruce, apparent of Baldridge; Robert Mercer of
Saling; Patrick Stewart of Beath, Bailie-Depute of the Regality of
Dunfermline; Mr. James Aiton, Portioner of Over Grange; James Kinghorn,
Clerk of the said Regality. (Sic sub.) James Reid, Provost; John Walker,
Dean of Guild; Patrick Turnbull, Treasurer; John Anderson, one of the
Council; William Brown, one of the Council; Andrew Bennet, one of the
Council; Robert Mercer, of Saline, Witness; Patrick Stewart, Witness; Mr.
James Aiton, Witness; Patrick Kinghorn, Notary, Witness.'

"Extractum de libro actorum per me Dominum Joannem Skeen de Curyhill,
Militem, Clericum Rotulorum Regist. et Concilii S.D.N. - Regist. sub meo
Signo et subscriptione manualibus. (Sic subscr.) Jo. Skeene." (Burgh
Records, and the Charter in the Burgh Charter Chest.)

Note. - As some misapprehension exists regarding the office of Master of
the Song School, it may here be observed that there is no such institution
in Dunfermline as "Master of the Song;" that "Master of the Song School" is
the legal definition; that it is not necessary that the Master of the Song
School should be precentor or leader of the choir in the Abbey Church; and
that if the person who is at any time elected to the office of Master of
the Song School does not perform the duties of the office by teaching a
"Song School" in Dunfermline, he can lay no claim to the œ100 Scots named
in this bond as his yearly fee or salary.  Such is the opinion of an
eminent solicitor.

PITTENCRIEFF HOUSE, near Dunfermline, is supposed to have been built about
this period by Sir Alexander Clerk of Pennicuik, the then proprietor.  His
armorial bearings and his initials are over the door, with the motto,
"Praised be God for all his giftes."  There is still to be seen over one of
the windows the crest of the Earl of Dunfermline, to whom the  estate of
Pittencrieff once belonged.  (See Annals, date 1740; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol.
i.)

THE MINISTER OF DUNFERMLINE BRIBED. - The "unworthy and unfaithful minister
of Dunfermline, Mr. Andro Foster, in June, 1610, took the King's money of
50 merks (from the Earl of Dunbar), to vote for the King's scheme for the
establishment of Prelacy."  (See "Dr. M'Crie's Character of Andro Foster,"
in Annals, date 1612, &c.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - James Reid re-elected Provost of Dunfermline.
(Burgh Records.)

1611. - THE HERITABLE OFFICES of Bailie and Justiciary of the Regality of
Dunfermline conferred on the Earl of Dunfermline by Charter from Queen
Anne, with the consent of the King, her husband, proceeding on his own
resignation.  This Chater, among other subjects in the Earl's favour,
confers on him "the heritable offices of bailiary and justiciary of our
Lordship and Regality of Dunfermline, on both sides of the river and water
of Forth."  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 257.)

THE TOWER BRIDGE. - In the hollow, over the Ferme water or Tower Burn (west
foot of Tower Hill), a bridge was built by Queen Anne in 1611, as the
previous one had gone to decay and become dangerous for passengers.  On the
south face of the bridge, above the arch, were the letter A.R. (Anna
Regina), and the date 1611.  This bridge appears to have been indifferently
built, for a new bridge had to be erected on the site in 1788.  (See Chal.
Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 89; also Annals, dates 1788, &c.)  There appears to
have been a bridge here at a very early period, under the name of the
"Gyrth-bow."  (See Charter in Annals Dunf. of date 1327, and Print. Regist.
Dunf. p. 253.)

LORD COMMISSIONER'S CONSTABLES. - "17th August, 1611, the qlk day qm perit
thomas blackwood and Jon Curie at ye crose, burges's of ye sd burgh,
Constables nominat and appoytit within ye saim be vertue of our Soverin
Lords commissioners, and acceptit the said office of Constabularie wt in ye
saim, during the space of six moneths nixt to cum, conform to his mates
ordinance yr anent, and proceid to convene at Cuper on Weddinsday nixt xxi
of this instant st ye remaindr commissioners of his hienes peice, thair to
give their aiths as effeirs."  (Burgh Records.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - James Reid was elected Provost of Dunfermline, in
September, this year.  (Burgh Records.)

