Laid out below is a copy of the New Statistical Account of Scotland entry for Clackmannan parish, published in 1845.
The New Statistical Account of Scotland – Volume 8, (1845)
PARISH OF CLACKMANNAN
(COUNTY of CLACKMANNAN, Presbytery of Stirling, Synod of Perth and Stirling.)
By the Rev. Peter Balfour, Minister.
I. - Topography and Natural History.
Name. - It has been plausibly stated by the author* of the former Statistical Account of this parish, "that Clackmannan signifies the kirk town, or village of Annan, from a well known Gaelic word, Annand the original name of the family of Annandale; that in the beginning of the twelfth century, one of the first of the Bruces who settled in Scotland, married Agnes Annand, heir to the lordship of Annandale ; and that, soon after that period, the Bruces were in possession of Clackmannan."
* The late Rev. Dr. Robert Moodie.
Boundaries etc.- This parish is bounded on the south by the river Forth, and on the north by the river Devon. Were a person to leave the margin of the Forth at the south-east extremity of the parish, and to move along its boundary, until he reached the Forth at its south-west extremity, he would pass in succession the following parishes : - Tulliallan, Saline, Fossaway, Dollar, Tillicoultry, Alva, and Alloa. Although the form of the parish of Clackmannan be very irregular, it seems to present upon the whole a slight resemblance to that of a truncated cone. Along the edge of the Forth, it does not extend above two miles and a half; but on advancing inland, or towards the north, it so expands that a straight line drawn from the north-west to the north-east extremity of the parish, would be at least six miles in length.
Topographical Appearances etc, - In proceeding from the Forth to the Devon, the country presents to the eye of the tourist a varied and undulating surface, and to the observation of the agriculturist, a very considerable diversity of soil. In going northward from the Forth, the country is almost level for the space of about one mile and a-half. This part of the parish forms a portion of the "carse of Clackmannan." On leaving the carse, and entering on the "dryfield" district, there occurs the commencement of a range of pretty high ground. After crossing this somewhat elevated track, we reach the valley along which the "Black Devon'' runs. Immediately to the north of this stream, the elevation of the land begins again to increase, and it continues to rise, sometimes with a gentle and sometimes with a steep acclivity, for the space of more than a mile. On reaching the summit of this comparatively high ground, the beautiful and extensive district, through which "the clear-winding Devon" flows, spreads itself out to the view. And we are then conducted, by a somewhat steep descent, to the margin of that river, by which on the north the parish of Clackmannan is bounded.
Where this parish is situated, the rivers Forth and Devon are almost parallel to one another ; but they flow in opposite directions, and the distance between them is more than four miles. Although most of the intermediate country be under cultivation, there occur some fine woodland scenery, and likewise two very pretty lakes. To the youth of the surrounding country and neighbouring villages, one of the lakes is, on the evenings of summer, an object of peculiar attraction, not on account of its romantic appearance and secluded situation, but because it abounds with perch, and contains very eligible places for bathing.
The only rivers connected with this parish are the Devon, the Black Devon, and the Forth. The source of the Devon is on the northern declivity of the Ochil hills ; and, after running ten or eleven miles in an easterly direction, it is forced by the relative position of the hills and valleys to make a turn towards the west, at a place called "the Crook of Devon." After pursuing a westerly course, through a beautiful and romantic country for twelve or thirteen miles, it pours its waters into the Forth, at a point nearly straight south from the locality of its source.
The Black Devon has its origin in the high and hilly country, of which the western division of the parish of Saline is composed, and, after pursuing a somewhat devious, but upon the whole westerly course, it makes a sort of semi-circular sweep round the western base of the hill on which the tower and town of Clackmannan are situated. It subsequently runs in a south-easterly direction, and unites with the Forth about two miles from Clackmannan.
Opposite to the parish, the river Forth is not now, even at spring tides, much more than a mile in breadth. A great contraction and deepening of the river have been occasioned by the very extensive embankments, which have been, from time to time, erected along its margin. Along the north side of the river, for example, embankments extend from a point, a few miles below Stirling, to a considerable distance below Kincardine. These embankments must be at least fifteen or sixteen miles in length. As to the average breadth of the rich alluvial soil which has been thereby reclaimed along the whole line of country, to which allusion has been made, the writer cannot hazard an opinion. But in the carse of Clackmannan, it is fully a mile in breadth.
