For the reasons assigned in the historical department, the population
of the town is supposed to have been considerable from the time
of the accession of the Stewarts to the throne; approaching, probably,
to about one-half of what it is at present. Nothing, however,
can be said with certainty as to its amount, at any date prior
to 1755; when, according to the return made to Dr Webster, the
population of the parish was 3951. In 1792, by an accurate survey,
it was found to he 4698. By the Government census in 1801, it
was 5256; by that in 1811, nearly 6000; in 1821, 7833; in 1831,
excluding a few places, which on this occasion, and perhaps in
the former cases, were included, but which really belong to the
parish of Logie, 8499, of which 3876 were males, and 4623 females;
and by that of the present year 1841, 8914.* The population of
the town and castle of Stirling is 8581. In that portion of the
town which is in the parish of St Ninian's there are 270 persons;
in the villages of Raploch and Abbey, 549; in the rural portion
of the parish, 104. The probable causes of the increase, which
has taken place progressively since about the middle of last century,
have been already traced to their source in the peaceful settlement
of the country. The agriculture of the fertile district, of which
Stirling is the centre, has been improved. An impulse has been
given to trade and manufactures. The passage of travellers through
the town has immensely increased with the increasing inducements
presented, and facilities given, to intercourse between different
parts of the kingdom; and, in partictilar by the opening
up of the High lands to tourists and other visitors. And in proportion
as the attractions of Stirling itself have been increased, a greater
number of strangers have been led to settle in it.
In this are included the resident station and garrison in the
castle, amounting to 268 persons; and the prisoners in the jail,
to 54
There are no resident nobility in the parish; and the number of
individuals, or families, of independent fortune residing in it,
it is impracticable to ascertain. The number of landowners of
L. 50 annual value and upwards, is 10. The average number of persons
in a family is nearly 4½. The people are not remarkable for
strength, size, complexion, or any other personal qualities. The
number of insane persons is 8; fatuous, 6; blind, 4; deaf and
dumb, 4. The people are not peculiar in respect of language, customs,
domestic habits, or comforts. In all these respects, they partake
of the character of that part of the lowlands of Scotland which
borders on the Highlands; from which, immigrations are frequently
taking place of individuals and families, who for a time retain
their peculiarities, until they gradually assume the general character
of the population.
Pawnbroking is carried on to a great extent; and, instead
of proving any effectual relief to the poor, aggravates the evil,
from which they resort to it for aid. The same class of persons,
who avail themselves of this delusive remedy, are in too many
instances already demoralized by the use of ardent spirits; and
it rapidly accelerates their downward progress.