Perth in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Perth, ancient city, parl. and royal burgh, par., river port, and co. town of Perthshire, on river Tay, 21 miles W. of Dundee, 47 miles N. of Edinburgh, 62½ miles NE. of Glasgow, and 437 miles NW. of London by rail - par. (divided into Perth East par., pop. 12,102; Perth Middle par., pop. 4902; Perth St Paul par., pop. 3009; and Perth West par., pop. 6223), pop. 26,236; parl. burgh, pop. 28,949; royal burgh, pop. 27,207; police burgh, pop. 26,951; town, pop. 28,980; 8 Banks, 3 news-papers. Market-day, Friday. The parl. and royal burgh, and the town, extend into Kinnoull, Scone, and Tibbermore pars. Perth is situated amid enchanting scenery, and is overlooked from a short distance by finely wooded eminences, which command magnificent views. Two public meadows or parks, called the North Inch and the South Inch, extend along the right bank of the Tay, and on the opposite side of the river (which is crossed, by a handsome 9-arched bridge, 840 ft. long) is the suburb of Bridgend. Perth was for some time called St John..s Town or St Johnstoun, and was long regarded as the capital of Scotland, being a favourite residence of the kings. It still takes precedence of all royal burghs except Edinburgh. It is remarkable for the wealth of its historical associations. It was also remarkable for the magnificence of its ecclesiastical buildings, of which the ancient church of St John still remains. The General Convict Prison for Scotland, at the South Inch, is a very extensive building, having been originally erected in 1812 for French prisoners of war. The chief industries of Perth are dyeing and the mfr. of ink and gauge-glasses. The mfrs. of linen, winceys, floorcloth, ropes and twine, and chemicals are also carried on. There are several breweries and iron foundries. Perth is an important centre for the sale of live stock and other agricultural produce. The river is navigable to the town for vessels under 200 tons. (For shipping statistics, see Appendix.) The burgh returns 1 member to Parliament.