Lambroughton

Lambroughton is in the old Barony of Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire, Scotland. This is a rural area famous for its milk and cheese production and the Ayrshire or Dunlop breed of cattle.

Origins of the name

The surname and place name both appear to be derived from that of the clan McLamroch. Only a handful of people in Great Britain have that name today. McLandsborough, Landsborough, Landsburgh, Lamroch, Lamrochton, Lamrock, Lamberton are all variants. The lands of Lambroughton lie in the parish of Dreghorn and have therefore given rise to a fairly common personal name. Several graves in the neighbouring parish church of Kilmaurs-Glencairn carry the name Lamberton, a William Lambroughton was the 'Kilmaurs poet' (See Additional notes) and the name is now found all over the World. A Laird of Lamrochton is recorded in the 14th. century.

Kilmaurs-Glencairn Church and the Glencairn Aisle, burial place of the Lords and Earls of Glencairn from the old Orchard

The place name has many variants, such as, Lambruchton, Lambrochton, Lambrachton, Lambrachtoune, Lambroughtoune, Lambriegton and Lambristoune. The 'Mc' part of the name was dropped and Lamrochton became Lambroughton after passing through several intermediate stages. At this time, due to Queen Margaret, niece of Edward the Confessor and the second wife of Malcolm Canmore (1058–1093), it was customary to anglicise surnames and many families did so, such as Andrews, Adams, Campbell, etc. The Highlanders called her the 'Accursed Margaret', to the Lowlanders she became St.Margaret!(Best 1999). There is a parallel to this in the Isle of Man where few signs remain of the old patronymic system remain. Today (2006) there are several farms with 'Lambroughton' incorporated, namely 'Townhead of Lambroughton', 'East Lambroughton', 'West Lambroughton' and 'Mid Lambroughton'. Timothy Pont's map of 'Cuninghamia', surveyed in the early 1600s (1604–1608), but not published until the 1654 by J.Blaeu indicates the place names of 'Lambrochmill', 'Mains of Lambrochton' and 'Lambrochton B.(bridge?)'. Ainslie in 1821 only names Lambriegtonend for Townhead of Lamb. and Lambriegton for Mid Lambroughton.

Origins of the name Cunninghame

Robertson states that the name is variously described as originating from the Danish appellation 'King's House' or the Gaelic Cuineag, a 'milkchurn'. In this context Pont in 1604 records that the parishes of Dunlop and Stewarton produced very significant amounts of butter, with "One aker of ground heir zeilding more butter then 3 akers of ground in aney ye nixt adiacent countreyes."

Another possibility stated by McNaught is that the name derives from the coney or rabbit country. This is not as unlikely as it might sound, for Hart-Davis points out that no Anglo-Saxon or Celtic word for 'rabbit' exists and no mention is made of them in the Domesday Book of 1086, also 'coneys' were adults and the term rabbits was only used for the young. The Normans, such as Warnebald, introduced the species for their meat and fur. They were either kept in warrens within stone walls or kept on small islands, such as on Little Cumbrae (McNaught). Only later did they escape into the wild and become a successful member of the British fauna. Black rabbits were especially valued for their fur. Significantly a pair of coneys are the supporters on the Earls of Glencairns coat of arms. The use of a pictoral rhyming pun is called a rebus and is very commonm on coats of arms.

Another theory is that the name derives from that of Cunedda ap Edern who lived in the mid 5th. Century. The Latin form of his name is Cunetacius and the English is Kenneth. He is also known as Cunedda Wledig ('the Imperator') as he was an important early Welsh or Brythonic leader, originally from the area known as Manau Goddin with its capital at Dunedin or as it is now known, Edinburgh. He was a famous leader and the progenitor of the royal dynasty of Gwynedd. His name 'Cunedda' derives from the Brythonic word counodagos, meaning 'good lord'. He drove the Irish out of North Wales and left behind a reputation which has become bound up in myth and legend.

By the early 1200s the family had taken the surname of Cunynghame now Cunninghame. Paterson (1863-66), a man brought up in Kilmaurs parish, argues that the original name was Cunigham and that local people pronounced it that way until relatively recently. McNaught in 1912 confirms this and states that the name all over Scotland is still pronounced "Kinikam".

Robertson points out that the various branches of the family spell their name differently; as Cunninghame for Glencairn and Corsehill, Cuninghame for Caddel and Monkredding, Cunningham for Baidland and Clonbeith and finally Cuningham for Glengarnock. It is said by Chalmers in his Caledonia as quoted by McNaught, that the settlement of Kilmaurs was known as Conygham until it was changed sometime in the thirteenth century.