1612. - JOHN WEMYSS, of Pittencrieff, Excommunicated for the Slaughter of
his Brother. - "1612, Apr. 22. - Jhone Wemymes, of Potincrieff,
excommunicated for the Slauchter of his natural brother.  God touched his
heart with repentance.  It was therefore statuted and ordained that the
said Jhone sall present himself fyve several Sabbothes successive in the
places of publict repentans within the Kirkes of Dunfermling, Kirkaldie,
Dysert, Coupar, and St. Androis, his compeirans to be in linenis"
(sackcloth).  Pittencrieff is adjacent to Dunfermline. (Chal. Hist. Dunf.
vol. ii. p. 278.)

QUEEN ANNE'S INFEFTMENT, &C. - The Scottish Parliament ratified "the
morning gift" of James VI. to his Queen in 1593.  This year (1612) there
was confirmed an infeftment by James VI. conveying the Lordship not only to
the Queen, but also to "the heirs of his body by him."  (See Fernie's,
Mercer's, and Chal. Hist. Dunf.)

CHARACTER OF MR. ANDREW FOSTER, AND HIS MISDEEDS. - The Rev. Dr. M'Crie
says that Andro Foster was "a person destitute both of gifts and grace.
Having ben visited by Providence with sickness, he was, after his recovery,
seized with great distress of mind.  He confessed that at the Assembly of
Glasgow, in 1610, he had sold Christ for a paltry sum of money (viz., fifty
merks Scots), received from the Earl of Dunbar, the King's Commissioner, as
did some other ministers in that Assembly, to induce them to vote in favour
of the King's project for the establishment of prelacy."  He also confessed
that, having a numerous family, and being very poor, he had, by means of a
false key, at different times abstracted money from the Kirk box.  One
Sabbath, the subject in his ordinary course of lecture being John xii. 6,
he was seized with such horror when about to begin, that he ran out of the
pulpit, expressing, among other things, an apprehension that the
magistrates were coming to take him out to execution.  Being in this
situation, he silenced himself, and requested Mr. Murray, for Christ's
sake, to take the charge of the congregation.  And yet, some time after
this, having been reduced to beggary, Archbishop Spottiswood intruded him,
in spite of the people, into the parish church of Collace, near Perth,
where he died covered with debt and infamy."  (Row's Hist. Kirk. Scot. for
other particulars, vide Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. pp. 417-419.)

A CROSS, OR CRUCIFIX, Painted on the Minister's Seat in the Church of
Dunfermline. - Mr. Andrew Forster, minister of Dunfermline, "a weak-minded
man,"  and of strong "Popish tendencies," appears to have employed a
painter to paint on his seat in Dunfermline Church a cross, or crucifix, to
the "great scandle of the communitie."  As this is a curious affair, we
give the copy of a legal document referring to it:-

"Diocesan Synod, at St. Andrews, April 1612.

"Mr. Andro Froster (cancellarius).  Thair was presented ane letter from Mr.
Andro Forrester, minister of Dunfermling, offering excuis for this absence,
in respect of sickness; as also nae apologie of his dealing in the Scandall
of the Crucifix, payntit vpon my Lord chancellor his dask in the said Kirk,
Quhairanent the scandall foirsaid being wakened, it was thocht meitt that
advys be taken thairin befoir any further be done in the Synode.  The
mater, thairfoir, being ryplie an all the circumstances conisdered and
pondered, was found to have giffen gryt offenss to the haill country, and
that the causer, as also the paynter of that idolatrous monument, and the
minister foirsaid, have highlie offendet.  To remedie quhairof, power and
commissioun was granted and committed, and be thir presentis ar granted and
committed, to the brethren of the privie conferens fo this Synode, and such
of the exerceis of Dumfermling as ar of this Diocese, together with Mr.
Jhone Hall, Mr. Patrick Galloway, Mr. Robert Cornewall, Mr. Adam Bannatyne,
Mr. Jhone Carmichael, Mr. William Scott, and Mr. David Meirnis, to convein
with my lord archbishop, in the citie of St. Andrews, vpon the twelft day
of Jaij nix to cum, with full and plane powar to tham to try and examine my
lord chancellar in dealing and interest in the said matter, and to do quhat
thei may for removing that offens, according to the word of God and lawes
of this Kirk and Kingdom, premittendo de rato, &c.  To the quilk day and
place my lord chancellar sal be requirit to be present; and for that
effect, ane letter was ordained to be directed from this Synode.  Siclyk,
it was statute that the craftisman foirsaid quho payntit the crucifix sal
be charged to compeir, day and place above expremit, for ordour taking with
him for his offens, as said is.  Also, the said Mr. Andro Froster, in
respect that after the erectioun of the foirsaid monument of idolatrie, did
nether mak advertisement to my lord archbishop, neither to the brethren of
the exerceis, he being moderatour thairof, nor has done anything in publick
quhilk might declaim his dislyking of the foirsaid fact; as also, being
required peremtorilie to be present at the Synode, for purging himself
befoir thame, yt nochtwithstanding hes nocht compeired. Thairfoir, is
decernit to be suspended from his ministrie, untill he be reponed be my
lord archbishop and commisouneris above named.  And in the meantime it is
appointed that the brethren of the exerceis of Dumfermling sall per vices,
according to the catalogue, supplie his place vpon the Sabbath, and the
failzier herein according to his cours to be siclyk suspendet.  Finallie,
Mr. Robert Roch, moderatour of the excerceis, is ordained to intimate this
present decreitt to the  said Mr. Andro."

