1840 in Scotland
Events from the year 1840 in Scotland .
Incumbents
Law officers
Judiciary
Events
10 January – Uniform Penny Post introduced throughout the United Kingdom, replacing the Uniform Fourpenny Post of 1839. From 6 May, the Penny Black , the world's first postage stamp , becomes valid for prepayment of postage. Advocates of the scheme include Robert Wallace (MP for Greenock) and James Chalmers .14 January – the first known baptisms by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland take place in the River Clyde at Bishopton when Samuel Mulliner, a Scot who joined the church in Canada, baptizes Alexander and Jessie Hay. In May, Orson Pratt preaches from Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh .[ 1] July – last known great auk in the British Isles caught and later killed on the islet of Stac an Armin , St Kilda, Scotland .[ 2] [ 3] [ 4]
4 July – the Cunard Line 's 700-ton wooden paddle steamer RMS Britannia , launched by Robert Duncan & Company at Greenock on 5 February, departs from Liverpool bound for Halifax , Nova Scotia , on the first steam transatlantic passenger mail service. Scottish marine engineer Robert Napier is a major partner in the venture and has supplied the ship's engine.[ 5] 21 July – first burial at the Southern Necropolis in Glasgow .12 August – the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway is opened throughout between Glasgow Bridge Street railway station and Ayr ,[ 6] 15 August – foundation stone of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh is laid.[ 7] 31 August – the Slamannan Railway is opened.Approximate date – Forglen House , designed by John Smith , is completed.[ 8]
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Deaths
See also
References
11th century 12th century 13th century 14th century 15th century 16th century 17th century 18th century 19th century 20th century 21st century
