A selection of 41 volumes from the library of the Rev Alexander Orrock (1652-1711), minister of Hawick (1691-1711), consisting of theological works, mainly of the 17th century, in both English and continental printings. Born in Fife, Orrock studied at St Salvator's College at St Andrews University, where he graduated in 1668. While he was minister of Dundee in 1688, he was removed from preaching for having allegedly called King James VII/II an 'idolater', and was also known for his strong anti-Episcopalian views. In 1711 the Orrock signed a bequest for 9,000 Scots merks to fund the town's first grammar school. From his funds, the Orrock Bursary was competed for by local schoolchildren every three years until well into the 20th century. His library was bequeathed to his successor as minister of Hawick.

Organisation

The books have been catalogued individually and have the shelfmark 'Orr.'.

Acquisition

The collection was deposited in 1980 by the Minister and Session of Hawick Old Parish Church.

References

'Rev Alexander Orrock, Hawick: born 1652, died 1711', JJ Vernon, Transactions of the Hawick Archaeological Society, Session 1909, 11-45.