Act Book of the Convenery of Deacons of the Trades of Edinburgh, 1577-1755

The Convenery consisted of the Deacons of each of the principal fourteen incorporated trades of the burgh, plus two trades councillors. Six of the Deacons, known as Council Deacons (or sometimes as "Ordinary Deacons"), were full members of the Town Council; the remaining eight Deacons were known as Extraordinary Deacons and were called upon to have voice and vote in the Council only on particular occasions, which included most importantly the annual election of the magistrates. This books is a transcription of the early Act Books from 1577-1755.