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ABERDEEN is a City in the North of Scotland, near the mouth of the River of Dee, within the Province of MARR, which is a part of the Shyre thereof. It lyeth within the North Temperat Zone, though much inclyning to the colder side thereof, be∣ing
much nigher to the Pole then to the Equinoc∣tiall-Line; for its Latitude or distance from the Equinoctiall-Line, is 57 degrees and 10 minuts, and its distance from the Pole is onely 32 de∣grees and 50 minuts.
Its Longitude, or distance from the Meridian of the Canarie Islands, is 22 degrees and 30 mi∣nuts.
It is a Parallell, or equall Latitude and cli∣mate with the Merchant-Isles in Nova-Britan∣nia in America, the Southmost cape in Norway, called the Noas of Norway, Stockholme in Swed∣land, Lavonia, and the middle parts of Russia, and territories of Muscovia in Europe, the Co∣sacks, and other middle Countries in Tartary, in Asia.
In which Parallell, the longest day is of length in Sun-shine 17 hours, and 40 minuts; being within the tenth Climate, reckning the first Cli∣mate to begin where the longest day is 13 hours long, and every Climat to be that space in Latitude, wherein the longest day is half an hour longer, and consequently the length of the shortest day at Aberdeen is 6 hours, and 20 minuts, viz. as much as the longest day wants of 24 hours.
From the first day of the moneth May to the twentytwo day of July, it is constant day light, the Sky all that time never fully setting even at midnight, for the twi-light ne∣ver
goeth fully down till the Sun be 16 degrees under the Horizon: whereas all that time at Aberdeen, he is not so low at midnight, the Suns depression below the Horizon in the long∣est day, being onely 9 degrees 20 minuts at midnight, and his Meridian-hight in the short∣est day just as much.
His Meridian-Altitude in the Equinoctial-Line, is here 32 degrees, 50 minuts, and the greatest hight the Sun ever comes to at Aberdeen in the longest day at 12 hours, is onely 56 degrees and 20 minuts, near a degree less then the hight of the Pole on the North-side.
560 Myles be-North Aberdeen, the Frozen-Zone begins, where, on the longest day the Sun doth not set at all, nor ryseth in the shortest: The Fixt-Stars within 57 degrees 10 minuts of the North-Pole do here never set, and these within as much of the South do here never rise nor appear.
It lyeth almost directly under the middle∣most Star of the great Boar's tail, and under the Constellation of Cassiopeia.
A degree of Latitude is, as over all the Earth, sixty Scots Miles from South to North, and a de∣gree of Longitude in this Parallell, is onely 32 Miles, answering to a degree of Latitude, by ••eason the Circles of Longitude grow allwayes ••esser the nearer to the Pole.
It flowes at Aberdeen South and by West, and
North and by East, and consequently is Full-Sea at the Change and Full-Moon at 12 hours and 45 minuts.
The Sun at his greatest hight wants 33 de∣grees 40 minuts from being Verticall at Aberdeen. This much for the Longitude and Latitude and the Appendixes thereof.
ABERDEEN is pleasantly seated upon three Hills, which are all joyned together by easie descents, so as in the middle of the Streets they are scarcely discernable. It is of Circuit about 2141 double spaces, through which six Gates enter, being built as it presently stands, it is difficult to be fortified, in the ordinary and regular way of
fortifications, though it hath been diverse times attempted in this our Age since the late Troubles began.
In the beginning of the late Troubles, it was able to set forth Eight hundred men in good array and Military Furniture to the Fields, well trained for service when called thereto.
It being seated between the Rivers of Dee and Don, is said by George Buchannan, our Scots-His∣toriographer, to be piscatu Salmonum nobilis, that is, Excellent, or Famous for Salmond-Fishing.
As for the Accommodations and Ornaments of our City, we have an indifferent good en∣trie to our Harbour for Ships, especially since that great Ston called Craig Metellan was raised up out of the mouth of the River of Dee, and transported out of the Current thereof, so that now, Ships can incurr no damnage, which was done by the renowned Art and Industrie of that Ingenious and Vertuous Citizen, David Anderson: As also, by that considerable Bul∣wark, the Magistrats of late years caused e∣rect, at the Mouth of the South-side of the River; extending up the Shoar such a great length, so that very great Ships may en∣ter and be safely preserved when they are in, without hazard.
It will not be impropper here to insert this following Information, for the benefit of Sea∣men or Strangers, who may have occasion to
come by Sea to Aberdeen, which skillfull Ma∣riners have observed and been at pains to sett about at the Magistrats desire, which is as fol∣loweth.
A Ship coming from the South, bound for the Road and Harbour of Aberdeen, a mile to the Southward of the Road, ye will see a Bay with a Countrey Church standing in the middle thereof, called the Kirk of Nigg; to the North-ward lyeth the Girdle-ness (or Aberdeen-ness,) which when ye come by, come no nearer the same then a long Cable length, and so soon as ye come by it, ye will see two sharp spire Steeples, which Steeples ye must run to the North-ward untill ye open the West-most Steeple a sailes∣breadth to the North-ward of the East-most, there ye may Anchor on nine or ten fathom water, where ye may ride with Southerly, Northerly, or Wes∣terly Winds. As for the Harbour, in the entrie thereof is a Barr, whereon at low water there is scarce on it two foot water: on the South-side of the Barr there stands a Beackon, which in the incoming ye must leave on your Larboard-side a Ships breadth free thereof, where common∣ly the best of the Channell doth run. From the Beackon to the East-ward even to the Girdle∣ness is all Rocks. At Spring-tydes there will be thereon about 15 foot water; at Neep-tydes there will be no more then about nine or ten foot. But I shall not advise a Stranger to seek that
Harbour without a Pilot; because it is a Pilots fair way: and as soon as ye come to the Road, ye can allwayes have a Boat for putting out a Vaiffe at all occasions, for Piloting you into the Harbour. The nearest rake of the said Harbour is North-East and South-West, and when ye are within the said Harbour ye lye land locked for all winds, but at low water, your Ships lye dry on very good ground.
