THE Scots Magazine, AND EDINBURGH LITERARY MISCELLANY, For JUNE 1815. subsequent gifts and mortifications, so Description of DUNBLANE CATHE- that it is now of considerable value. DRAL. The chartulary, and other records of the Bishopric of Dunblane, have by some accident been lost; so that it cannot be ascertained at what time, or by whom, the cathedral was built. 'It has at one time been an elegant building, in the most regular and orna SCOTLAND contains few more ancient religious establishments, than that which has been formed at Dunblane. It appears to have been settled, at some time prior to the tenth century, with the usual estab-mented style of Gothic architecture; lishment of Culdees. It was afterwards erected by King David into a bishopric, the diocese extending over part of the shires of Perth and Stirling. About A. D. 1000, St Blaan was at once patron and bishop of Dunblane, and seems to have communicated his name to the place. The Culdees and their prior retained possession, and their name appears frequently as witnesses to the grants of the bishops, till towards the middle of the thirteenth century. In 1239, there appears a charter of the dean but great part of it is at present in ruins. The length is 216 feet, breadth 56 feet, and the height of the wall to the battlements 50 feet. The steeple which is 128 feet high, appears to be a more modern structure, and contains two finely-toned bells. The choir is nearly entire, and is used as the place of public worship. The original roof and ceiling, and also several of the prebends' stalls, remain still in good condition. HILL. TO THE EDITOR. and chapter of Dunblane, confirming Strictures on the Wall of the CASTLEcertain kirks, to the monks of Cambuskenneth. In 1662, the celebrated Dr Leighton became bishop of Dunblane. He was removed to Glasgow in 1669; but he bequeathed his library to the cathedral and clergy of Dunblane. It has been increased by b SIR, BEG leave, through the medium of your Miscellany, to offer some ief observations upon the singular en enclosure of the Castlehill of this city, now going on. For time im memorial, the citizens of Edinburgh have, without interruption, enjoyed the beautiful and magnificent view of the scenery of the Forth from that elevated promenade; but it has pleased some of the higher powers to build a parapet wall and lofty iron rail along the top of the north side, so much above the eye, that one can only get a miserable peep at the scenery between the close rails. This is the more provoking and vexatious, that it was wholly unnecessary for its purpose; because, if the hill must be enclosed, it might have been effectually done without the iron rail, by means of the wall alone, friezed with short iron spikes, projected on both sides, which would have been a complete barrier against any one climbing over, yet would have left the view over the wall as perfect as .ever. The one mode is so infinitely preferable to the other, that it is matter of astonishment how any person could have been so blind, so tasteless, and so regardless of the public feeling, as to shut up one of the most delightful prospects in Europe, without the slightest necessity, leaving us merely a melancholy glimpse of the prospect, as from the grated window of a prison. Considering how much such a walk and such a view conduce to the pleasure of the inhabitants, and to the gratification of every stranger, I flatter myself that those who have it in their power, will feel it their duty, or at least a proper act of courtesy to the public, to take down, not the parapet wall, but the iron rail which has been so inadvertently raised upon it, and thus restore what has ever been the pride and boast of Edinburgh. I cannot help wondering that such a common-place mode of enclosing the hill ever was thought of. As the wall is joined to the outworks of the Castle, standing full in view from the New Town, should it not have partaken of the style of the fortress, and been provided with a few embrasures or loop holes? Who ever saw a wall connected with fortification surmounted by a lofty iron rail. It is really impossible to imagine a more extraordinary perversion of taste. 'Tis rumoured, though I hope it is not true, that a gate is to be placed between the Old Town and the Castlehill. If it is meant to keep this shut only against idle boys, during the hours when a regiment is exercising on the hill, perhaps the public may not have a right to complain; but if it is to be shut or sentinelled at any other time of the day, it would be an innovation equally useless to the garrison and cruel to the public. It is of the utmost consequence in all crowded cities to preserve public walks, as being conducive to health and innocent recreation and I trust that the Magistrates, who have lately repaired the Meadow walks in a manner which reflects the highest credit on their public spirit, will not fail to interest themselves in the preservation of access to the only airy and beautiful walk in the old town, and which the inhabitants have enjoyed for centuries. Before concluding, let me observe what an improvement it would be to plant a few scattered trees down the enclosed slope of the hill fronting the New Town, and to carry winding walks through it. Those who have seen Stirling Castle, and the fine trees and walks that environ it, will appreciate the value of such embellishments. It is well known that Lord Adam Gordon, a short time before his death, had resolved on the improvement here suggested. I am, Sir, your constant reader, LON |