ga Transactions. 
shape of formality in the transaction of burghal business could 
hardly be looked for. The legal status and privileges of the com- 
munity, whatever they were, might well pass into abeyance and 
be forgotten under such conditions. Before the 17th century no 
provost or bailie of Annan is ever—so far as i have been able to 
discover—-named. But in the 16th century things were shaping 
towards order. The year 1539 witnessed a great fact in Annan 
history—a confirmation or revival of its burghal dignity by a 
Charter of Novodamus of James V. Those who have any regard 
for the memories and the honour of the town have some reason 
for a glow of satisfaction in the language of the King’s charter : 
“ Whereas,” says the document, still cherished among the 
burgh’s archives,* ‘the town of Annan, situated upon the 
western marches very near adjacent to the realm of England, 
within the Stewartry of Annandale, has been very often burnt 
and destroyed, and the burgesses and inhabitants plundered and 
slain by the English in defence of the realm of Scotland, as well 
in time of peace as of war, and have ever remained leal Scots, 
true to our Crown ; and whereas the ancient charters of founda- 
tion and the infeftments of said burgh made by our predecessors 
have been destroyed and burnt in sieges and fires by our enemies 
and otherwise, in consequence whereof the use of markets has 
ceased among them. Therefore, we have of new granted in fee 
to said burgesses and community the Burgh and Town of Annan 
as a free burgh for ever, with all its lands and annual rents, 
possessions and fishings whatsoever to the same pertaining.” 
These are then particularised, as well as the various privileges, 
such as the liberty of having a market cross, a weekly market on 
Saturday, and an eight days’ fair yearly, beginning on All Hallow 
Thursday.t Into the large subject of those things the lmits of 
space prevent me at present entering. 
XIX. Lord Wharton’s Design upon Annan (1543-45). 
The disaster of Solway Moss in 1542, without its like in 
Scottish history, overwhelmed James V., who died of shame and 
grief. The reign of the child-Queen, Mary Stewart, began under 
circumstances of great national depression. The town was 
*It of course passed the Great Seal. Registrum Magni Sigilli, vol. iii., 
No. 1919. 
+Ascension Day, 39 days after Haster Day. 
