Volume contents
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 16a
"Several artificial mounds are to be seen not far from the banks of the Almond. "One of the most remarkable of these is the Cunnigar which signifies the guard or keeper of the corries or rabbits. It lies between the Almond and the village and it is said
that upon this mound were burnt many of those unhappy, wretched, creatures called witches. In
those days of superstition Calder was considered one of the most noted places of their rendezvous.
The writer has conversed with people in this place who in their youth have known persons that were
actually employed to guard those who were suspected of witchcraft."
Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] of Co. [County] Edinburgh 1845 Page 373
"There is a well known report that in days of old witches were burnt at Calder. A mound between
the northern part of this town and the banks of the river Almond is pointed out as the scene of their
sufferings. But if ever these acts of cruelty were realized in this place they must have been done at
so remote a period that nothing but a vague tradition now remains. It is an undoubted fact
however, that about the end of the last century persons accused of Witchcraft were examined and
watched in the town of Mid Calder; but it does not appear that any were doomed to the flames.
The intention of keeping them in confinement was to bring them to a confession of their guilt. They were extremely
useful to keep them awake, for an idea was intentioned that if they were permitted to sleep their spirits left them
went abroad to do mischief." Sinclairs Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] Val. [Valuation] 14.P.372
Transcriber's notes
Beneath this entry are 2 words I am not sure of [-- remark] 13 ?
Ordnance Survey - Midlothian county, OS Name Books - Midlothian county - Volume 9 - Parishes of Midcalder and Kirknewton, OS1/11/9
This volume contains place name information from the parishes of Midcalder, and Kirknewton
Ordnance Survey - Midlothian county
Ordnance Survey was established in the 18th century to create maps, surveys and associated records for the entirety of Great Britain. These records are arranged by county. This entry has been created to enable searching for Ordnance Survey records for the county of Midlothian, which is in the east of Scotland. The boundaries of the county were altered by the Boundary Commissioners in 1891.