If ye be bound for the Harbour coming from the North-ward ye may borrow into the Land or upon the Shoar four or five fathom, and with Westerly-Winds into three fathom. The flowings of the said Harbour within, are South and be West; and in the road South-South-West.
ABERDEEN hath ever had since the time of Poperie a great and fair Fabrick, contain∣ing two great and spacious Churches for Publick Worship; the Greatest towards the West is called the Old-Church, the lesser towards the East is called the New-Church, with a stately Spire or Steeple, the Churches and Steeple are co∣vered beautifully with Lead, and within ple∣nished neatly with good Dasks and Galries of excellent Workmanship of Wainscot, and great and large Lights and Windowes.
In the Steeple are three great and harmonious Bells, in sound each descending below another, but by one Musicall Note as upon a Bimull-Clieff, and these three Bells strick 24 stroaks at every
half hour in a sweet and pleasant Concord, the great Clock having four fair Horologes with conspicuous Figures clearly guilded, one to every Airth, viz. South, North, East and West, for use to every part of the City and Suburbs. These Bells being rung for conveen∣ing to Publick Worship, on the Sabbath Dayes there is but one Bell rung first, at the second two Bells, and at the third three Bells, which make a grave and melodious Melodie.
Also there is another Fabrick in the midst of the City, of a large length called the Gray-Friars-Church, with a little Spire or Steeple, and a Bell, which is alwayes rung for conveen∣ing to all publick Lessons in the Colledge, and a publick Clock.
Also, another Fabrick called the Trinity-Church, with a little Steeple lately repaired by the Trades. There is a Chappell at the Castle∣hill called St. Ninians, it had wont to be em∣ployed for the Comissar Court, and the rest of it for the common Use of the Cities-Effairs, but now the Bishop hath taken back that Court to the Old-Town, as being his Priviledge.
There is a smaller Fabrick builded by the Citizens for the Inhabitants of the Village of Futtie, appointed for Catechiseing that People which since hath had a Minister to preach, though not as a distinct Parish. All the
Citizens and that People being under one Ses∣sion or Consistoriall for Discipline.
There is a great Towns-house in the Mercat∣place called the TOLL-BOOTH, which hath a fair and spacious Rowm for the Courts of Ju∣dicature to sit in, such as the Head-Courts of the Shyre and City, with the Sheriff and Bailie Courts: above which there is a MAGAZINE or Store-house) for Warlike Ammunition, &c. It hath also another large stately Rowm, where the Magistrats and Town-Councill conveen, un∣der which is the low Councill-house, where the Dean of Gild and his Assessors meet, for effairs peculiar to the Brethren of Gild: as also, the Commissioners of the Shyre, for Cess or such like common concernments: together with an o∣ther Rowm called the Clerks-Chamber, which hath accommodations for Clerks and Writters. Upon the East end thereof there is an high-Tower with two Battlements, upon which there ••s erected a high and stately Spire, or Steeple, ••overed with lead, under which is a great Clock and Bell, and under the samen are severall Rowms for Prisoners both high and low.
There is also a large and high House, called ••he Pack-house and Weigh-house, wherein are a ••reat many Rowms for Merchant-Wares of all ••orts near to the Shoar, the Shoar being (as •• said) of late years greatly enlarged, so that it •• a pleasant considerable walk from the City
to go to the furthest end thereof, which leads to the Fields, and towards the Harbour-mouth.
The Mercat-place is larger then in any Town of the Kingdom, being an hundreth twenty and four double space in length, and about a third part thereof in breadth where it is narrowest, so that two Regiments of foot Souldiers may be drawn up in rank and fyle, tho in open order.
There is one of the stateliest Bridges in the Kingdom, over the River of Dee, of seven Arches of a like and equall largeness, within two short myles of the City: And there is a∣nother be-North the City, of an high and great Arch over the River Don, both which are mantained by the City, upon propper Rents mortified for the same use.
In the middle of the City there is a Philo∣sophie-Colledge the houses whereof were pur∣chased by the City, in consideration, that George Earle Marischall, Grandfather to this present Earle, out of his zeal to the Publick Good, and his respect to the City of ABER∣DEEN, did mortifie publick Rents for the Principall and four Regents of the said Colledge, whence it is called the Marischall Colledge, and makes up an half of the Carolin-University for it hath a Principall and four Regents o•• Teaching-Masters, and now hath a publick Professor of School-Divinity, who teacheth a pub∣lick Lesson two dayes every Week during the
sitting of the Colledge: Also a Professor of Mathe∣maticks, who upon other two dayes every week teacheth two Lessons. There are also Les∣sons of Arithmetick and Geometrie taught by ••ther Masters thereunto appointed, by that Renowned Famous and Learned Physician DR. DUNCAN LIDDELL who mortified a con∣••••derable Rent to the Professor of Mathematicks, and six Mathematicall and Philosophicall Bursers or six years. There are many summs of mo∣••ey mortified to the said Colledge since the e∣••ection thereof, (whereto the Town-Councill of Aberdeen are mostly Patrons) so that it appears, ••here hath been more Charity extended within ••hir hundred and twenty years, since the Re∣••ormation of Religion from Popish Idolatry and Superstition, then hath been in all the Ages be∣••re, which our Towns Counts of Mortified Mo∣••ies, for Schools, Colledge, Hospitalls, Gild-Box Common Poor &c. can evidence.
