LOCKERBIE, a town (thriving), in the parish of
Dryfesdale, district of Annandale, county of Dumfries,
11 miles (N. N. W.) from Annan, and 12 (E. N.
E.) from Dumfries; containing 1315 inhabitants. This
place derives both its origin and its name from an ancient
castle situated on a hill between two lakes, and
which was the baronial residence of the Johnstones, a
branch of the family of Johnstone of Lochwood, ancestors
of the present Marquess of Queensberry. The small
hamlet that arose round the castle gradually increased
under the liberal patronage of its proprietors, who
granted lands for building upon long and favourable
leases; and its situation in the centre of an extensive
pastoral and agricultural district has contributed to
render Lockerbie a prosperous and flourishing town.
It stands on the turnpike-road from Glasgow to Carlisle,
and part of it is intersected by the Caledonian railway.
The town principally consists of one spacious and regularly-
formed street, extending more than half a mile
from north to south, and from the northern extremity
of which a similar street, of half that length, branches
off at right angles to the east. The houses are well
built, and of handsome appearance. No manufactures
have hitherto been established; but all the handicraft
trades requisite for the wants of the adjacent district
are carried on to a great extent; and there are numerous
shops, abundantly stored with merchandise of every
kind for the supply of the vicinity. Branches of the
Edinburgh and Glasgow Bank and the Western Bank
of Scotland have been opened in the town. The postoffice
has a tolerable delivery; and there are some excellent
inns for the accommodation of the visiters who
attend the fairs and cattle-markets for which this place is celebrated.
Fairs for lambs and wool, which are largely resorted
to by persons from many miles' distance, are held at
Lammas and Michaelmas. The former is on the '2nd of
August, O. S., except it happen on Saturday, Sunday, or
Monday, in which case it is postponed to the following
Tuesday. At this fair, which was formerly held at the
base of Lockerbie hill, from 70,000 to 80,000 lambs are
frequently sold to various dealers; and so much has the
business of late years increased, that the whole of that
hill, the superiority of which was purchased from the
corporation of Glasgow by Lady Douglas, of Lockerbie
House, is now appropriated to the purpose. The Michaelmas
fair is held, with the same restrictions, on the 2nd
of October, and is also numerously attended. There
are markets for cattle, sheep, and horses on the second
Thursdays, O. S., of January, February, March, April,
May, July, September, October, November, and December,
all of which are free of toll. Markets are also held
fortnightly during the winter for the sale of pork, in the
purchase of which £1000 are often expended in one
day; and fairs for hiring servants take place in April
and at Michaelmas. At the northern extremity of the
town is the parish church, which, after having been
twice removed to a new situation, to protect it from
encroachments of the river Dryfe, was finally built on
its present site, which is well adapted for the convenience
of the parishioners. There are also places of worship in
the town for members of the Free Church and Antiburghers.
The old tower of Lockerbie has been assigned
for the custody of prisoners previously to their commitment
to Dumfries; but it is scarcely ever occupied.