During the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, called the Protectorate, the Scottish burghs of Dumfries, Sanquhar, Lochmaben, Annan, Wigtown, Kirkcudbright, Whithorn and New Galloway were jointly represented by one Member of Parliament in the House of Commons at Westminster from 1654 until 1659. Elections were held at Dumfries.(Further information: First Protectorate Parliament § Scotland)