This Colledge hath a copious Library, which was at first plenished by the City of Aberdeen, who ••ook all their books they had laid up in the ••pper rowm above their Session-house, and trans∣••itted them to their own Library in the Col∣••dge, for the uses of all concerned: and Dr. Reid Secretary in the Latine-Tongue to King Charles the first, left a Sallary to the keeper ••f the said Library. which Library hath been ••ugmented in its books by severall Mortifiers, •• by the said Dr. Reid, the forementioned
Dr. Liddell, who mortified about 2000 Merks worth of Books, and 20 Merks yearly to buy Mathematicall Books and Instruments, and Dr. William Johnstoun Phisician and Professor of the Mathematicks here: and by Dr. Patrick Dun a learned Physician, and Principall of this Colledge.
Also there is a Grammar-School, which hath a chief Master, and three teaching Masters under him, to whom the said Dr. Dun mor∣tified 1200 Merks of yearly Rent, by which the City is disburdened of what they payed year∣ly to the former Masters thereof.
We have a School for Musick, which was taught of old by very eminent Musicians in this City.
There wants no opportunities in this City for Youth both Male and Female to learn any man∣ner of good, and commendable skill or know∣ledge in such things as may best qualifie them.
There are four Hospitalls in this City, one for decayed Brethren of Gild. A second for indigent Widowes and Virgins of Brethren of Gild, lately purchased by a sum of money, mortified by Dame Marion Dowglas daughter to the some∣t••me Earle of Buchan, and late Lady-Drum, for the Honour the Magistrats and Citizens con∣ferred on her deceased Husband at his buriall in Aberdeen 1632. The rents whereof were aug∣mented by a considerable summ, mortified to this Hospitall by James Milne Elder, Merchant, who also mortified 100 Pounds yearly to two
Philosophicall Bursers in this Colledge, with 500 Merks to this Kirk-session.
A third Hospitall for Trades-men, founded and built by the deceast Dr. William Guild, sometime Preacher in Aberdeen, and lately Prin∣cipall of the KINGS-Colledge in the Old-Town. This Hospitall hath a spacious comely Rowm, where the Deacon or Conveener-Courts meet.
A fourth Hospitall for Litsters, the Rent whereof was mortified by Archbald Beans, Litster, by which they have builded a goodly House, with a stately entry. The use of this Rent is for the benefit of decayed Litsters, their Wives Children and Servants, severall of whose Daughters have been provyded with sutable portions out of the said Rent, and thereby honestly married.
There are eight Mills belonging to the City, and lands thereunto pertaining, whereof a new Wind-Mill is builded of stone and lyme at the South-entrie of the City, which may be of ex∣cellent use if carefully keeped. There are two Water-Mills within the suburbs of the City, and five near by in the adjacent territories belong∣ing to the City.
We have a choise Medicinall Spring, called the Well of Spa, at the Wool-man-hill, built with hewen-ston, very specifick for Gout, Gravell, Collick and Hydropsie, as the late Famous Dr. William Barclay, Physician, did learned∣ly
describe 1615, which is now re-printed when the Well was re-built 1670, the copies where∣of the Dean of Gild hath in his custody, to which every person concerned to know its Vertues, and how to use the same, is referred.
AS for the Antiquity of the City of ABERDEEN, it is certain that Ptolomie, the most Ancient Geographer, who lived about 1500 years since, in the dayes of Antonius Pius the Em∣peror, in his Geographicall-Tables, making a description of the Isles of Brittain, to wit, Albion and Ireland, with the little ad∣jacent Isles he calls this City Devana, and the River adjacent thereto Diva: whom Cam∣denus the English Historiographer, in his Bri∣tannia cites, for proving the Antiquity of Aber∣deen,
whose words are these. Devana Urbs per-antiqua a Ptolemeo, nunc vero Aberdonia, id est, Devae ostium Britannica dictione ab ipsis Scotis appellatur So that for Antiquity this CITY may be reckned amongst the most ancient of this ISLE.
This City was Erected into a Burgh-Royall by Gregorius, who for his Justice, Temperance and Fortitude, was surnamed the Great, and was the 73. King of Scotland; whose Hono∣rable Acts, both in Scotland, England and Ire∣land are at length set down in Hector Boyes His∣tory, and in Buchannans in the year after the birth of CHRIST 893 years. So that since Bon-accord was erected in a Burgh-Royall it is seven hundreth fourscore twelve years, this year being the year 1685.
After the decease of the said King Gregory, the Erection and Infeftments given by him to this City (by the iniquity of the times, and many incursions) were lost: for Edward the first King of England, called Langshanks, made it his work to burn and destroy all the old Evidents and Monuments within this King∣dom where ever he came, or his Power could reach.
Moreover in the time of King David Bruce, the City being surprysed with an Army of Englishes, sent by Edward the third of Eng∣land: most of the Inhabitants, Men, Wives
and Children were all put to the sword and killed; the City burnt for six dayes together, as Spotswood and Boyes Histories declare, all our Registers and Old Evidents were destroyed about the year 1330, because the Citizens a little before had killed the Souldiers that keeped Ga∣rison in the Castle; who had sorely opprest them, and taken it and rased it to the ground.
