Dunfermline Burgh Court

27th April 1574: Patrick Burn, officer, presented a broken wand [ornamental stick, symbol of his office], in judgment upon Lawrence Walwood [Wellwood ] who disobeyed him in the execution of his office; and the said officer was sworn again to use his office as efferit [as appropriate, or with correct bearing]. At the same court sitting, objection was made to a process of serving a daughter heir to her father, an allegation being made that she is illegitimate, her father having been a priest.

23th October 1606: William Cunninghame, webster [weaver ], was admitted freeman for 40/- [forty shillings], because he was contracted and twice proclaimit with Janet Alisoun, daughter of Andro Alisoun[Andrew Alison], burgess; but if the marriage did not take effect, he was to pay for his freedom, £10 [ten pounds].

6th April 1607: The Assize [court ] finds Margaret Johnstoun (now servant to Archibald Douglas), troubler of Bessie Mowtry (servant to Robert Turnbull), in striking her on the face and skarting[scratching ] thereof to the effusion of her blood yesterday, in David Stevenson's stair[way ]. Sentence: 40/- unlaw [fine ], and to seek forgiveness on her knees at the tron [market-place ], and to find caution [surety ] for the future under penalty of £10 or banishment.

22th July 1641: Assizes. David Germane and Janet Douglas his spouse, for the claim pursued against them at the instance of Janet Murray, claiming the sum of £24 alleged debt by the said offenders to her, for the price of a pair of silk stockings.

30th November 1643: James Walwood, burgess, cautioner [acting as guarantor] for John Smetoune [Smeaton] in Torie, was ordered to deliver to Hendry Davidsone, maltman, a large bible book belonging to him as heir and executor to the umquhile[deceased ] Robert Davidsone, his brother, borrowed by him from Jannet Smetoune his sister and widow of the said umquhile Robert, or £20 for the price thereof.

22th January 1670: That day, Jon Chalmers, second lawful son to the late Alexander Chalmers, merchant burgess of the said burgh, has offered and gifted to the town a Turkish carpet brought by him from Smyrna. The Council ordains[appoints ] the provost to give him thanks therefor.