| The Burghs - National Museums Scotland |
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© Tigershark Limited and NMS 2006
A burgh could protect itself by walls and gates. It could elect officials to make local laws.
Most importantly it could trade – make money through its markets and manufacturing, for which duties and taxes would be paid to the royal coffers.
And though not all burghs survived, many prospered – which is why towns and cities, from Aberdeen to Dumfries, can trace their origins back to the granting of charters in the 12th century