The depth of the Forth, opposite to the parish, being now very considerable, and there being a harbour at Kennetpans, and pretty extensive piers at the mouth of the Black Devon, the utmost facilities are enjoyed by the inhabitants of the southern division of the parish, as to the shipping of agricultural produce, coal, etc. A peculiarity connected with the tides in the river Forth is thus described in the former Statistical Account of the parish of Clackmannan : "The tides in the river Forth, for several miles, both above and below Clackmannan, exhibit a phenomenon not to be found, (it is said) in any other part of the globe. This is what the sailors call a "leaky tide," which happens always in good weather during the neap-tides; and sometimes also during the spring-tides, if the weather be uncommonly fine. When the water has flowed for three hours, it then runs back for about an hour and a-half, nearly as far as when it began to flow. It returns immediately, and flows during another hour and a-half to the same height it was at before : and this change takes place both in the flood and ebb tides. So that there are actually double the number of tides in this river that are to be found anywhere else. In very boisterous weather, however, these leaky tides are by no means regular - the water only swells and gorges, without any perceptible current, as if the two tides were acting against each other."
Coal* - The coal-field in the parish of Clackmannan contains eleven workable seams of coal, all of which have been wrought to a greater or less extent by the different collieries. They are of various thickness, viz.
1. 2 feet cubical coal.
2. 3 do. splint and cubical.
3. 3 do. cherry coal.
4. 5 1/2 do. splint called upper five-feet coal.
5. 4 do. cherry and splint, with a stone in the middle.
6. 7 do. 4 feet splint, and 3 feet cherry, called nine-feet coal, with bands of iron-stone on top.
7. 2 feet splint and cherry, with 9 inches of black baud ironstone on the top.
8. 3 feet cherry.
9. 4 do. cherry coal, also called under five feet.
10. 3 1/2 do. splint coal.
11. 4 do. splint and cherry, called Coalsnaughton Main coal.
* This part of the article was furnished to the Editor by Mr James Wilson, manager of the Clackmannan Coal Works.
The above seams are contained in a space of 110 fathoms, the under seam of four feet being 110 fathoms below the two feet. The coals are separated from each other by strata of various thickness, composed chiefly of sandstone, slaty sandstone, bituminous and argillaceous shale, fire or indurated clay, and beds of silicious and argillaceous ironstone.
The principal collieries in the parish are the Clackmannan colliery, the Devon colliery, Kennet and Gurtary colliery. The Alloa Coal Company, although their works are not situated in the parish, have extended their underground operations considerably into it.
The seams of coal that are chiefly worked, are the upper five-feet, the nine-feet, the under-five-feet or cherry, and the three-feet and a-half or splint coal. These are all of the best quality, and most extensive ; the others are inferior, except the upper two-feet seam, which is excellent, but has only been found on the northern part of the parish, and worked to a small extent by the Devon Iron Company. The lower seam is not a bad furnace-coal, but will not answer for house use, and has been very little worked here. The upper five and nine-feet coals are only worked at present by the Devon Iron Company, and the produce is mostly used for melting iron. The under five-feet is worked by the Alloa Coal Company, and the cherry and splint by the Clackmannan Coal Company. The splint is also worked at Kennet colliery.
Coal has been worked here for upwards of 200 years, and to a great extent. The wastes in many of the seams extend over several hundred acres ; yet the greater part of the coal remains to be worked, and would last, at the present rate of working, for more than 200 years.
The quantity of coals put out daily by the above works averages about 500 tons, 200 tons of which are consumed in the parish, mostly at Devon Iron-works for melting iron ; the rest is shipped to various parts of Scotland. A considerable quantity is also shipped to the continent yearly. The value of each ton is about 5s., making the value of the daily produce L.125. Upwards of 500 individuals are employed in working, transporting, and shipping the above quantity of coals.
The nine-feet seam of coal contains three bands of ironstone immediately above; which has been worked by the Devon and Carron Iron Companies.
The two-feet or McNeish coal is worked extensively by the Devon Iron Company at present, chiefly for the seam of black band ironstone lying on its roof, which has only been lately discovered here, and is of very limited extent, existing only in the neighbourhood and under the town of Clackmannan. Besides these, there are several seams of argillaceous ironstone which are worked by the Devon Iron Company.
II. - Civil History.
Land-Owners, - The chief land-owners are, the Earl of Mansfield, to whom the estate of Sauchie, which forms the north-west division of the parish, belongs ; the Earl of Zetland, who is proprietor of the estate, etc. of Clackmannan ; the Earl of Mar, whose property in the parish is extensive and valuable ; the Right Honourable Lord Abercromby, proprietor of the estate of Brucefield, and eldest son of the late Sir Ralph Abercromby, which distinguished officer and most exemplary excellent man was connected with the parish ; Robert Bruce esq. of Kennet, the worthy and influential representative of a long line of useful, honourable men; and James Erskine, esq. of Aberdona, grandson of the late Lord Alva.
