Falkirk-- 
—\y— 
Population. 
Police. 
268 FALKIRK. 
by the vast Sopa weet pepe te 
tion with the shi vessels passing to ive 
the whole scene 3 air of grandeur and activity, sation 
tobe met with, bat in the neighbourhdod of large com- 
mercial towns. 
When Falkirk is viewed from compan seen at a 
t distance, and is conspicuous for an old tower con- 
Gcted with the eliurch, anil ait degant spire 140 feet 
high, lately erected in the middle of the town. This view 
of Falkirk is grand, on account of the bold risings of 
the ground behind it; and seen from the north-west, 
it is peculiarly striking by the Callander wood, or part 
of the ancient forest of Caledonia, which forms the back 
nd. 
orThe situation of this town is no less healthy than 
beautiful, and it is well supplied with water, which is 
conveyed to it by pipes. Standing on an eminence, 
it has a free circulation of air; and having a declivi- 
bo, every side, it is easily kept dry and comfort- 
. The houses are, in general, well built, and though 
it has risen to consideration without a plan, yet it is 
more regular than might have been ed. It con- 
sists of several streets and lanes ; and the principal one, 
though narrow toward both ends, where the ports were 
formerly situated, yet upon the whole it is commodi- 
ous at 4 regular. ‘The inhabitants of the town may be 
reckoried about 4000 persons. The lation of the 
parish is about 10,000, and includes thriving 
of Grangemouth, which is the opening from the Frith 
and eastern seas into the great canal. 
That port has latel favoured with the esta- 
blishment of a custom-house ; and the revenue received 
at that office for the last quarter has been stated at 
£30,000, and the preceding one not much less, But 
these sums far exceed any former receipts, and are chief- 
ly to be ascribed to the prodigious number of vessels 
pouring into that harbour, after so long a stagnation 
of le, by the inconveniences of a protracted war 
fare. But tho such returns of revenue are not 
to be ex in continuance, yet Grangemouth 
is a thriving village, and is likely to rise in impor- 
tance, 
Justice of the peace courts are regularly held in Fal 
kirk, and also occasionally other meetings respecting 
the turnpike roads, or the particular business of that 
quarter of the shire. It is the market town of a popu- 
lation not less than 25,000 persons ; and yet there is not 
a magistrate in the town, nor a place of confinement 
where a culprit may be shut up for a single hour. In 
these circumstances disorders occasi ly ensue, as 
must frequently be the case in populous districts ; 
but instances of violence and —— are exceedingly 
rare, and the general deportment of the people shows 
their quiet an nae disposition. 
-__ Falkirk was formerly a burgh of regality; and the 
different trades had acquired certain privileges and 
immunities ; and the office of the stint-masters is a re- 
sidue of the powers which the burgesses formerly ac- 
quired. When the feudal jurisdictions were taken 
away, after the rebellion of the year 1745, Falkirk was 
converted into a burgh of barony ; but a baron bailie 
is seldom appointed, and the town is thus deprived “of 
the pre ~ which he might afford. 
: Falkirk was a burgh of regality, it was fur- 
nished with a jail and ccext hbueb by the noble family 
of Callander ; but after the honours and possessions of 
that family were forfeited, they were suffered to fall 
into ruins, and the site and materials being sold, the 
4 
whole is now converted to another purpose. The ge- 
neral advantage of a place of confinement in a populous 
situation like this has long been felt, and there are now | ~~ 
egret serene Sr, established in Falkirk. It 
also been to have a sheriff-substitute ap< 
J 
peace for the county of Stirling, which would afford 
ample means of order and protection. 
Falkirk being 24miles from Edinburgh; and not much 
less distant from G , has advantages in point 
of trade, which towns are nearer those large cities 
do not enjoy. Though there is no species of manufac- 
ture carried on but for the use of the country, unless it 
be some trifling branches of the cotton trade, together 
with leather and shoes, it is but occasionally that the 
people of this district purchase from Glasgow or Edin- 
, and thereforethe shops of F alkirk are well provided 
with the conveniences as well as the necessaries of life. 
It has long been noted for one of the best butcher meat 
markets in the country. But as there areno magistrates, 
and few means of public improvement, there are no 
peo pe ak on market-house; for exposing it to 
e. . 
The same want of accommodation is severely felt by 
the farmers, who bring their grain to market on the 
Thursdays. Falkirk has its proportion of fairs, 
and there are three trystes, or cattle markets, 
which are held in its neig on the second 
Tuesday of A the second Tuesday of A 
and the second Tuesday of Octoberannually. These are 
more numerously attended, and more business is done 
in buying and selling cattle and sheep, than at any other 
similar markets in the kingdom. A few horses also are 
none of the epi persuasion. There is one 
= dnat sok toe abdaeratie aimee 
he church is large, and was built a few years ago af 
ter the Gothic form, according to a plan Mr Gilles. 
pics but it has no pillars nor arches in the inside. Fal- i 
irk was of great consideration in ancient times; and cal state, 
the parishes of Denny and Muiravonside were i 
connected with it. In the year 1724, a portion of the 
parish of Falkirk was erected into a parish, and deno- 
minated Polmont. A considerable part of it was at the 
ee a ee tae Reg. 
TE appears thatthe charch of Falkirk had been found 
ed by Malcolm Canmore, one of the kings of Scotland, 
A. D. 1057. The and ri ed cern 
belonged to the archbi and <tr Andrews, 
till that religious body conveyed them to the monastery 
of Holyreothouse in the year 1166. That celebrated 
convent was founded by King David in the year 1128, 
and if not the first, was one of’ the earliest in Scotland. 
Consistent with the credulity of the times, the reason ' 
assigned for its erection was.a vision, which was said 4 
to be seen by the king in a moment of danger while he . 
was hunting, and on the spot where the vision appear~ 
ed the monastery was built, r 
It was called the Abbey of the Holyrood, because History. } 
; 
upon that festival day the me mele paar 
seen, and renee stag, which se to attack and 
