In transcribing the following paragraphs from the Internet Archive online version, I have expanded the abbreviations for easier reading. The illustration is in the original. — George P. Landow]
ABERDEEN (OLD), a small but ancient city in Scot land, county Aberdeen, pleasantly situated on the South bank of the Don, about 1 miles North of New Aberdeen, of which it may now be considered a suburb. It consists of but one principal street, running North and South, and some diverging lanes or alleys, several of which are very old. It is well supplied with water, is surrounded with many handsome villas, and is, altogether, an agreeable place of residence. The more remarkable buildings are the college (King’s College), the remains of the cathedral, the townhouse, and the old bridge of Don. The townhouse is a neat structure, and is provided with a handsome public clock. The bridge, celebrated in Scottish tradition by the name of the Brig o Balgownie, is one of the oldest edifices of the kind in Scotland, having been erected by king Robert Bruce in the 14th century; it consists of one large Gothic arch of 67 feet span.
The nave of the cathedral, now used as the parish church of Old Machar, and two fine spires at the west end, are all that remains of the original structure, a magnificent build ing, commenced in the 14th century, and dedicated to St. Machar. It has still an imposing appearance, and is kept in high preservation; its large western window and oak ceiling, painted with armorial bearings, being much admired.
King’s College Old Aberdeen. From a local print. Click on image to enlarge it.
The college buildings occupy the sides of a large quadrangle, and, with their chapel, were renewed some years ago at an expense of about £6000. These buildings are finely set off by a noble tower, surmounted by an imperial crown of open stone work. The college was founded by Bishop Elphinstone in 1494, and was subsequently patronized by James IV. There are here 34 bursaries, held by 134 students, their aggregate value being about £1800 a year, and giving about one bursary to every fourth student. There are nine professors, and several lectureships; but the lecturers, unless also professors, are not members of the Senatus Academicus. The students wear red gowns, and are from 200 to 250 in number. There is also a grammar school in the town, and various other schools. Old Aberdeen has neither trade nor manufactures, but is wholly dependent on its university. Population in 1841, about 1490. [I, 11]
Bibliography
Blackie, Walker Graham. The Imperial Gazetteer: A General Dictionary of Geography, Physical, Political, Statistical and Descriptive. 4 vols. London: Blackie & Son, 1856. Internet Archive online version of a copy in the University of California Library. Web. 7 November 2018.
Last modified 8 November 2018