Parochial Registers. - The records of the kirk-session commence in the year 1593, and, being pretty entire from that period, are of course somewhat voluminous.
"Clackmannan was for many generations the seat of the chief of the Bruces in Scotland. It is not certain, however, at what precise period John de Bruce, third son of Robert, one of the Earls of Annandale, became proprietor of it. King David II. gave it to his kinsman, Robert Bruce, the first laird of Clackmannan. ( Dilecto consanguineo, saith the charter, dated at Perth the 9th of December, A. regni 39,) which must have been a very short time only before his death. It is probable, indeed, that King David resided at Clackmannan, at least during the first part of his reign, since we find that, in the year 1330, his chamberlain, Reginald More, settled his public accounts there."*
* Statistical account by the late Rev. Dr. Moodie.
Antiquities. - "The old tower, which still remains, is said to have been built by King Robert Bruce. From the style of the building indeed (for there is no date upon it,) it appears to have been erected about this time ; and from several names of places, we may conclude that it actually was the residence of some of the kings - as the following names seem to indicate "King's Seat Hill, King's Meadow Park" and others of a similar nature, in the vicinity of the tower.* The greatest height of this tower is 79 feet It contains a variety of apartments, and has been surrounded by a moat, with a draw-bridge. Adjoining the tower stood the old mansion, the residence of the family, till the direct line became extinct." To the top of the tower, the tourist may ascend by a spiral stair. In going round its summit, the views vary at every step, and, whether contemplated separately or in conjunction, are truly grand. There is another old tower situated on the banks of the Devon, belonging to the Earl of Mansfield. This tower and the estate of Sauchie, with which it is connected, were long in the possession of the family of Lord Cathcart. The Sauchie tower is still more entire than that of Clackmannan. There was also one of the same kind at a place called Hart Shaw, which belonged originally to the Stewarts of Rosyth. It was probably the hunting-seat of that family, as the name appears to denote.
* See accounts of the Chamberlain of Scotland in the year 1329, 1330 and 1331, from the originals in the Exchequer, published by Mr John Davidson in 1771.
Modern Buildings. - The present parish church was erected about twenty-four years since. It is a handsome structure, with a tower of considerable height, and, occupying as it does, an elevated and commanding position, is seen from a great distance ; it contains 1250 sittings. An extension church is being erected in the north-west division of the parish ; it will contain 620 sittings. The site of it is an exceedingly eligible one, being perfectly centrical in reference to the district for whose population it is intended, and also adjacent to fine woodland scenery, whose general aspect will be rendered more interesting by the handsome tower of the new church. At the cross in the town of Clackmannan, there remains a gable and tower, which were formerly connected with the County Hall, prison, etc. The present County Hall, which is of modern erection, is situated immediately to the north of the town.
There are several mansion-houses in the parish. On the estate of Sauchie, in the north-west division of the parish, the venerable mansion of Schaw Park, one of the seats of the Earl of Mansfield, is situated. It is an old and very large building, and some of the apartments are spacious and elegant ; but the external appearance of the mansion-house, and of the buildings connected with it, as well as the general aspect of the grounds, impress deeply on the mind of the spectator the idea of decayed grandeur.
The mansion-house of Kennet is delightfully situated on the rising ground which overlooks the basin of the Forth, and is about a mile distant from the river. Its external appearance, although handsome, is not fitted to convey an adequate impression of the internal elegance by which it is characterized. The existing proprietor and his excellent lady being in general resident, Kennet House is the scene of much hospitality to the rich, and of the most liberal charity to the poor.
The reverend and venerable Thomas Boston of Ettrick, whose memory and writings are embalmed in the hearts of so many of the Scottish people, did, in his youth, officiate for a time at Kennet, in the capacity of tutor. Under the shadow of a particular pear tree in the retired orchard, he was in the habit of engaging in those exercises, and of enjoying that communion by which he might be fitted and prepared for working that work which his Heavenly Father might give him to do. By those individuals about the place, who sympathised with the spirit which animated Boston, the pear tree was long viewed with a peculiar interest. When, at lengthy the symptoms of decay and dissolution became strikingly apparent, the present proprietor resolved to cause a chest to be made of the timber of its root, that he might present it with a suitable inscription to the Presbytery of Stirling, as an appropriate repository for their records. But, on examination, the whole was found to be in such a state of decay that the design could not be executed.