The Lord Archbishop corresponded with the King on the subject.  The King,
who was not altogether free of "Popish tendencies," requests that no
further notice should be taken of the affair, as will be seen by the next
entry:-

"Synode, Septr. 1612.

"Chancellar, - My lord archbishop reported that, having acquainted the
King's majestie with the offens upon the paintrie of my lord chancellar his
desk, in the Kirk of Dunfermling, had reported his hieness' will that the
Kirk insist no further in process against his lordship, seeing his majestie
thoght the offens sufficientlie removed." (Vide Minutes of the Synod of
Fife; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 417, &c.)

QUEEN ANN'S LETTER TO HENRY WARDLAW, OF BALMULE, mear Dunfermline. - this
letter, which has been often printed, is still extant, and in possession of
the Wardlaw family.  As it illustrates old usages, it is here reproduced:-

"To our Right Trustie Servant,
Henry Wardlaw, of Balmule,
Chamberlain of our rents of Dunfermline.
"ANNA REGINA.

"Henry Wardlaw, of Balmule,
"Having appointed the Lady Wintown younger to assist for us at the
Christning of the Earl of Hume's child, these are to require you to wait
upon her at that time, and, according to our custom, to distribute in our
name amongst the servants the sum of five hundred Merks Scots, and the same
shall be thankfully allowed to you again in your accompts.  Given under our
hand at Whitehall, the 28th of October, 1612."

(Fernie's History of Dunfermline, p. 105.)

THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE Represents the King in the Scottish Parliament. -
In the Parliament held at Edinburgh on 24th October, 1612, the King
appinted Alexander Seton, Earl of Dunfermline, to represent him, when "the
obnoxious prelatic Acts of a former General Assembly were ratified by Act
of Parliament." (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 285.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw was elected Provost of
Dunfermline. (Burgh Records.)

1613. - THE "PAN-HOUSE," at Limekilns, was built this year, (Vide Hist.
Dunf.; see also Annals Dunf. date 1581.)  This appears to be one of the
earliest built Pan-houses on the shores of the Forth "for the making of
salte."

THE EARL OF DUNFERMLINE and Pinkie House. - This ancient house belonged to
the Abbots of Dunfermline.  In the year 1613 it was enlarged, decorated,
and repaired by the Earl of Dunfermline for his residence.  He appears to
have been proud of his worldly position; for, on the front of the house,
now hidden by a portico, there is a Latin inscription which states that
Lord Alexander Seton built this house - "Non ad animi, sed ad fortunaram et
agelli modum 1613" - that is, "Not after the fashion of his mind, but after
that of his fortune and estates, 1613." (Cham. Pict. Scot. vol. ii. p. 74,
&c.)

THE WHIRLBUT WARLOCK. - An old MS. of events, &c., in our possession, notes
that Tam Simpson, the warlock, was "carrying on his prankis and deevilrie,"
in his house at Whirlbut, at this period.  Whirlbut is at Spittle Brig.

THOMAS WARDLAW, of Logie, Provost of Dunfermline.

1614. - LORD WALDEN ENTERTAINED AT DUNFERMLINE. - "Theophilus Howard, Lord
Walden (afterwards Earl of Suffolk), in his pleasure-journey through
Scotland, arrived in Edinburgh, from thence he proceeded to Dunfermline,
accompanied by the Lord Chancellor, where he was entertained, with all
kindness and respect, for some days, when he took his departure for
Culross." (Domest. An. Scot. vol. i. p. 454.)

ELYMOSYNER OF ST. LEONARD'S HOSPITAL. - According to a writ, or deed,
Thomas Walker, "laird of Rhodes," near Dunfermline, was Almoner of St.
Leonard's Hospital and Chapel in 1614.

