Duncow, Dumfriesshire

Historical Description

DUNCOW, a village, in the parish of Kirkmahoe, county of Dumfries, 1¼ mile (N.) from Kirkmahoe; containing 121 inhabitants. It is seated between the Nith and Lochar rivers, and on a small stream, bearing its own name, that falls into the former a short distance from the village of Kirkmahoe. The barony of Duncow once belonged to the family of Cumin, but was forfeited by them on the accession of Bruce, and bestowed upon the Boyds; it subsequently passed to the Maxwell family of Nithsdale, and remained with the Maxwells until about fifty or sixty years ago, when it was divided among various purchasers. The village is one of five, and the largest, in the parish. At Duncow there has lately been erected a manufactory for coarse woollen-cloth, worked both by water and steam. One of the parochial schools is situated here; the master has a free-rent dwelling, and besides his salary and fees, an annual payment of £5, arising from a bequest by the late Mr. Allen, of Newlands, for teaching fatherless children.