The mansion-house of Aberdona is about four miles and a half north-east from Clackmannan. Its position is retired and interesting. In travelling towards it from the south, one passes through a country whose surface is undulating and varied ; and there is a very pleasing intermixture of cultivated fields with sylvan scenery. Straight east from Clackmannan about three miles, the mansion-house of Brucefield is situated. There are about the place many fine old trees, and the plantations are very extensive. But the house and grounds and gardens appear to have been long neglected. About two miles from Clackmannan, and near to the margin of the Forth, stands the mansion-house of Kennetpans, belonging to John Stein, esq. Immediately in front and towards the west and south-west, there is a pretty extensive and beautifully level lawn. This lawn and the ground adjacent to it are bounded on the south by a strong perpendicular sea-wall, whose summit is on a level with the ground which it protects. From the lawn and house, one can view with the utmost distinctness, the miscellaneous assemblage of individuals, who are, in the course of the fine summer days, borne along by the steamers between Granton and Stirling. The only other mansion-house which I shall mention is that of Kilbagie, Robert Stein, esq. It is about two miles south-east from Clackmannan, and one mile from the river.
The Devon Iron-works are in the parish of Clackmannan. They are situated beside the river Devon, about four miles from Clackmannan, and three from Alloa. From these works there is one railroad which extends to Clackmannan-Pow, at the mouth of the Black or South Devon. The length of this railroad is about six miles. There is another railroad from the neighbourhood of the works to the harbour of Alloa. Its length is about three miles. The latter is under the control of the Alloa Coal Company ; but, by an arrangement between the two companies, the Devon Iron Company also enjoy the use of it. The ironstone required is obtained is the neighbourhood of the works, and also from the estate of Clackmannan, and likewise from a particular locality along the margin of the Devon, about five miles east from the works. The intermixture of different kinds of ironstone is thought to improve the quality, and of course to enhance the value, of the pig-iron produced. The limestone employed is brought from the neighbourhood of South Qucensferry by the Forth, and the railways which have been mentioned. The coal used is obtained beside the works, and is exceedingly well adapted to the purpose to which it is applied. There are three furnaces in operation, and they now make, on an average, about 6000 tons of pig-iron annually. There being an extensive foundry connected with the iron-works, the Company convert a considerable proportion of their pig-iron into cast-iron goods.
There are five collieries and a portion of a sixth in the parish of Clackmannan ; the Clackmannan, the Devon, a portion of the Alloa, the Kennet, the Aberdona, and the Brucefield collieries.
Distilleries, - There are in the parish two distilleries, - Kilbagie and Clackmannan. The former is a work of long standing and of great extent. There is a space of nearly seven acres covered by the various buildings, etc. ; and the whole of said space is enclosed by a very high wall. There are byres for the feeding of 700 cattle ; and about 850 acres of land have been cultivated in connection with the distillery. The business of distilling has been here carried on for the London market. The Clackmannan distillery, which is adjacent to the town, is a work of much less extent. Whisky has been here made for the home or Scotch market.
There is also a very extensive brick and tile work in the parish; and there are three saw-mills driven by the water of the Black or South Devon.
III. — Population.
The population in:
1755, 1913
1791, 2528
1831, 4266
1841, 5159
The increase which has taken place in the population of the parish of Clackmannan is to be ascribed chiefly to the great extension of mining operations, particularly in that department of mining which relates to the working of coal.
About four-fifths of the population reside in the town of Clackmannan, and in villages, and in the rows and squares of houses adjacent to them.
There are two or three families of independent fortune resident in the parish. There are six proprietors of land of the yearly value of L.50 and upwards. There are about 1200 families in the parish, and the average number of children in each family is five. The people are not characterized by any distinctive peculiarity as to strength, size, complexion, or any other personal qualities. There are three insane, three fatuous, three blind, and two deaf and dumb persons connected with the parish.
IV. — Industry.
A decided majority of the population derive a subsistence from the different collieries in the parish, and more than three-fourths of the inhabitants are connected with them and with the other works which have been mentioned. There is also a considerable part of the population employed in agriculture, several act in the capacity of carters, shopkeepers, and public-house keepers ; and some are engaged in the weaving of woollen fabrics for the manufacturers of Alva and Tillicoultry. During a considerable part of the year, some of the women in the parish continue to sew for the Glasgow manufacturers, but the earnings from this source are now most lamentably small. Most of the females to which the writer has been referring, derive the greater part of their annual subsistence from field-labour, the preparing of bark, etc.
Agriculture. - There are about 5000 Scotch acres in the parish, which are either cultivated or occasionally in tillage. There are about 400 acres which have never been cultivated, and which remain constantly waste or in pasture. Of these, very few are susceptible of being cultivated with advantage. There is no land in the parish in a state of undivided common. About 1600 acres of land are covered by plantations. There is a very considerable variety of trees, but the prevailing kinds are, Scotch fir, larch, spruce, and oak. On the estates of the Earls of Zetland and Mansfield, in particular, the management, as to yearly thinning, periodical felling, pruning, and the like, seems to be very judicious and successful.