It being then re-built upon the Hills where it is now seated (having formerly, been citu∣ated from the Green, and Eastward under the Hills except the Castle-gate,) hence it is called the New-Town of Aberdeen, and not with re∣lation to that Burgh of Barronie, which is now the Bishops seat, since is was translated from Mortlick, in the time of King David, anno 1137, according to Spotswood pag. 101. when Nectanus was Bishop, the foundation of which Bishoprick was by King Malcome the second Anno 1010 at Mortlick.
In King James the fourth his time; Bishop William Elphinston builded the KINGS-Colledge in the Old Town; that Town being seated near the River of Don, about a 1000 space from Aberdeen, is commonly called the Old Town of Aberdeen, not, as if it were of greater Antiqui∣ty then the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen, for I was informed by a very intelligent Gentleman near that place that there were some old Evi∣dents designing it the Old Town of SEATOUN after the Lands thereto adjoyning.
But the Bishop of Aberdeen hath had his residence there, ever since his Seat was translated from Mortlick, where there was a Magnificent Struc∣ture of a Cathedrall builded thereafter, as also a stately Colledge; custome and i••norance calls it the Old-Town of Aberdeen, it having been Erected in a Burgh of Barrony in favours of the Bishop of the Diocess of Aberdeen. It is reported that some call Aberdeen only Urbs, a Town, and the Old-Town where the Bishop's Seat is, Civitas, a City. But I take that distinction betwixt a Town and a City; as it relates to a Bishop's-Seat to be the spurious product of a Popish-Institution; because many Towns were called Cities before there was a Bishop in the world. A Town propperly re∣••ates to the Buildings and Houses; a City de∣notes the Citizens and Free-men that are the Inhabitants: But for this let these that would ••ppropriat the name of a City to a Bishop-Seat, ••ead the Bishop of Cajetan de Institutione Reipub. ••••b. 1. Tit. 3. sub fine, and he will show what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 City is.
WE have matter to bless GOD for the equall and just constitution of Government, which is in our Ctiy and particular Com∣mon-Wealth, granted to us by our KINGS, and left unto us by our Worthy Ancestors, which is thus.
Our Town-Councill is chosen yearly out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the City, the Roll of our whole Brethren of Gild being first read at every Election of the Council, which holds upon the Wednesday before Michaelmess-day, there being a large Catalogue drawn up of all the Brethren of Gild amongst us, every Person (whom any of the Old-Councill desires to be lifted among these out of whom the New-Councill is to be chosen) is presently set down in that new list, and when the list is compleated, by the reading over the whole
Brethren of Gild of the Town, there is an in∣definit number set down upon a large sheet of Paper, with lines drawen after every one of their names, and this is given to the pre∣sent Provest, Bailies, and whole Old-Councill, that every one may make choise of thirteen Brethren of Gild to be named for the New-Councill for the year to come, and most Votes or Marks make up the number.
Next, they of the Old-Councill choose out of their own number four, who are called the Old-four, which being added to the former thirteen, make up the number of seventeen Brethren of Gild. And lastly, having got the Roll of all the present Deacons of Trades, there are two of these Deacons chosen which make up the compleit number of ninteen for the Councill the year ensuing.
The new chosen Counsellors being all sent for, and come in the afternoon, the whole Old and New-Council with the six Deacons of Trades, and the four Deacons of the Old and New Councill, which make up ten Deacons of Trades and thirty Brethren of Gild, making up in all, the number of 40 Votes, they al∣together choose first the Provest: then four Bailies, a Dean of Gild, a Thesaurer, a Master of the Kirk-work and Bridge work, a Master of the Mortified Moneys a Master of the Gild Hospital, a Master of the Shoar, called Master of the Im∣post,
and six single Counsellors who bear no Office, but sit and Vote in all Effairs that come before the Councill with the two new Dea∣cons of Trades. If in this Election there fall to be one having equall Votes, the Provest in this caice hath the casting Vote.
This way of Election was determined by the Convention of Burghs, and ratified and approved by King James the sixth, after the difference that ••ell out at the Common-Cause 1593.
When any matter of more then ordinary importance comes to be consulted off, if the present Councill find it meet, they call the former years Councill, and joyne both in con∣sultation and determination. And if it be a business of setting on of a Tax, or levying of Money, whither for Nationall or Particu∣lar Us••, or such like; the consent of the whole City is called for in a Publick Head-Court con∣veened by Authority of the Magistrats, where the reasons of the said Tax or Imposition are holden forth by the Provest &c. unto them.
So by this it is evident to the Judicious, that we have the best Ingredients and Advan∣tages of all the severall sorts of Government: And to compleat our Power, our Provest and Bailies are made Sheriffs within their own City and Freedom-Lands, by K. CHARLES the first 1633 by which our Citizens are fred from the Power of any Sheriff that at times
have sought to oppress them, yea to pannell them for life without a just cause, as in Al∣lexander Rutherford Provest his time, when the Sheriff-Deput pannelled a Burger, called Patrick Corser for resetting stollen Brass which he had bought on a Ma••ket-day innocently and would not admit of surety for any summ of money whatsoever offered by the Provest (the Sheriff having a pick against the man pannel∣led,) which the Provest perceiving that no rea∣son could prevaill, commanded Patrick Cor∣ser down staires upon any hazard that might follow, and so fred him.
