Kirtle

   KIRTLE, lately a quoad sacra parish, formed out of the parishes of Annan, Dornock, and Middlebie, in the county of Dumfries, 2½ miles (S. E. by E.) from Ecclesfechan; and containing above 1000 inhabitants. This district derives its name from the river Kirtle, by which it is bordered on the east. It is about four miles in length and two in breadth, and comprises tillage and pasture land in nearly equal portions, with considerable mosses, which, however, feed cattle and sheep; and some plantations in the vicinity of the river. Much of the land is of poor soil, but capable of improvement from good culture. The geological features of the district are not remarkable: red sandstone of excellent quality prevails, and is much used for building and for gravestones. and two quarries are in operation. There are also two celebrated lime-works, from which the lime supplies the country around, and is even sent to Moffat, a distance of twenty miles. The scenery along the banks of the stream is diversified and beautiful, and towards Annan, the ground attains a considerable elevation, but is in no part mountainous. Throughout the whole of its course here, the Kirtle is studded on both banks with handsome mansions, among which are, Springkell, the seat of Sir J. Heron Maxwell, Bart.; Kirtleton, the seat of the Murrays; and Blackethouse, that of the Smith family, the grounds around them, and others, adding much to the beauty of their respective localities. The village of Eaglesfield, in the district, has its name from the late proprietor of Blackethouse, Eaglesfield Smith, Esq.; and is large and populous, having at present between 450 and 500 inhabitants, many of whom are employed as weavers for the Carlisle manufacturers. Means of communication are afforded by the high road between Glasgow and Carlisle, which runs through the middle of the district, and by other roads. The ecclesiastical affairs are under the presbytery of Annan and synod of Dumfries, and the patronage is in the male communicants with one or two members of the presbytery. The church, situated in the north-eastern extremity of Annan parish, is a plain building of red sandstone, erected about 1840, by voluntary contributions, aided by the Commissioners of the Church Extension fund; it contains 600 sittings. There are two schools, one at Eaglesfield, the other at Breconbeds; the master of each receives a salary of £10, with the fees: they afford instruction each to about 100 children. In the district is a remarkable old tower, vulgarly reputed to be haunted by (Scotticè) a bogle, called the "Bogle of the Blackethouse."