Dumfries OPR c1600

Page [9b] that reveals what was going on in Dumfries in the early 1600's.

As you scan down page 9b entries 4 through 8 dated 16 - 18 Oct. stand out because of the long rectangle around the first letter of each line, with 4 and 8 each preceded with a phrase that seems to say "through Bottom." In between are the words written in another hand "Twice written."

As you examine the Surnames written in the left hand border in all the pages it is obvious the pages were written by a main scribe and at least three other individuals. The "N/" that appears from time to time and the surnames were written after the main scribe had finished and the ink dried.

The monks performed the ordinances and made notes about them then turned them over to the scribe with orders to leave a wide left hand margin.

The scribe, trained in the "Secretary Hand" tried to keep the notes in order and copied them into the main record.

Later, his superiors examined the record and verified it by writing in the [correctly spelled surnames for the individuals they were responsible for and made a point of identifying the "natural" births.

They knew Crosbie, Korsbie, and Corsbie were the same surname.