GALLOWAY-NEW, a burgh (royal), in the parish of Kells, stewartry of Kirkcudbright,
19 miles (N. by W.) from Kirkcudbright, and 25 (W.) from Dumfries; containing
403 inhabitants. This place, which is of no very great antiquity, is situated
on the west bank of the river Ken, about a mile north of Kenmure Castle, the an-
Gordon, Viscounts Kenmure and Lords of Lochinvar,
whose titles were forfeited in 1715, were restored by act
of parliament in 18'24, and became dormant on the death
of Adam, ninth viscount, in 1847. Over the river is a
handsome bridge of granite, comprising five arches; the
central arch has a span of ninety feet. The town consists
chiefly of one main street, from which diverge two
smaller streets, extending along the roads from Kirkcudbright
to Newton-Stewart and to Dumfries. The houses
are but of indifferent appearance, and the inhabitants are
mostly occupied in the various handicraft trades requisite
for the accommodation of the neighbourhood. There
are several shops, and three good inns; a branch of the
Edinburgh and Glasgow Bank has been established, and
facility of communication is maintained by the turnpike-
roads, and other roads which are kept in good repair.
Four fairs of some importance were formerly held here,
and those in April, at Midsummer, and at Hallowtide are
still tolerably attended, but chiefly for hiring servants.
The inhabitants received a charter from Charles I. dated
1 5th January, 1629, by which all the privileges of a
royal burgh were conferred on the town, and the
government was vested in a provost, four bailies, a dean
of guild, a treasurer, and twelve common-councilmen;
but in 1708, by an act of the Convcnticm of Royal
Burghs, the corporation was made to consist of a provost,
two bailies, a treasurer, and council of fifteen.
Courts are held by the sheriff and justices of peace on
the first Monday in every month. The town-hall, at-
tached to which is a gaol for debtors and criminals, is
situated in the main street, and has a steeple with a
clock. New Galloway is joined with Wigtown, Stranraer,
and Whithorn, in returning a member to the imperial
parliament; the constituency, however, does not
exceed fourteen.