166 Dumfries : Its Burghal Origin. 



in his side. In Henry's absence on the continent in 1184, 

 William collected an army, and was on the point of advanc- 

 ing against Gilbert when the news of the English monarch's 

 return stopped the purpose. William disbanded his army.^ 

 In January, 1185, Gilbert died, and the rival claims of 

 Roland, the son of Uchtred, and Duncan, the son of Gilbert, 

 made Galloway the scene of a very fierce civil war, culmi- 

 nating in a bloody battle and leaving Roland victorious. At 

 this stage of the story of Galloway it is well to interject the 

 early charters of Dumfries, with a view to approaching more 

 nearly than has yet been done their dates, and thus reaching 

 conclusions on the historical bearings of the deeds. 



I. When William the Lion confirmed to the bishopric 

 of Glasgow certain rights of teinds, his writ was granted 

 at Dumfries (apud Dunfrez), and the witnesses were : — 



Richard de Moreville, constable. 



Walter fitz Alan, steward. 



Walter 01if[ard]. 



Robert de Quinci. 



William de Vetripont. 

 This list is decisive on one point : the deed cannot have 

 been later than 1177, the year in which Walter the Steward 

 died. This is probably the oldest documentary mention of 

 Dumfries in connection with royalty. ^ There is no word, 

 however, implying a burgh. Conceivably enough, we have 



8 Benedict, i., 313. 



9 Perhaps the earliest mention of Dumfries in any connec- 

 tion is in a charter granted there by Radulf or Ranulf, the son 

 of Dunegal, to the Hospital of St. Peter of York. " R. son of 

 Dunegal grants them of his heritage in Dronfres two bovates free 

 of all custom and service. 



Witnesses Gilchrist son of Brun. 



Gilendonrut Bretnach. 



Gilcomgal MacGilblaan. 



Udard son of Uttu. 



Waldev son of Gilchrist. 

 And many others. At Dronfres." (Bain's Cal., ii., 1606.) The 

 granter flourished in the middle of the twelfth century under 

 King David and King Malcolm IV. It would be hazardous to 

 offer a particular date, for the witnesses, evidently local Celts, 

 ape not public persons whose careers and obiits are recorded- 