As to the average rent of arable land, per acre, in the parish, the writer deems it proper to separate the land into three distinct divisions: 1st carse land, (893 acres) ; 2nd, good dry field, (2137 acres) ; and 3rd, inferior dryfield, (1970 acres.) The rent of the first of these three descriptions of land may be said to average L.3, 3s. per acre; that of the second, L.1, 10s.; and that of the third, 15s. The average rent of grazing is at the rate of L.3, 10s. per ox or cow grazed for the season. As to farm-servants, the average rate is about L. 12, 12s. a-year of money wages, and 6 1/2 bolls of oatmeal, and 1 Scotch pint of milk, per diem. Country labourers are commonly paid at the rate of 10s. a week in summer, and 9s. in winter.
In Clackmannanshire, the number of public works, and the amount of the population, being great in proportion to the superficial extent of the county, all kinds of agricultural produce sell comparatively high. This general remark applies particularly to the price of barley. Owing to the number of breweries about Alloa, and distilleries in the county, there is a very large annual importation of barley from other parts of the united kingdom. Hence the price received for this kind of grain, grown in the county, is in general equal to the amount, both of the price and of the expense of transportation, etc. of the barley which is imported.
As to the kinds of sheep and cattle, it may be mentioned that it is only among the Ochil hills, or in their immediate vicinity, that much attention is. paid, in this district, to the breeding and maintenance of sheep ; and that the preference seems to be given either to the pure black-faced, or to a cross between them and the Leicester. In regard to cattle, great attention and much rivalry have been shown as to the improvement of the breeds. Some leading public-spirited gentlemen connected with the county have been long in the habit of rearing and exhibiting the short-horned, or Teeswater breed ; and the success which has crowned their exertions, both at local exhibitions, and at the Highland Society's shows, evinces the high degree of superiority to which they have attained. Among the Clackmannanshire cows, in general, the characteristics which distinguish the Ayrshire and short-horned breeds seem to predominate, and as milkers, they are accordingly very superior. The cows which the writer has had, from time to time, may be regarded as average specimens of the prevailing kinds ; and he understands that they have, in common, given during the summer months, at the rate of from ten to twelve Scotch pints of milk each per diem.
The Clackmannanshire Agricultural Society is a very flourishing institution, and, in regard to all departments of agriculture, has been productive of the most beneficial effects. By the meetings of the society, all the landed proprietors who are resident, and the various farmers, etc. throughout the county, are periodically brought together. On such occasions, the reciprocal communication of rural intelligence, the cultivation of friendly intercourse, and the reception and announcement of the most cheering encouragement, and the most animating rewards, have promoted in the most direct and influential manner every kind of agricultural improvement Although the soil along the surface in the. parish of Clackmannan exhibits considerable diversity of character, yet the subsoil is found to possess almost invariably the same character - that of hard cold till. Hence the applicableness of thorough or furrow-draining to all the different districts of which, the parish is composed. Within the last few years, there has been accordingly an immense deal done in this particular department. The agriculturist, Thomas Ritchie, Esq. for example, who has gained the two last seasons the Clackmannanshire Society's highest prize, on account of draining, had, in the course of the two years, completed drains with drain-tile, on a farm in this parish seventy-three miles in length. Leases are commonly granted for the period of nineteen years. In some instances, money rents are paid ; but in a great majority of cases, specific quantities of grain are stipulated for, convertible into money at the highest fiar prices of the county.
As to the state of farm-buildings, etc. in the parish, a favourable report must be given. Some of the farm-houses are of a most superior description.
As to quarries, there is one of considerable extent about half-a mile south-west from Clackmannan, which belongs to the Earl of Zetland. The stone which it produces is a light-coloured, hard, and durable sandstone. There are also one or two quarries in the neighbourhood of the Black or South Devon. But, both as to appearance and durability, the stones which they produce are very inferior. On the Earl of Mansfield's estate of Sauchie, there are different quarries. They do not, however, exhibit any difference as to geological phenomena. The stone extracted from them is a reddish-coloured sandstone. When taken from the quarry, it is comparatively soft, and is very easily moulded into any form ; but by exposure to the weather, it acquires additional hardness, and ultimately proves exceedingly durable.