The modern view is that the name Kilmaurs is derived from the Gaelic Cil Mor Ais, meaning Hill of the Great Cairn (Young 2001).

The Cunninghame family's connection with Lambroughton

The feudal allocation of tenements to the vassals of the overlord (de Morville) was carried out very carefully, with the boundaries being walked and carefully recorded (Dillon 1950). The term 'ton' at this time was added to the site of the dwelling house, not necessarily a grand stone-built structure, which was bounded by a wall or fence. The tenements were held in a military tenure, the land being in exchange for military assistance to the overlord. In later years the military assistance could be exchanged for financial payment. Robertson (1820) records Lambruchton as one of the many lands held by the De Morvilles.

It is likely that the Lambrough ton mentioned in the early records refer to the site the farm now known as Townhead of Lambroughton. Pont records a Mains of Lambrochtoun in 1604 and as the term 'mains' refers to the home farm of an estate, cultivated by or for the 'owner' (Robinson 1985), then we can assume that the main dwelling was here or hereabouts.

It should be noted that it was the custom of a landowner or farmer to take the name of the land which he owned or cultivated.

Warnebald/Wernebald or Vernebald from Flanders was a vassal of Hugo de Morville (died 1202), hereditary Constable of Scotland. They both came to Scotland via Burg in Cumbria. Hugo, who came from Morville in the department of Manche in Normandy, granted the Barony of Kilmaurs to Wernebald in around 1140 and Lambrochton was the most important of the lands given in this grant (Beattie 1990). The De Morvilles also held Appleby and Pendragon Castles and lands in Cumbria at this time (Salter 2002).

The earliest reference to the use of the Lambroughton name in any form of personal context seems to be that of a Gulielmus (William) de Lambristoune who was a witness to a charter conveying the lands of Pokellie (Pokelly) from Sir Gilchrist More to a Ronald Mure at a date around 1280. We do not know if this Guilielmus was a Cunninghame, however we are told by by Timothy Pont the cartographer and topographer in the early 1600s that Lambrouchtoune was the 'ancientest inheritance of the predecessors of the Cunninghames of Glencairne'.

The Barony of Kilmaurs was composed of the lands of Buston (now Buiston), Fleuris (now Floors), Lambroughton, Whyrrig, now Wheatrig and previously Quhytrige (Commisariot 1547), and Southwick or Southuck (now South Hook). South Hook (previously also Southeuck or Seurnbenck) is near Knockentiber and was part of the tenement of Lambroughton within the barony, showing that the lands of Lambroughton were fairly sizeable at one time.

King Alexander II (1198 – 1249) gave the whole barony of Kilmaurs to Henry de Conyghame and then it is recorded that all the lands of Cunyngham were granted to a Robert Stuart, son of Walter (before 1321).

The Barony was originally held by the powerful De Morville family who were related to John Baliol through his mother, Devorgilla, a daughter of the De Morville family and the founder of Sweetheart Abbey in Kirkcudbright. The De Morville's were also related to another claimant for the Scottish crown, John Cumyn, Earl of Buchanan, John Baliol's nephew. Bruce and his supporters murdered John Cumyn in the church at Dumfries. Baliol lost the crown to Robert the Bruce, who ruled from 1306 – 1329, then rewarded his loyal supporters, the Cunninghames, by granting the lands of Lambrachton and Polquharne (also Polcarn) to a Hugo de Cunynghame of Lambroughton who died without issue and in 1321 the king then gave the lands of Lambrachton and Grugere to Robertus de Conyngham of Kilmaurs. This Robert was then known as Robert de Cunninghame of Lambroughton. Alan de La Zuche and William de Ferreres who had held these lands previously from Hugh de Morville (see Floors Farm) were sent into exile. Alan de La Zuche gave rise to the Ashby De La Zuche family and town, whilst the Marquis of Townshend is the direct descendant of William De Ferreres. The De Ferreres family came over from Ferrieres-St.Hilaire in Normandy with Duke William and had extensive lands in England, founding Merevale, Darley & Abbey Dore abbeys (Barber 1993).