As also, the Magistrats a moneth or there∣by before the yearly Election, cause the Drummer go through the Town, inviting all the Inhabitants Free-men, to come and hear the accounts of all the Office-bearers counted, fitted and subscrived by the Magistrats, and the rest of the Auditors of the counts chosen in the day of the Election for that end, so that any that pleases may see how uprightly all the Towns-Revenues and Moneys received, are bestowed.
THis City having been erec∣ted into a Burgh-Royall by King GREGORIE the Great and Privi∣ledged with many Dona∣tions by Him as some Notes and Scrolls bear Record, gathered by the Recorders and Town-Clerks afterwards. The Prin∣cipall Evidents being destroyed in the common Callamities of these sad times formerly hin∣ted at.
This City was had in speciall favour with many of the succeeding KINGS, as by King William, surnamed for his Valour and For∣titude, the Lyon. He built a Palace in Aber∣deen where sometime he remained with his Court, which afterward he dedicated to a new order of Friars (called the Trinity-Friars) for setting up an Abbacie for them, two of that order, which Pope Innocent the third had new∣ly Erected, being recommended by the Pope and sent from Rome. To this Abbacie he gave Gifts, and some Rents intending if he lived to give them greater, this Order was erected 1211. Which Abbacie was burnt when the City was destroyed, where now the Trades-Hospitall stands, being re-edified but of late years by Dr. William Guild.
Likewise it is Recorded that the three Kings Alexanders had here in this City a plea∣sant Pallace, which afterwards was translated to the Friars-Predicators or Dominicans.
Alexander the second did greatly adorn this City, and give it Liberties and Priviledges the like with Pearth 1214: which was the first year of his Reign, immediatly after the death of his Father King William.
Boyes holds forth in his History, pag. 283. ver. 65. That this KING came to Aberdeen with his Sister Isobell, (after he returned from Eng∣land,) and honored it with many Priviledges, as
King Gregory, King Malcome the second, and David brother to King William had done before.
It is said, he called this CITY His own City, the Infef••ments of the said King Alexander the second under his Seal in green Wax is yet extant, as a Record of the Priviledges given by Him to this City, having (by Providence) escaped from the common Calamity.
King Robert Bruce in these most trouble∣some times, wherein he began to Reign or recover his Kingdom out of the hands of Ed∣ward the first King of England, being beaten severall times, and finding all his attempts un∣successfull retired to ABERDEEN, as a place of safety where he found that his Ene∣mies and his former bad success might be o∣vercome: for when he had no hope of his Ef∣fai••s but despaired of all Victory, intending to go out of the Kingdom, till better times might fall out, and get Forraign Forces for his assistance. Incontinently the Citizens of Aberdeen came and exhorted Him to better hopes, and more confidence, and gave Him assistance both in men and money, and fol∣lowed him to the Town of Inverurie where they fought with the Enemie, and obtained his first Victory, whereof they were the speciall Instruments and Helps, the King being so sickly that he was carried in his Bed, as Boyes
••elates, fol. 312. whence there began to be a method setled to recover the Kingdom.
By which service he was moved to bestow upon the City of ABERDEEN, the whole Lands of the Kings-Forrest, called the Stock∣••d-Wood, with the whole parts and pendicles of ••he same, with the Mills, Waters, Fishings, ••mall Customs, Tolls, Courts, Weights, Mea∣••ures, Free Port and Haven; and all other Pri∣viledges and Liberties whatsomever, pertaining or that might pertain justly to a Royall-Burgh within this Realm.
Under the Reign of King David Bruce, John Randell Earle of Murray, being for the ••ime Governour of the Kingdom, amongst ••his chiefest Designes for recovering the King∣dom, he saw it was most expedient to pursue David Cumming Earle of Atholl, whom King Edward of England had appointed Governour for him, and having collected his Forces, came ••traight to Aberdeen, where (notwithstanding ••he Tyrrany of the Enemies they were under,) ••he was informed where David Cumming was, knowing their Loyaltie to King David Bruce ••heir Naturall KING, and so straight way pursued him.
Some years after, the Englishes having con∣••inued their Rapine and Cruelty in Aberdeen, ••y keeping a strong Garison in the Castle, the Citizens taking Counsell how they might free
themselves of that Yoke and Servitude, at last resolved to fall upon the Garison whom they cut off, and thereafter levelled the Castle with the ground. Whence it was, that in honour of that resolute Act, they got their Ensignes-Armoriall, which to this day they bear: witness that late Book of Heraldry, set forth by Sir George Mckenzie of Rose-haugh Knight, His Ma∣jesties Advocat, who hath blazoned the Arms of Aberdeen particularly, thus.
The Arms or Ensigns Armoriall of the Burgh Royall of Aberdeen, beareth Gules, three Towres triple, towered in a double-Tressure counter flow∣red Argent, supported by two Leopards propper, the Motto in an Escroll above, BON-ACCORD, whence there are these Verses.
Arx triplex, arcem testatur ab hoste receptam, Hostis utrinque doces, tu Leoparde genus. Lillia cum Clypeo, voti Rex pignora jussit Esse, color fusi signa cruoris habet. Haec hostes sensere, Bona at Concordia (virtue Qua res usquè viget publica) culta domi.In English thus.The threefold Towres, the Castle showes regain'd From Enemies, who it by force mantain'd. The Leopards, which on each hand ye view, The cruell temper of these foes do shew.
The Shield and Lillies, by the Kings-Command As pledges of his great good-will do stand. The Collour, calls the Blood there shed to mind, Which these proud Foes unto their cost did find. And BON-ACCORD, by which doth safely come To Common-Wealths) establisht was at home.I. B.