THOMAS WARDLAW, of Logie, Provost of Dunfermline.

1615. PITREAVIE. - It would appear, from an old manuscript in our
possession, that Mr. Henry Wardlaw, of Balmule, the Queen's Chamberlain,
about this period, acquired the property of Pitreavie, three miles
south-east from Dunfermline.

DUNFERMLINE CHURCH with more than 2000 Communicants Enrolled. - A Colleague
is Recommended. - The following is from a Synod minute:- "Synode at St.
Androis, October, 1615 - Dunfermeling. - Item, the Synode, considering
deeplie the largeness of the congregatioune of Dunfermling, having more
than two thousand communicantis, and weeknes and infirmitie of Mr. Andro
Forster, minister, unable to bear the gryt ane burthane alane, thinkis it
altogether neidful that ane other be joyned with the said Mr. Andro, in
this ministrie at the said kirk.  For procuring whairof, it is ordainit
that my lord archbishop and Mr. Robt. Roch sall deall with my lord
chancelleour, for his lordship's furtherance heirto.  Lykas, the brethren
of the exerceis thair sall deall with the parichinairs for thair
concurrans.  Finallie, willed my lord archbishop to provyde ane qualefied
man, and to plant him befoir the next Synode." (Vide "Minutes of the Synode
of Fife," date 1615.)

MR. JOHN MORAY, or Murray, was admitted as one of the ministers of
Dunfermline. (See also An. Dunf. date 1622.)

1616. - DUNFERMLINE CHURCH VISITED BY THE LORD ARCHBISHOP - Strife,
Discontent, &c. - The following note is taken from "The Minutes of the
Synod of Fife," date 1616:- "It is reported that the Kirk of Dumfermling
has been visited by my lord archbishop, at the whilk the parishoiners
keeped by their strifes and discontent with their minister, whilk sinsque
have burst forth.  In regard whairof the visitors have dealt earnestly for
ane new visitation.  The Synod advised the brethren of that exerceise, to
do in the visitation of that kirk, as may be maist for the glory of God and
weill of that congregation.  And to report to the archbishop what they
shall find, that he may do therein as he shall find meet."

MR. ANDRO FOSTER, or Forster, demitted his office as Minister of
Dunfermline.  (Fernie's Hist. Dunf. p. 34, &c.)

MR. JOHN MORAY, or Murray, who had for a short time been colleague with Mr.
Foster, but who had been silenced through contentions with him, &c., and
had left the charge, now returned to it, Mr. Foster having demitted his
office.  (Fernie's Hist. Dunf. p. 34; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. pp. 419,
420.)

ROYAL BURYING VAULT, DUNFERMLINE. - This Royal Burying-house, situated
between the three south-east buttresses of the "auld kirk," was probably
erected when the repairs on the Church were in progress, and intended for
the Royal place of sepulture for the Royal Family - probably, when the
infant Prince Robert was interred in 1602.  King James ascended the English
throne the year after the death of the young Prince, and this burying-place
thus became useless to them.  In the year 1616, Queen Anne gave a gift of
the Vault to Henry Wardlaw, her Chamberlain, who inserted an oblong stone
above its door, with the following inscription, in alto, cut on it:-

ANNE REGINA MAGNAE BRITANNIAE
AC DOMINA DOMINII DE DVNFERM
MLINE DOMINO HENRICO WARDLA
W DE PITRAVIAE MILITI ET SVIS POSTERI
S HVNC LOCVM IN SEPVLTVRAM DEDIT 1616.

That is:- Anna, Queen of Great Britain, and Lady fo the Lordship of
Dunfermline, gave to Henry Wardlaw, of Pitreavie, Esquire, and to his
posterity, this place of sepulture, 1616.  Above this inscription, in a
triangular space cut on the stone, are the Wardlaw "arms" on a shield,
together with the initial letter, "H.W."  On the top of the stone, in an
angular direction, are "MEMENTO MORI" (remember death); on the lower
corners of the stone are the words, "ULTIMA DOMVS" (the last house); and,
in the space immediately above, on each side, are skulls and cross-bones.
(Fernie's Hist. Dunf. p. 105; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 120.)

