Charters and Documents Relating to the Burgh of Paisley. Edited,
-with Introduction, by W. M. Metcalfe, D.D. (Alexander Gardner, Paisley. 215. net.)—The town of Paisley grew up round the monastery, which, founded in 1172—this was the date of the settling of the monks in their abode—became one of the richest houses in Scotland. It was promoted to the rank of an Abbey in course of time, and its rise in wealth and honour meant the rise of the town also. It went the way of the religious houses in the airteenth century, but the burgh was firmly enough established to prosper without it. All this, and the later development of Paisley up to the year 1625, will be found set forth generally in Dr. Metcalfe's careful introduction. We may remark, in refer- ence to a recent contention, that Paisley Abbey at least was destroyed by the Reformers. Archbishop Hamilton stood stoutly in its defence, and must certainly be acquitted of any share in its downfall.
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