Westerkirk Library
Westerkirk Library in the village of Bentpath is the oldest still in use in Scotland. It was started in 1791 by the miners at Jamestown. Beside the library stands a memorial to Thomas Telford the famous Civil Engineer who left £1,000 in his will to the library which grew to £2,700 when his estate was finally settled.
Born at Jamestown in August 1757 Telford started work at the age of 15 as an apprentice stone mason in Lochmaben, when this did not work out he went to Langholm to complete his apprenticeship with Andrew Thompson. During his career he built 1,117 bridges and 920 miles of roads. He was also responsible for the Ellesmere Canal and Saint Catherine's Dock in London
He was awarded a Swedish knighthood, his work also extended to Russia, Austria, Poland and Germany. Thomas Telford died in London on 2 September 1834 and is buried at Westminster Abbey.
Contact
Mr
Billy
Johnstone
Benpath
Langholm
Dumfries & Galloway
DG13
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1387) 70287
