Location and coordinates are for the approximate centre of Brechin within this administrative area. Geographic features and populated places may cross administrative borders.
Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew
Brechin, par., parl. and royal burgh, and mkt. town, E. Forfarshire, on river S. Esk, 5 miles W. of Montrose and 490 miles from London by rail -- par., 14,313 ac., pop 10,490; parl. burgh, pop. 9031; royal burgh, pop. 5295; 6 Banks, 1 newspaper. Market-day, Tuesday. Flax-spinning, linen weaving, bleaching, distilling, and brewing are carried on. David I. founded a bishopric here in 1150, and a portion of the old cathedral is now the parish church. Adjacent to the church is a singular round tower (85 ft. high), similar to that at Abernethy. Brechin was formerly a walled town, and was burned by Montrose in 1645. Dr Guthrie (l803-1873), pulpit orator and philanthropist, was born here. The town unites with Montrose, Forfar, Arbroath, and Bervie in returning 1 member to Parliament. Adjacent to town is Brechin Castle, seat of the Earl of Dalhousie, with library rich in MSS.; 2 miles W. of the town is the village of Little Brechin.