Other current and historical names
Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Arbroath within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Arbroath, or Aberbrothock (old name), par., parl. and royal burgh, and seaport, at mouth of river Brothock, Forfarshire, 17 miles NE. of Dundee and 475 from London by rail -- par., 943 ac., pop. 9493; parl. burgh, pop. 21,758; 5 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-day, Saturday. The industries are of considerable importance, consisting chiefly of sail-cloth and leather mfrs., also flax and jute spinning. Chief exports -- grain, potatoes, fish, and paving-stones. (For shipping statistics, see Appendix.) The Abbey, founded by King William the Lion in 1178, is now in ruins. From a signal tower, 50 ft. in height, with an excellent telescope, communication may be kept up with the Bell Rock lighthouse, which rises from the sea 12 miles to the SE. At St Vigeans Church, about 1 mile from the town, is an interesting sculptured stone bearing a legible Pre-historic inscription. The burgh unites with Brechin, Forfar, Montrose, and Inverbervie in returning 1 member to Parliament.