Produce. — The average gross amount of raw produce raised in the parish, as nearly as that can be ascertained :
Estimated value of grain of all kinds, whether cultivated for food of man or the domestic animals, L.15,340
Estimated value of potatoes and turnips, L.6,500
Do. of hay, L.4,860
Do. of pasture, L.3,000
Do. of the annual thinning and periodical felling of woods, plantations, and copse, L.1,100
Do. of coal, L.36,000
Do. of ironstone, L.8,000
Do, of quarries, L.300
Total L.75,100
V. - Parochial Economy.
The only town in the parish is that of Clackmannan. It is still the county town, but the courts of law, etc. are held in Alloa. In the town of Clackmannan, and in the rows and squares of houses in its immediate vicinity, there is a population of 1600. In the course of the year, there are two markets held, but there is not now much business transacted in them. In Clackmannan, there are bakers, butchers, and a superabundance of shopkeepers ; but the town of Alloa being only two miles distant, and the shops, etc. there being very superior, a very considerable proportion of the commodities required by the inhabitants of Clackmannan are purchased in Alloa. The principal villages in the parish are those of Newton-Shaw, Kennet, and Westfield. There is a post-office in Clackmannan, and the post from North Queensferry to Alloa and Stirling passes through the town about ten o'clock in the morning; and that from Stirling and Alloa to North Queensferry about three o'clock in the afternoon. There is a coach from Alloa to Glasgow, which passes Clackmannan, every week-day morning a little after six o'clock, and returns every week-day evening about half-past eight clock. The steam-boats which sail between Stirling and Granton pier, afford to the inhabitants of Clackmannanshire a very cheap and very agreeable mode of visiting Edinburgh, and all intermediate places. Alloa and Kincardine are the places where Clackmannanshire passengers are received and landed.
Ecclesiastical State, - The parish church is situated beside the town of Clackmannan, and its position in reference to the population of the parish is as eligible as any that could have been selected. But the extent of the parish, and the amount of the population are so great that neither any one church nor any one minister could be regarded as sufficient for them.
From the church of Clackmannan, the parish extends towards the north-east, six and a-half miles : and towards the north-west, fully four miles. In the north-west division of the parish, there is a population of 1800, whose average distance from the parish church is more than three miles. The writer, feeling deeply conscious of his utter inability to do anything like justice to a population of about 5000, scattered over a surface of nineteen square miles, set himself to the task of endeavouring to raise money for the erection of an Extension church in the north-west division of the parish. By the Divine blessing, on the exertions which were employed by himself and others, funds for the purpose were at length realized, and the new church will be finished by the beginning of January 1842. The writer now entertains the cheering hope of seeing, ere long, an ordained minister labouring in the new parish of Sauchie, and of being thereby himself enabled to concentrate his exertions on a somewhat manageable field. The Extension church of Blairingone, in the parish of Fossaway, is not a mile distant from the north-east extremity of the parish of Clackmannan, and, accordingly, a district of considerable extent, but of small population, has been detached ecclesiastically from the writer's parish, and connected with the quoad spiritualia parish of Blairingone. After deducting the amount of the population of the two districts to which allusion has been made, there will remain under the writer's own pastoral superintendence about 3,300 souls. And when the parish has been circumscribed in the manner which has been mentioned, none of its population will be more than four and a half miles, aud seven-eighths of the people will be less than two miles, from the parish church.
It has been already stated that the present church was built about twenty-four years since, and that it is seated to accommodate 1250 persons. The soil under and around the church being very strong clay, and very retentive of moisture, the church was felt during the winter months to be exceedingly cold and damp. But in the summer of 1839, the heritors and people were induced to subscribe for the erection of one of the heating and ventilating apparatus of the Messrs Haden, Wiltshire. The experiment having proved a most successful one, the church of Clackmannan is now, even in the most trying weather, perfectly comfortable. After the erection of the church, the sittings were apportioned to individuals, and those under them, according to the existing law on the subject But, although, in consequence, there has not been any adequate provision made for not a few individuals, yet the practice of taking seat rents has never been introduced.
The manse is comparatively large, and has been judiciously planned. It is situated to the south of the town, and towards the summit of the rising ground on which Clackmannan stands. The views from it, and from the walks about it, are very beautiful and extensive. From the immediate neighbourhood, when the atmosphere is clear, both Ben Lomond and the Pentland Hills are within the range of one's vision.
There are about four Scotch acres of glebe, whose annual value may be estimated at L.16. The stipend is 18 chalders, one-half barley, and the other half oatmeal, convertible into money at the highest fiar-prices of the county. There is besides an allowance of L.10 for communion elements, and also L.1, 13ds. l0d. of "grass-mail."
The only other place of worship in the parish, besides the parochial church, is a relief meeting-house. It was erected towards the close of the last century, and its first minister died about seven years since. His successor having resigned his charge several months ago, without obtaining any other appointment, the congregation, which is small, is at present without any minister. To the last incumbent they paid L.75 of stipend.
A great majority of the inhabitants of the parish are in connection with the Established Church. But, owing to a variety of causes, which the writer deems it unnecessary to mention here, there is not that regard shown to the sanctity of the Sabbath, or to the ordinances of Christianity, which it were so desirable to see universally evinced.