The importance of the tenement is illustrated by the fact that William Cunninghame of Lamberton (see 'Lamberton in the Scottish Borders') (1297–1328) was Archbishop of St.Andrews in 1322 (McNaught 1912) and he was the 'Guardian of Scotland' for a time during the inter-regnum when Cumyn, Baliol and Bruce were disputing the crown of Scotland. At the battle of Bannockburn he never failed his younger friend, indeed, it was he who observed the crucial moment in battle where the Scots, greatly outnumbered, were beginning to flag. It was at that point he decided to take a hand and leaving the safety of the Scots baggage train, he led the charge of the 'small folk' — women, old men and others who had been injured or otherwise excluded from the fighting — armed with sticks, kitchen knives, meat cleavers, indeed, anything they could lay their hands on — to the aid of the flagging Scots. It was this crucial intervention which finally turned the battle. From a distance, the English mistook them for a fresh army, and the sheets and blankets they had tied to poles to be banners and flags. In that moment, the Battle of Bannockburn was won.

William was also charged with the responsibility for disbanding the Knight's Templars in Scotland and probably allowed them to escape gaol and execution in exchange for finance, weapons and other assistance against the English. He died in 1328 and was buried at St. Andrews.

King Robert III (1340 – 1406) granted the lands of Lambrochton and Kilmaurs to Sir William Cuninghame. Robert Stewart, first Duke of Albany (Brother of King Robert III) later granted these lands to Robert Cuninghame. In 1413 Sir William de Cunynghame (McNaught 1912) Lord of Kilmaurs endowed the collegiate church at Kilmaurs with all of his lands of the Southuck (now South Hook) within the tenement of Lambrachtoun and other properties. The income was to pay for three priests to say prayers for the safety of his soul, that of his parents and of Hervy the church's founder, etc.

The Cunninghame chiefs seem to have only a slight connection with the barony of Kilmaurs after 1484 when Finlaystone appears to have become the family seat. In 1616 many parcels of land belonging to the Barony of Kilmaurs were disposed of, together with Kilmaurs place and other possessions (McNaught 1912). In 1520 Lambrochton was acquired by Hugh, first Earl of Eglintoun (see Townhead of Lambroughton). Paterson (1866) states that Lambruchton was one of the lands inherited by Alexander Cuninghame of Corshill in May 1546, held by right of Royal Charter.

In 1640 Johne Conyngham held part of the lands of Langmure, probably including Lambroughton, at a valuation of £200 a year, the rest being held by Stewart Fergushill at £66, 12 shillings and 10 pence (Dobie 1876).

In 1667 Mr. John Cuninghame of Lambrughton was one of the thirteen Commissioners of Supply for Ayrshire. The main purpose of the commissioners was to organise the collection, in an effective manner, of taxes. Their significance was that they held their power directly from royal authority and not as a feudal right. They later took on the role of organising education and the control of roads, bridges and ferrys. They were replaced in 1890 by the County Councils, but survived with a few vestigial functions until 1929 (Strawhorn 1975).

Sir John Cunninghame of Lambroughton was the patron of Dreghorn and Kilmaurs kirks in 1670. He was an advocate and obtained the sanction of parliament to use vacant stipends for the purpose of repairing churches and manses in these parishes (McNaught 1912).

In 1675 Sir John Cunninghame Bart., conveyed to Robert Cunningham, druggist / apothecary, Edinburgh, the lands of 'Langmuir, Langsyde, Auldtoun and Lambrochtoune in whose family they seem to have remained until 1820, when George Cunninghame was the owner. This same Robert was cousin German to Anne, daughter of Sir Robert Cunynghame of Auchinharvie and inherited the lands of Crivoch-Lindsay, together with Crivoch corn mill and Fairlie-Crivoch, including the Chapel lands and glebe of Fairlie-Crivoch. See Chapeltoun.

It is likely that the Lambroughton's were a cadet family of the Cunninghames of Kilmaurs.

Townhead of Lambroughton (Lambrochtoune) itself must have passed to the Longmuirs by 1734 as it is recorded by McNaught that Gabriel Longmuir of what is now High Langmuir owned the farm at this date.

Legend of Friskin and Malcom Canmore

One version of the story is given by Robert Cunnighame in 1740. In his manuscript, entitled the Right Honorable the Earl of Glencairn's family, MacBeth murders his cousin, King Duncan I and the king's son, Malcolm Canmore (big head in gaelic) tries to reach temporary safe refuge in his castle of Corsehill (also Crosshill) outside Stewarton.