And upon the reverse of the Seal of the said Burgh is insculped in a field Azure, a Temple Argent, St. Nicholas standing in the Porch Mytered and Vested propper, with his Dexter-hand lifted up to Heaven praying over three Children in a Boylling Caldron of the first, and holding in the Sinister a Crosier Ore: these were the Old-Arms of the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen as His Majesties Advocat, in his book above-men∣tioned relates
After the Castle was thus taken and ruined, the English being deeply affected therewith, as also with the loss of their men, did gather their Forces together to avenge this Injury against Aberdeen: The Citizens then following Joannes Fraser, who Commanded these Forces that adhered to the Interest of King David Bruce, did most stoutly fight the English in their own Church-Yard, and although with much Blood, and the loss of many of their men, yet at last obtained the Victory.
Hence four years after, Edward the third hav∣ing
sent a great Navie to recover his loss in thir Northern-parts, his Forces fell upon Aber∣deen after they had spoiled the Religious-Houses and the City, they coming by surprize and greatly incensed for the loss of their men, (which they had sustained both in the Gari∣son and in the forementioned Fight,) did cut off Men, Women and Children, none being spared except such as had by flight saved them∣selves: they burnt the City six dayes together, as hath been touched above, and being there∣after re-built, is ever after called the NEW-TOWN of ABERDEEN.
King David Bruce had ever after a great favour and respect for Aberdeen, and some∣times dwelt in it, and set up a Mint-House here, as some peeces of Money not long since extant with the inscription of Aberdeen did tes∣tifie, and the King did ratifie and approve of all the Donations of Lands, Waters, Fishings and all other Priviledges, which King Robert his Father, or any of his Predecessors had for∣merly given or granted to the said Burgh, be∣cause of their good Service, both to his Fa∣ther and himself against the common Enemie.
Also, all the King James's, 1st. 2d. 3d. 4th 5th. and 6th. did all ratifie and approve all these Priviledges and Donations of what e∣ver any of their Predecessors had done before; and some of them witnessed their favourable
Respects to the Magistrats thereof upon seve∣rall occasions.
As for instance, King JAMES the fourth, u∣pon a complaint made against SIR JOHN RU∣THERFORD of Tarlane after one of the Elections, when he had been chosen Provest (having for many years enjoyed that Office,) The King wrot to the Town Councill, desiring an exact account of the ground of the Complaint made against His Loved Familiar SIR JOHN RUTHER∣FORD, as the Kings Letter, dated November 5. 1487. recorded in the Towns Books doth bear.
Again, King JAMES the fifth was often in Aberdeen, and did singularly shew Favour and Respects to the Familie of the MENZIESES, who for many years did wisely and happily Govern our City.
Also, King JAMES the sixth, did not onely confirme in Parliament, all the Ancient Priviledges and Liberties given to this City by his Royall Predecessors, but likewise, when ••s by the Laws of this Nation the King might have exacted his Burrow-Mailes in Sterling-Money, which would have been nothing else but the utter undoing and extirpation of this Re-publick: He out of his Princely Clemency, and Favour which he did ever bear to this his Ancient-City, did of new again Re-erect and found the samen; and did quite abolish and ab∣••ogat the payment of Sterling-Money, by dis∣solving
the same from the Crown in Parliament, so far as concerns this City allennarlly: the like benefit being denyed to any other Burgh in the Kingdom: as also, disponning and giving of new the Burgh, Common-Lands, Fishings and all other Liberties thereof whatsomever, for pay∣ment of current money allennarly.
And at the same time, honored our then present Provest, THOMAS MENZIES of Durne or Cults, with the Title of Knight-hood in his own Privy-Chamber, in the presence of the best sort of the Nobility of both the King∣doms, whom he acknowledged (before them then present,) worthy of that honour, be rea∣son of his Birth, besides the good service late∣ly done by Him and the City of Aberdeen to the King, by the gentle entertainment of his Honorable Servants, who came at that time to visit Aberdeen by the Kings appointment 1617.
This SIR THOMAS MENZIES of Cults having procured that Famous Pearl which was found in the Brook or Burne of Kellie, as it runs into the River of Ythan, which Pearle, for beauty and bigness, was the best that hath been at any time found in Scotland: our said Provest having found by the Judgement of the best Jewelers in Edinburgh, that it was most Precious and of a very high Value, went up to London and gifted it to the King, this was in the year 1620.
Who in retribution gave him twelve or fourtteen Chalders of Victuall about Dumferm∣ling, and the Custom of Merchant-Goods in Aberdeen during his life.
But it pleased GOD he dyed at Wooller on the Border in England, in his return home. Nevertheless, this did signifie the speciall Fa∣vour the King did bear to our then Provest, though he did not live to enjoy the effects of the Kings Royall and Princely Respects. This Pearle was reported to be one of the Jewells of the Crown of England.
Likewise, when the King called the Com∣missioners of both Kingdoms to treat anent the Union betwixt Scotland and England, ALEX∣ANDER RUTHERFORD Provest of Aber∣deen, being one of the four chosen for the State of the Burrowes, the King did put it upon Him to speak in behalf of the Burrowes, who did acquite himself so satisfyingly to the King, that pulling a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger, he gave it him as a token of his Royall-Respects. I have heard some relate, that when he had delivered his discourse in our Scots-dialect, which was not so intelligible at that time to the English Commissioners, he spoke to the same purpose in Latine, that the Bishops might understand: then gave a like account to the Nobility amongst the English Commissioners in the French-Language, which did affect the
King with very much complacency, who car∣ried a singular Respect to the Subjects of this his Native-Country and Ancient Kingdom, and made every thing acceptable that had- a ten∣dency to the repute thereof.
