[1641/8/352]¹

Ratification in favour of [James Home], earl of Home

Our sovereign lord and estates of parliament ratify and approve the charter and infeftment under the great seal granted by his majesty in favour of his majesty's right trusty cousin James, earl of Home, lord Dunglass, his male heirs and assignees whatsoever, of the lands and barony of Duns with the burgh of barony thereof, with the whole liberties and privileges contained therein, which is of date 31 July 1637, in the whole heads, articles and clauses thereof, and wills this present ratification to be as effectual as if the same were word by word inserted herein. Moreover, because it is commonly known to his majesty and estates that the said burgh of barony of Duns has in all times bygone, past memory of man, been reputed and held to be the chief and head burgh of the sheriffdom of Berwick, at the which all proclamations, denunciations of horning and inhibitions have been and are made, therefore, his majesty and estates of parliament ratify and approve all the privileges of the said burgh, and declare the same to be in the chief place and room of the said head burgh of the said sheriffdom of Berwick, and that there shall be no necessity for the lieges to any proclamations, inhibitions or any of the like nature at any other head burgh.