New Galloway

"NEW GALLOWAY, a parish and post town, royal and parliamentary borough, in the district of Glenkins, parish of Kells, county Kirkcudbright, Scotland, 25 miles W. of Dumfries, and 98 from Edinburgh. It is situated on the right bank of the river Ken, which is here crossed by an elegant stone bridge, and at the cross roads from Kirkcudbright to Ayr, and from Newtown-Stewart to Dumfries. It is an inconsiderable and ill-built place, consisting of two principal streets, crossing at right angles. It contains a townhouse, branch of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Bank, and a gaol. The parish church stands a little without the limits of the town. Galloway obtained its charter from Charles I. in 1629, and is governed by a provost, 2 bailies, a treasurer, and 18 councillors. It sends one member to parliament in union with Wigton, Stranraer, and Whithorn. Justice of the peace courts are held monthly, and small-debt courts three times during the year. In the vicinity stands Ken Castle, the seat of Viscount Kenmure, the sole proprietor of the burgh. In the summer of 1849 a waterspout dispersed itself in the immediate vicinity. Fairs are held on the first Wednesdays in April and August (old style)."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]