The Battell of Harlaw did witness the Zeal of Aberdeen against the Enemies of the King, and for the Peace of the Kingdom 1411. where the Provest and many of the best Citizens did assist to gain the Victory of that day with the loss of their lives.
Also that fatall Battell of Pinkie, where there were lost and killed many brave Towns-Men of Aberdeen, that went thither (though at so far a distance) for the Honour of their Sove∣raign and of the Nation.
King CHARLES the first in the year 1633 at his Coronation in this Kingdom, confirmed and ratified all our above written Priviledges and Liberties of new, given and granted by his Royall Father and Progenitors with this addi∣tion, making and constituting the Provest and Bailies, Sheriffs within their Burgh and Free∣dom-Lands, and the Priviledge of having an unground Malt-Market, and honored PAUL MENZIES of Kinmundie then present Provest with the Honour of Knight-hood.
In the year 1649, when the Parliament of Scotland, out of their dutifull Respects, and Loyaltie to their undoubted Soveraign, King
CHARLES the second, had proclaimed Him King of Great Britain, France and Ire∣land, and immediatly did choose Commissio∣ners of all the three Estates of this Kingdom, to invite their King to this his Ancient King∣dom, to receive the Crown which had now of right descended to him from 108 Kings.
The Parliament made choise of ALEXAN∣DER JAFFRAY of Kingswells Commissioner for Aberdeen, to be one of the two Burrowes to go over to Holland to the King, who was a Wise, Pious and Discreet Man all his time. And he (to be faithfull to the City he had his Commission from) intreated the Parliament to consider the most important Article in his Com∣mission, that so he might undertake that weigh∣ty Employment with the greater Alacrity, which was to visit the counts of the extraor∣dinary losses of Aberdeen relating to the Pub∣lick. The Parliament had that respect to him, and was so desirous to grant his so just de∣mand, that forthwith they did Deput some fit Members, who after hearing and considering, made their report, and thereupon the Par∣liament by an Act did acknowledge themselves, (as the Representative of the Nation) to be justly resting to the City of Aberdeen the summ of nine hundreth threescore and nine thousand Merks, and did grant the Cess of the City to be allowed to them for as many Moneths as
drew to eighteen thousand Merks; because this great summ that was due to them had ex∣hausted the summs of Money that was Mortified to Hospitals Schools, the Colledge, and the Com∣mon-Poor of that City; and had ruined almost the Common Thesaurie thereof; but this was all they could spare at that time, till an oppor∣tunity might fall out to make them more full payment, which hitherto hath ever failed, and hath been the cause of the severall heavy bur∣densom Taxations that have of late years been laid on, and of procuring that relief which hath been obtained thir five or six years by∣gone by the Magistrats, who withall have made themselves lyable to the grudge of such as are so selfiish, that before their particular suffer but a little, they could let the Publick come to utter ruine and perish without remedy and unavoidably: but of two evils the least is to be chosen.
But to return, Our abovenamed Commissioner obtained also an Act of Parliament, that no Souldiers should be quartered in Aberdeen for three years thereafter, such was the great re∣spect the Parliament had to him, whereupon he went to the King with the rest of the Com∣missioners of the three Estates.
And after his return, being Commissioner to the Convention of Burrowes at Queensferrie, ob∣tained half a merk down of Aberdeens propor∣tion
of the 100 Pound of Stent-Roll, which was a great advantage to the City.
He being chosen that year Provest of Aber∣deen, went with the rest of the Commissioners the next year 1650 to the Hague in Holland, where it pleased GOD so to prosper their en∣deavours, as to bring the King home with them. Aberdeen being the first City of the King∣dom he came to, there he was received with all the Demonstrations of joy and cheerfullness that the Magistrats and Inhabitants could evi∣dence: as also, the Silver-Keyes of the City were delivered to him by the Provest (who tame sometime before to prepare for the Kings, reception) with an Eloquent and Pertinent Har∣rangue therewith made by Mr. James Sandilands, of Cotton, the Cities Recorder, or Clerk.
In the end of February and beginning of March 1651, the King came to Aberdeen, where he stayed a week at which time, Mr. Robert Farquhar of Munie was Provest, (Alex∣ander Jaffray who had been Provest the for∣mer year, having been taken Prisoner at Dum∣bar-fight which was on the third of Septem∣ber 1650.) the King was pleased to honour our then present Provest with the Honor of Knighthood, together with Patrick Leslie of Eden who had been Provest some years before with the like Honor.
As also, in the Year 1681, GEORGE SKEN••
of Fintray was Honoured with the Title of Knighthood at EDINBURGH, by JAMES Duke of Albany and York, then Commissioner to the Parliament of SCOTLAMD, for the late KING, CHARLES the Second, His ROYALL-BROTHER.
AS for the State of ABERDEEN, if it be taken for the Yearly Revenue of their Thesaurie, it is not so considerable as some lesser Towns in the Kingdom.
It is mostly exhausted in pay∣ing Stipendiaries and other incidencies, especi∣ally since the time of Queen Mary, at which time our Freedom-Lands and Salmon-Fishings were all fewed out to particular men; which though it brought in considerable summs at first, yet now the Fewes both of Lands and
Waters are but very inconsiderable: all of them extending but to seven hundreth sixteen Pounds ten shillings Scots money.
