Wigtownshire
"The origin and import of the name Penninghame have been variously explained. The word appears in different forms,-- Penighame, Penyhame, Penninghame, and each form sometimes without the final e...
The parish of Penninghame is bounded on the east by the river Cree, which separates it from Minnigaff toward the north and Kirkmabreck toward the south. The river Cree separates also the county of Wigton from the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright; on the south, Penninghame is bounded by the parish of Wigton...
on the south and southwest, Penninghame is bounded by Kirkinner and Kirkowen, from which it is separated by the river Bladenoch; on the north it is bounded by the parish of Colmonell, in Aryshire....
The tide flows up the river Cree by the side of the moss to within a short distance of Newtonstewart. The shore is flat and clayey; and the clay is generally covered more or less deeply with sand. There is a harbour at Carty, about a mile and a half below Newtonstewart, at which vessels of from 35 to 45 tons burden arrive regularly...
The population of Penninghame was much increased by the establishment of a cotton-mill in the end of the last century; and it has continued to be increased by the demand for labourers in the progress of agricultural improvement. Many families from Ireland, traveling in quest for work, on getting temporary employment, frequently settle here. We have had some emigration of late years...
The weaving of cotton still continues to be carried on in the parish, but not to a great extent; and it is rather diminishing. The webs come from Glasgow to agents in Newtonstewart, and the weavers have looms in there own houses, or hire them in some neighbour's house, at a weekly rate of about 8d. or 6d. The carriage from and to Glasgow forms a deduction from the payment, and is felt considerably, when the rate is low. In general, the trade does not remunerate very well those employed in it. The establishment of the cotton manufactory increased the number of paupers, and did not produce any permanent benefit to the parish.
There is now no regular manufactory in this parish. The tradesman do not generally extend their work beyond the demands of the district. Perhaps tanning and currying leather may form a limited exception.
The only market town in the parish is Newtonstewart, the population of which in 1831 was 2241..."
(Rev. Samuel Richardson, Minister)
New Statistical Account, Blackwood (Refer to the county page to access the full account)
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Bibliography Church History Church Records |
| Records Available | Baptism | Marriage | Burial | NAS Reference |
| Church of Scotland | 1695-1820, 1820-1854 | 1696-1855 | GRO | |
| Catholic | 1825-1908 | 1825-1915 | RH21/59 |
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[Last updated: 7 Aug 2004 - David Hawgood]