Education: - There are 7 day-schools in the parish, and there are also evening and Sabbath-evening schools. The parish school, which is adjacent to the town, is efficiently taught and numerously attended. The teacher has the maximum salary, and being both session-clerk and clerk to the heritors, and since, from the amount of the population of the parish, there are very many registrations and certificates required, his annual income must be highly respectable.
Annual number of proclamations on an average of three years, - 47
Annual number of persons buried in the burying-ground of Clackmannan, on an average of three years, - 65
Annual number of children baptized by the writer on an average of three years,* - 132
* It is believed that the number which has been mentioned (132,) may be regarded as being about one-third of the children born in the parish ; and if this supposition be nearly correct, the average number of births will be, of course, about 220. The writer is disposed to think that the mortality is comparatively great among the infant portion of the population connected with the different collieries in the parish.
In the village of Kennet, which is about a mile from Clackmannan, Mr and Mrs Bruce have built an exceedingly handsome schoolmaster's house and school-house. To these they have attached an endowment, and a very neat garden. The teacher's house has been so planned that a large room in it is used as a school-room for young females, who are taught by his wife. In the Kennet village school-rooms, the usual branches of education are taught, but the imparting of scriptural knowledge is made to occupy an unusually prominent place ; and since the teacher is a man of much Christian zeal, and of exemplary diligence, his pupils exhibit the most pleasing proofs of the extent and the accuracy of their religious knowledge. When decided symptoms of intellectual and moral superiority are displayed by any of the young females, they are encouraged by Mrs Bruce to engage in those studies and occupations, which are fitted to prepare them to fill superior situations as servants in genteel families.
About seven years since, there were a schoolmaster's house and very large school-room, erected at the Devon Iron-Works, The teacher has a house, garden, and coal, and also his fees guaranteed to him by the Devon Iron Company. The day-school is numerously attended ; and since the teacher also teaches an eveningand Sabbath-evening school, much benefit has been thereby imparted to the rising generation in that district of the parish. In the large school-room at the Devon Iron- Works, the writer has all along preached once a month on the Sabbath-evenings, for the benefit of those of his people in that district who either cannot, or will not, come four miles to the parish church.
At the village of Westfield, on the estate of the Earl of Zetland, there are a schoolmaster's house, school-house, etc. supported and maintained in a manner similar to those at the Devon Iron- Works. Here, too, much good is doing by the imparting of general knowledge, and by the inculcation of Christian principles.
At Forest Mill, a hamlet about three miles and a-half north-east from Clackmannan, there are a schoolmaster's house and school-room, and some ground, to insure, if possible, the permanent residence of a teacher. That part of the parish, however, being thinly inhabited, it has been found impossible to give to a good teacher anything like an adequate remuneration. There has been accordingly a succession of young men, who have merely alighted there, on their way to some higher region. In 1766, Michael Bruce, the author of "Lochleven" and other poems, was the teacher at Forest Mill. In the days of other years, his poetry was very popular, but it has fallen into the shade ; and the opinion of Sir Walter Scott, as quoted by Lockhart in his Life of the "Great Minstrel," will not tend to revive its celebrity.
In the populous village of Newton-Shaw there are a school-room and garden, and a few pounds a year, given by the Earl of Mansfield, to assist in the maintenance of a teacher for the benefit of the children of his Lordship's feuars. The Newton- Shaw school has been, for some years, well taught and well attended. The only remaining day-school in the parish is in the neighbourhood of Clackmannan. The teacher is altogether dependent on his own exertions. He has, in common, a pretty numerously attended school. At the seven day-schools which have been mentioned, there are on an average about 500 scholars, being very nearly one-tenth of the entire population of the parish. The writer is decidedly of opinion, that in the town of Clackmannan a well conducted infant-school would be the means of doing very much good.
In the town of Clackmannan, there are two libraries - the one intended for the more wealthy portion of the community, and the other for the common people. But a desire for knowledge, and a thirst for reading, do not appear to be by any means prevalent.