Yet that it may appear how considerable this City is in reference to the Kings Exchequer, if we consider the Customs and Excyse of Mer∣chant-Goods, one with another; as also, the Excyse of Ale, Beer and Aquavitae or Strong-Waters; with the Yearly Supplie given to the King, by Act of Parliament, this City one Year with another, will be of in-come to the Ex∣chequer about thirty thousand Pounds of Scots money.
If this were duely considered, it might easi∣ly be perceived, that the Prosperity and Flow∣rishing of this City is of speciall concernment to the King, and the Publick Interests of the Nation; and incaice of its decay, the preju∣dice of both will be no less considerable.
We acknowledge, we have severall of the Chiefest Staple Commodities in the Kingdom, as Plaiding, Fingrams, Stockings, Salmond, Stuffs, Serges, Sheep-skins and Lamb-skins.
When Plading was giving good price in Holland, the old Conservator SIR PATRICK DRUMMOND frequenty reported that the Kingdom of SCOTLAND was more obliedged to the City of ABERDEEN for the abundance of money the Merchants thereof brought to the Nation, then to all the Towns of this Kingdom besides: but the Trade of this so
profitable a Commodity is greatly decayed and become very low.
The Rivers of Dee and Don, besides what is brought from Ythan and Ugie, (which two last Rivers belong to the Earle MARISCHALL and some other Heritors of the Shyre) these two first Rivers afford our Merchants above an hundreth and twenty Lasts of Salmond or thereby one year with another, which are car∣ried to France, Holland and sometimes to Spain and other forreign places.
I knew a Merchant in my time who sent to Dantzick thirty thousand Lamb-skins in one year; but our Trade is much decayed by what it hath been fourty or fifty Years ago, before our late Intestin Troubles began.
This City hath not been a barren Mother or Nurse in our Israell, in bringing forth and breeding up many eminent men and brave Spi∣rits, whereof there might be set down a large Ca∣talogue, not onely in bypast years, but even of Men eminent for abilities in their severall Professions in this same Age, whom I have known by face in my own time, and that both in Grammar, Musick, Philosophy, Medicin, Mathematicks, Poesie, the Civill and Cannon-Law, School-Divinity, the Art Military, who have in their Times been not only Ornaments to this City, but even to the whole Kingdom. But lest this might favour of ostentation, and upon severall other considerations I forbear, and shall leave it to any other to performe this task, if it be found needfull; and there∣for shall summ up the description of this City, with the Elogies written upon some of the An∣cient Citizens and Families thereof in these Epi∣grams made by DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN as followes.
I could add many more Verses in Latine and English upon ABERDEEN; but being loath to nauseat the Reader I forbear; I have some Verses made in Latine by Mr. JOHN JOHN∣STOUN, and also some Latine-Verses upon the Learned-Men that lived in this same Age; but shall forbear to multiply these Poeticall-Elogies: let these suffice to stir up the Citizens and their Posterity so to behave themselves in all their de∣portments, as they may most imitat their Wor∣thy-Ancestors in every Vertue purely imitable, and not be accessory to occasion the old Re∣nown and Esteem that ABERDEEN had gained, to fail in their Persons.
HAving taken pains to write this Survey of ABERDEEN My Respects to the other Burghs are such, that I have prevailed so far with my good Friend
MR. JOHN BARCLAY Person of- Cruden, as to Translate the Epigrams of DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN out of Latine into English to show my Good-will and Desire, and to evi∣dence my real Respects to them when I can but catch an occasion: The ability of the TRANS∣LATOR and HIS Justice may be seen in the Latine and English Translation of His Epigrams on Aberdeen, which may serve as an Embleme to the rest that follow, and as the Burghs of the Kingdom see it needfull, they may set able Persons on work, to satisfie the desire of the Printed Advertisement and Queries thereof, set forth by SIR ROBERT SIBBALD, (Physician in ordinary and Geographer to the late KING CHARLES the Second, within the Kingdom of SCOTLAND,) for answering the then KINGS Mynd in reference to the compleating the Des∣cription of this Kingdom.
Tho these Epigrams being Printed in Latine might satisfie Strangers; yet I suppose they will be no less acceptable to our own Countrey-men to have them in English, hoping the discreet Reader will not impute the Superstitious or Hy∣perbolicall-Expressions which appear in these Epi∣grams to Me or the Translator, seeing the Au∣thor of them in Latine (who was one of the most excellent Poets of his time) did expect the Common-Liberty allowed to Such.
Upon the Arms of the City of GLASGOW, viz. an SALMON, an OAK-Tree, with a BIRD sitting on it, a BELL, a GOLD-RING found in the SALMON's-mouth.
The SALMON which a Fish is of the Sea, The OAK which springs from Earth that loftie Tree. The BIRD on it which in the Air doth flee, O GLASGOW does presage all things to thee! To which the Sea or Air, or fertile Earth Do either give their Nowrishment or Birth. The BELL, that doth to Publick Worship call, Sayes HEAVEN will give most lasting things of all. The RING, the token of the Marriage is Of things in Heav'n and Earth both thee to bless.These are all the Towns upon which DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN wrote His EPI∣GRAMS, though there be many Towns that are ROYALL-BURGHS in SCOTLAND to the number of three-score and two: Severall of which are comprehended under that Desig∣nation of the Coast-side Towns of Fyffe, as Dy∣sart, Kircaldie, Anstruther Easter, Burnt-Island, Ennerkything, Kinghorn, Pettenweem, Dum∣fermling, Anstruther Wester, Cryle, Culrose, and many more such like Towns, on which He wrote no Epigrams.
or Gradles
the COLLEDGE.