The Brigend of Dumfries

Historically, the King's Writ ended at the Devorgilla Bridge, and the magistrates of Dumfries had no right to send forces across to the Galloway side.    As a result, the Brigend - which eventually was called "Maxwellton" and joined forces with Dumfries in 1929 - became the haven for theifs, cutthroats, smugglers, and loose women from all over Scotland.    They were packed into a rabbit warren of alleys and courtyards - now replaced by modern architectural travesties.      In fact, London Magistrate - Sir John Fielding - once said that the Metropolitan detectives could trace a thief over the entire kingdom if he did not get to the Gorbals of Glasgow or the Bridgend of Dumfries; for in that case they had to give up the chase.

Spent the day organising Uncle's funeral - successfully 95% of the way there.   Funeral a week on Friday - only problem is that I have to go to Kuala Lumpur in between.