Note. - There is a translation of the inscription on this stone given at p.
120 of Chalmers's History of Dunfermline, vol. i.  In it the writer has
slightly altered it for the following reasons, viz., Henry Wardlaw, Queen's
Chamberlain, was not a knight; his son Henry was the first knight of the
family.  This son was created a knight of Nova Scotia in 1631; therefore
"Militi," in such a case, may be rendered "Esquire."  It will be observed
that the Queen, in her letter of date 1612, had addressed it - "To aur
Right Trustie Servant, Henry Wardlaw."  If this stone was erected by his
son, Sir Henry Wardlaw, it must have been after 1631.  In that case the
date 1616, the date of the gift, has been given instead of that of its
erection.

1617. - THE OBIT REGISTER of Dunfermline, a small quarto, commences in
1617, and ends with the date 1657.  "It is distinctly and beautifully
written."  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 83.)

KING JAMES VI. in Dunfermline. - The King visited Scotland this year, for
the first time since his accession to the English crown in 1603.  "He was
received with tumultuous joy" wherever he went.  In the progress of his
journey, he visited Dunfermline in May, and again in June, where he
remained for some days each time. (Abridged Scot. Chron. p. 107, &c.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw, of Logie, was elected Provost of
Dunfermline in October. (Burgh Records.)

1618. - THE "ELIMOSYNER" OF ST. LEONARDS HOSPITAL, &C., granted a Writ of
Infeftment for four acres of land, of which he was "the laird," to William
Mudy and his spouse Margaret Eddison, April, 1618.

"O RARE BEN JONSON" in Dunfermline. - According to tradition, Ben Jonson
visited Dunfermline in August, 1618.  The "Water Poet" and he were in
Scotland at the same time, having both walked, within a month of each
other, from London to Edinburgh on foot, both occupying about a month on
the journey.

TAYLOR, "THE WATER POET," in Dunfermline. - On July 14th, 1618, John
Taylor, "The Water Poet," left London on his "penniles pedestrian journey
to Scotland."  He arrived in Edinburgh on 13th August, where, and in Leith,
he appears to hve resided for about three weeks, indulging in eating,
drinking, and table-talk.  Early in September he crossed from Leith to
Burntisland, and from thence went on foot to Dunfermline.  "He dwells with
special delight on a dinner at which he assisted here, given in his honour
by Master John Gibb, groom of his Majesty's Chamber.  Several gentlemen,
both Scotch and English, assisted also at the banquet; and the Water Poet
had to stand on the occasion "to his colours." (Vide The Water Poet's
"Penniless Pedestrian Journey," North Brit. Adver. and Ladies' Jour. Sept.
29, 1877.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw, of Logie, was re-elected Provost
in October. (Burgh Records.)

1619. - PRINCE CHARLES (afterwards Charles I.), shortly after his mother's
death (Queen Anne), was infeft on the 19th of June in those parts of his
mother's Lordship of Dunfermline which had not been alienated. (See also
Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 254.)

BURGH RECORDS. - The sixth of the MS. volumes of the Burgh Records of
Dunfermline begins in May, 1619. (Burgh Records.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw, of Logie, was re-elected Provost.
(Burgh Records.)

1620. - RUINOUS STATE of some parts of the Abbey Nave. - "Although the
great repairs on the Abbey Nave appear to have been completed by Dominus
Dunfermling in 1607, yet in 1620 the South or Royal Aisle showed symptoms
of decay.  During this year an additional buttress on the south side of the
Church (the middle one) was erected to further strengthen the south wall
(the date 1620 is on this buttress, near the top).  The west part, inside
of the South Aisle, was also repaired in 1621, as shown by date 1621 on the
roof at this part." (MS. Note.)

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw, of Logie, was re-elected Provost.
(Burgh Records.)

1621. - REGALITY HOUSE, NETHERTOWN. - An old house, which, until 1861,
stood on the north side of East Netherton Street, was known as the Regality
House.  It was a house of two storeys.  The ground apartment was vaulted.
It appears to have been built in 1621, as this date was on a stone over the
door.  In the year 1833 the writer visited this house.  In the vaulted
apartment, ground floor, there was an immense fire-place, into which was
built a very large iron grate of fine make.  There was a "swing-piece" at
one of its ends for holding a sand-glass for the use of the cook, and other
appliances.  This fine old grate probably came from the Abbey or Palace.
The writer told the late Mr. Joseph Paton of it, who at once inspected it
and puchased it for a trifle, and it was to be seen in his museum, Wooers'
Alley, Dunfermline, until his death in 1874.  Probably the name "Regality
House" was given to it after 1790.  In this year, amongst rubbish in the
garret of this house, there were found a great many MS.volumes of the
Regality Court of Dunfermline, as also several old Charters and Abbey
documents. (See Annals, date 1792.)

