Burgess ticket for the Burgh of Stranraer with seal

Burgess ticket for the Burgh of Stranraer, in the name of John Douglas, 1798.   A Burgess was a merchant or craftsman who owned property within a Burgh.  The title of Burgess could be obtained by inheritance, by marriage, by purchase or by gift of the Burgh.   A Burgess would be responsible for the security and running of the Burgh.  He would also benefit from privileges such as the right to trade in the Burgh at reduced rates, have use of the town weight and be entitled to send their children to the Burgh school or academy.  Families of a Burgess were also entitled to certain privileges from the Burgh.