Spott

   SPOTT, a parish, in the county of Haddington, 2 miles (S.) from Dunbar; containing 603 inhabitants, of whom 161 are in the village. This place, of which the name appears to be descriptive of its retired situation, is chiefly distinguished for its proximity to the scene of the memorable battle fought in 1650 between the Scots under General Leslie and the English under Cromwell. The former, strongly encamped on the summit of Doon hill, and superior in numbers, were induced to descend into the plain at the moment when Cromwell, despairing of success, and weakened by want of provisions, was about to re-embark his troops at Dunbar. Observing this movement from an eminence on which he stood, Cromwell ordered an immediate attack; and the Scots were put to the route, and pursued with great slaughter. The remains of Leslie's camp are to be distinctly traced; and numerous warlike implements, and bones of the slain, are still found in the vicinity. The parish is about ten miles in length and five in breadth, and comprises nearly 4000 acres, of which 2800 are arable, 100 woodland and plantations, and the remainder rough pasture and waste. A wide tract of land intersecting the parish was formerly an open common, and supposed to belong to the parish of Dunbar; but it is now inclosed and brought into cultivation, and in all probability will eventually be annexed, in portions, to the several parishes to which its divisions are contiguous. The surface of Spott is pleasingly undulated, presenting a striking combination of hills and dales. The eminences generally increase in elevation as they approach the Lammermoor hills, where they attain a height of 700 feet above the level of the sea; and Doon hill, the site of General Leslie's camp, and within a mile of the village, rises to 550 feet. The principal stream is the Spott water, which abounds with trout, and which, after winding through the vale where the village is situated, is joined by a smaller burn from the grounds of Spott House; it is then called the river Broxburn, and falls into the sea at Broxmouth. Another stream, called Bothwell water, after skirting the parish on the south falls into the Whiteadder near the parish of Cranshaws. In the vicinity of the village is St. John's Well, from which the town of Dunbar is supplied with water.

   The soil is generally light and sandy, but in some parts clayey: the crops are, wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and turnips, for which last the lighter soils are well adapted, and of which great quantities are raised. The system of agriculture is in a very forward state, and bone-dust and rape manures have been extensively introduced; the farm houses and offices are substantial and well arranged, the lands inclosed, and the fences kept in good repair. Great attention is paid to the improvement of live-stock, and considerable numbers of sheep and cattle are pastured; the sheep are principally of the Cheviot, Leicestershire, and black-faced breeds, and the cattle of the short-horned and black Highland breeds. The substrata are red sandstone and conglomerate rock; the hills are chiefly of greywacke and secondary trap. The sandstone is quarried for building and for other purposes. Spott House is beautifully situated at the foot of Doon hill, in a demesne embellished with natural wood and with thriving plantations; it is a handsome mansion, and has been greatly enlarged and improved. Bowerhouse is a modern mansion, pleasantly situated near the northern boundary of the parish, and commanding extensive and richly-diversified prospects. The village is delightfully seated in the small valley watered by the Spott rivulet; it is neatly built and well inhabited, and, when seen in combination with the church nearly adjoining it, forms an interesting feature in the landscape. A manufactory of potato starch and flour, which employs about six persons, is carried on upon the farm of Easter Broomhouse; the only trades in the parish are such as are requisite for the supply of the inhabitants. Facility of communication with Dunbar, the nearest market-town, and with other places in the vicinity, is afforded by good roads. The rateable annual value of Spott is £6445. It is in the presbytery of Dunbar, synod of Lothian and Tweeddale, and patronage of James Sprot, Esq.: the minister's stipend is £272. 7. 8., with a manse, and the glebe is valued at about £30 per annum. The church is conveniently situated. The parochial school is well conducted; the master has a salary of £34. 4., with £18 fees, £3. 6. 8. the proceeds of an ancient bequest, and a house and garden. There was formerly also a school maintained by subscription.