188 Topography of Dumfries. 



The Old Bridge. 



We have now to consider the question of the Old Bridge, 

 and do so with reluctance, because it has not been possible to 

 accomplish all the research we deem necessary before coming 

 to a definite conclusion. The bridge is usually accredited to 

 the later years of the 13th century and the illustrious Dervor- 

 gilla. It was, by reason of its expense, utility, and the 

 economic and topographic effects that it had upon the burgh, 

 an undertaking of immense importance. Its ascription to 

 Dervorgilla and the 13th century appears to be founded on 

 no documentary or charter evidence whatsoever.^ We have 

 sought, though still unsatisfied that our search is complete, 

 for the first statement that the Bridge was Dervorgilla' s and 

 for the first mention of the Bridge as being in existence. 

 It may occasion surprise that we have not been able to find 

 any statement of the former earlier than 1746. In his MS. 

 " Introduction to the History of Dumfries," Robert Edgar, a 

 Wiiter in Dumfries, who compiled his unfinished account of 

 the town about 1746, says : " This bridge is said to be 

 rebuilt by Dornadilla or Dornagilda, a Spouse to John Baliol, 

 elected King of Scotland, 1292, and Daughter to Allan, Earl 

 of Galloway, and Marg* eldest Daughter of David, Earl of 

 Huntingtoun." Edgar is obviously a little astray in his 

 genealogy, but generally we have found him so accurate that 

 his statements are entitled to respect. It is clear that 

 here, however, he is merely repeating tradition. We are, 

 undeniably, on much more substantial ground with the Papal 

 Relaxation of 143 1-2. " Relaxation valid during twenty 

 years only, of a year and forty days of enjoined penance to 

 penitents, who on the principal feasts of the year and that of 

 the dedication of the below-named Chapel the usual octaves 

 and days and of a hundred days to those who during the 

 said octaves and days visit and give alms towards the building 

 of the bridge which has been recently hegun over the river 

 Nith near the burgh of Drumfres (prope Burgum de Drum- 

 fres) in the diocese of Glasgow, by the burgesses and inhabi- 

 tants of these parts and also for the amplification of the 

 Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin founded near (prope) the said 

 bridge. "^'^ We have italicised the most interesting state- 