Poor and Parochial Funds-
Number of paupers on permanent roll, exclusive of lunatics and those receiving occasional relief, on an average of four years, - 61
Number of persons dependent on these, - 32
lunatics, - 3
persons not on permanent roll, but receiving occasional relief - 46
Average number of poor of all classes, - 142
Average of three years collections at church-doors, L. 66 2 0
Average amount of other voluntary contributions, being annual subscriptions by the heritors and people, -L. 120 13 4
Average amount of mortcloth dues and other sessional funds, -L. 14 0 4
Total L. 200 15 8
Average amount distributed among paupers on permanent roll, . -L. 160 0 0
Average amount distributed for support of lunatics under superintendence, -L. 45 0 0
Average amount distributed among persons not on permanent roll, -L. 25 0 0
Average amount disbursed annually in the education of children, -L. 6 0 0
Total L. 236 0 0
Amount of annual expenditure over annual income, L. 35 4 4
To obviate the evils arising from what the preceding financial statement represents, the heritors resolved, 1st, to allow themselves to be assessed for the amount of the arrears. And 2dly to allow themselves to be assessed annually for such sums as might be found necessary for the maintenance of all lunatics - thereby of course, relieving the ordinary sessional funds of the burden of supporting lunatics. This plan being now in operation, the belief is entertained that the sessional income will be made to meet the sessional expenditure. Among the purely agricultural part of the population, a determination is shown to "fend for themselves" as long as possible. But among the persons connected with the different collieries, there is, in general, a disposition evinced to come upon the session as soon and as much as possible.
The great multiplicity of public-houses in the parish is an evil exceedingly to be deplored, since it might be shown to have been productive of the most disastrous effects. It must, however, in consistency with truth, be stated, that the amount of intemperance has been of late considerably diminished by the influence exercised by the advocates of total abstinence.
Coal is the fuel used by all classes of the people. The price on an average is about 6s. per ton. And since the whole of the numerous colliers families in the parish have an allowance of coal, as well as free houses and yards ; and since, in the parish, this fuel is at all times comparatively cheap, the blazing fires by which the cottages of the people are warmed, conduce very much to their comfort, and, of course, to their health and longevity.
Miscellaneous Observations.
Since the former Statistical Account of the parish of Clackmannan was written, there have been a great extension and improvement of the embankments along the side of the Forth; thorough-draining, liming, and manuring, have been practised on a continually extending scale ; the character and value of all the different kinds of farm-stock has been now much enhanced ; a great additional length of rail-roads has been formed, and their general character, in common with that of other roads, has been very much improved. The climate, too, has been ameliorated, and the aspect of the country been made more attractive by additional plantations. And it is pleasing to observe, that a proportional degree of improvement has taken place in regard to the food, and the raiment, and the dwelling-houses, and all the other constituents of comfort, of the people.
November 1841.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE COUNTY OF CLACKMANNAN.
This county is situated between 56° 5', and 56° 14' north latitude, and between 3° 33' and 3° 56' west longitude from Greenwich. It is the smallest county in Scotland, containing only about fifty-two square miles. It is bounded on the south and south-west by the river Forth ; by Fife shire on the south-east ; and in other directions by Perthshire. About three-fourths of its surface are computed as under cultivation.
The rent of the county for the year ending April 1811 was returned at L.32,047 : and for the same year the rent of houses was stated at L.2827. The annual value of real property, as assessed in 1815, was L.37,978. The old valuation, L.26,482, 10s. Scots.
This county returns a member to Parliament along with the county of Kinross. But by the Reform Bill, there were added to it for election purposes the neighbouring parishes of Curloss, Tulliallan, Alva, and the Perthshire part of Logie. The Parliamentary constituency in 1840 amounted to 836.
I. Table shewing the number of persons committed for trial or bailed for different offences in the county of Clackmannan, in the year 1840 :
Offences against persons, 10
Offences against property, committed with violence, 1
without violence, 19
Forgery and offences against the currency, 2
Other offences, 4
Total, 36
Table II.
| Population in 1831 | Ecclesiastical State | Parochial Schoolmaster's Emoluments | Annual amount of Contributions to the Poor | |||||||||||
| Parishes | Families belonging to the Established Church | Individuals | Families of Dissenters or Seceders | Individuals | Amount of Parochial Minister's Stipend | Schools in Parish | Salary | Fees | Total | From Assessment or voluntary contribution by Heritors | From Church Collections | From Alms, Legacies, etc. | Total. | |
| Alloa | 6377 | 4298 | 2576 | 19 Chalders | 10 | L.34 4 4 | L.25 0 0 | L. 60 0 0 | L.336 7 1 | L.174 9 2 | L.74 10 11 | L.585 7 2 | ||
| Tillicoultry | 1472 | 1160 | 312 | 15 Chalders | 3 | L.25 13 3 | L.26 11 10 | Interest of L.203. etc. | ||||||
| Dollar | 262 | 1308 | 42 | 199 | L.150 | 3 | L 25 17 9 1/4 | L.11 0 0 | L.36 17 9 1/4 | L.50 0 0 | Interest of L.819. etc. | |||
| Clackmannan | 4266 | 18 Chalders | 7 | L.120 13 4 | L.66 2 0 | L.14 0 4 | L.200 15 8 | |||||||