AULD KIRK. - The south wall and inside pillars were this year repaired.
The date 1621 is on the centre stone of the arched roof of the aisle,
behind the second pillar, south side.

THE LANDS OF HILL. - These lands, a mile south of Dunfermline, became the
property of William Menteith, of Randieford, in 1621.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf.
vol. i. p. 326.)

HENRYSON'S FABLES. - The Fables of Henryson, "guid Scholemaister of
Dunfermline," circa 1490, &c., were this year published by Andro Hart,
Edinburgh.

PROVOST OF DUNFERMLINE. - Thomas Wardlaw, of Logie.

1622. - THE LANDS OF ABERCROMBIE, four miles S. W. of Dunfermline, were
united to the parish of Torryburn.  They were at a very early period an
appanage of Dunfermline Abbey.

ALEXANDER SETON, Earl of Dunfermline, died at his residence, Pinkie House,
Musselburgh, in June, 1622, and was buried in the family vault, in Dalgety
Church, near Dunfermline.  The following inscription, on a metal plate, was
on his coffin:-

ALEXANDER SETONIUS, FERMELINODUNI COMES, SCOTIAE
CANCELLARIUS, OBIIT 66 ANNO AETATIS SUAE, 16 JULY 1622.

That is, " Alexander Seton, Earl of Dunfermline, and Chancellor of
Scotland, died 16th July, 1622, aged 66 years. (See An. Dunf. dates 1662
and 1820.)

CHARLES SETON, Earl of Dunfermline. - On the death of his father, Charles
Seton, his eldest son, succeeded to the Earldom of Dunfermline.
(Crawford's Douglas Peerage, Fyvie's Charters, &c.)

LITERATURE. - A poem on the late Earl of Dunfermline was published in
Edinburgh this year, entitled -

TEARES
For the neuer sufficientlie be-
wailed death of the late right ho-
nourable and most worthie of
all honourable Titles
ALEXANDER
Earle of Dumfermeling, Lord
Fyvie and Vrquhart,
late Lord-Chancellar of Scotland.
EDINBVRGH
Printed by the Heires of Andro Hart
ANNO DOM. 1622.

This poem was republished in 1823, in eight quarto pages.  John Lyon of
Auldbar, is supposed to be the author.  He, in "bewailing strains," highly
eulogized the good Earl, and opens the poem thus -

"Ah! must my weake and care-benummed hand
Paint out the sorrowes of this sorrowing Land;
How can my pen make others' passions knowne,
Which, as they are, can not expresse mine owne;
This publike losse, which was a losse too great,
Some heauen-taught Muse were fitter to relate:
Yet whilst the Learned (who in silence sit)
Frame loftie Lynes to serue as signes of wit,
Sad care-crost Muse vnto the world proclaime,
With woefull notes this Lamentable Theame,
And sing so sadlie to each listning eare,
That euerie eye for tribute pay a teare.
Come euerie Age, Estate, and Sexe, came all,
Come and bewaile this statelie Cedar fall;
Come all wrong'd Orphanes, come bewaile your Syre,
Who did of late (but yet too soone) expyre;
Come woefull widowes, come you, weepe you fast,
Your Anchor and your hope, your help is past."

"Rich Burgers, you of whom hee once was chiefe,
With teares bewray vnto the world your grieffe;
You at the Barre who pleade your clients' cause,
Mourne that ye want the Judge that Judged your Lawes;
Graue learned Judges, all burst foorth in mone -
Your Light, your Lanterne, and your Guide is gone," &c.

And concludes as follows:-

"Now, being dead, this at our hands doth merite,
That as our bakes this badge of mourning bears,
VVee should to Griefe pay tribute with our teares.
But, ah! my Muse, breake of this our sad decay,
Let brauer wits this deepe taske vnde-goe,
To waile his want and manifest our woe."

MR. JOHN MURRAY, Minister of Dunfermline, was deposed in 1622 for
nonconformity to "the Five Articles of Perth."  He died at Prestonpans in
1632.  (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415.)

MR. HARRIE MAKGILL was this year admitted minister of Dunfermline, as
successor to Mr. John Murray. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 415, &c.)

PITLIVER. - Mr. John Dempster, Advocate, Edinburgh, became (in 1622)
proprietor of the lands and barony of Pitliver, three miles south-west from
Dunfermline. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 305.)
 

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