A 1791 View of Corsehill House on the site of what is often called Ravenscraig Castle. Only the Tower of Masonry remains today

Ravenscraig or Corsehill Castle showing the remains left after the railway demolished most of the ruins

MacBeth's men were almost upon Malcolm when he sees a peasant, Friskin (or Friskine), turning hay in a barn nearby. Friskin hides Malcolm who then escapes to England with Friskin as a retainer. King Harthacanute of England and Norway gave them protection. When Harthacanute died, his successor King Edward the Confessor gave Malcolm an army which permitted him to conquer Scotland and kill King MacBeth at the Battle of Lumphanan in 1057 (Best 1999). The grateful King Malcolm III (1031 to 1093) gave Friskine the thanedom or Baillery of Cunninghame and the family took this name, together with the motto of 'Over fork over' which they retain to this day (Robertson 1908). It is also said that the Cunninghames were 'Masters of the king's horses' and that they took their motto from this position in the 'punning way' which is typical of the armorial bearings and mottos of many an aristocratic family.

In another version of the story, it is stated by Frederick van Bassen (Douglas 1764) who was a learned Norwegian, that the saviour of Malcolm was actually a Malcolm, son of Friskin, however in other respects the story is the same.

This story does not fit with the historical record, however it is of ancient origin and a grain of truth must in some way relate it to real events. The lands given to the family would have included the tenement of Lambroughton.

Lambroughton and the murder of Thomas Becket

In 1887 it is recorded (McNaught 1912) that a manuscript containing the genealogy of the Cunninghames of Glencairn states the following;-

"The founder of the family of Cunningham was Neil Cunningham, designed governor of Lambroughton, born in England in the year of our Lord, 1131. Being ane English gentleman , and come of ane ancient family, he, together with others, was enticed or rather forced by his lawful prince, King Henry II of England, his private orders, to commit murder upon the person of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, which he accordingly put in execution 30th. Decr., 1172, after which he was held in so great hatred by his countrymen that for shelter from their fury he flees to Scotland and takes up habitation in the country of Cunningham, after which he becomes in great favour with our King for his good service in saving the King's life at ane battle in Cunningham at Kilmairs, where he was enclosed by his enemies, and for which good service in saving the King's life he obtained from the King the lands of Lambroughton, and was made sole governor thereof." This Neil married the daughter of the Laird of Arnot and had four sons.

This version does not agree with the others, however it does confirm an ancient battle in the vicinity of Kilmaurs, involving King Malcolm III (Douglas 1764).

Lamberton in the Scottish Borders

The seal of Bishop William de Lamberton.

Logan Mack records that a village of the name Lamberton once existed in the Scottish Borders at the extreme north and east end of the border march, near Berwick. It was destroyed in 1548 by a raid led by the Earl of Hertford and only a farm of that name remains today. It is suggested that the name came from the Saxon first name Lambert and the placename was in was in use by 1098. We know of a William, Henry and a John de Lamberton; Logan Mack states that it probably from this ancient family that the famous William Lamberton, Archbishop of St. Andrews arose. This archbishop's special fame derives from his role in advising and assisting King Robert the Bruce in his ultimately successful efforts to throw off the English yoke.

Only further research will finally settle the question of any relationship between the two Lambertons, however McNaught states that William was a Cunninghame of Lambroughton.

Townhead of Lambroughton

Armstrong's map of 1775 shows a Lamberton, Pont's map of the 1600s shows a Mains of Lambrochton, Arrowsmith in 1807 shows Lamberton, Ainslie's map of 1821 shows a Lambrieghtonend and finally Aitken's map of 1829 gives a Townhead of Lamberton, occupied by a Mr. Orr esq. By 1866 Alexander Orr Esq. is the owner (Dobie 1876). The name Lambroughton Head is however indicated by the 1858 and 1895 OS maps, but finally by 1897 the 6 to the mile OS shows the name Townhead of Lambroughton which it has retained ever since.

The old Stewarton to Irvine road seems to have run through the group of buildings at Lambroughton and as it no longer does then its course would probably have been altered when the turnpike raod was constructed in the 1760s. The old entrance onto the Chapeltoun to Kilmaurs road is no longer in use, but it may represent part of the original route of the 1775 road and some evidence of a road running through the farmyard and out to run behind Laigh Castleton farm is evident from ground conditions (Forrest 2006). A lane also ran off a crossroads (now a 'T' junction of sorts) near Floors and ran down to the farm as shown on Ainslie's 1821 map. A lane ran from Mid Lamb. directly to Townhead of Lamb. until the turnpike was constructed.

McNaught states that one Hugh Lamberton, a merchant of Glasgow, left £300 in the early 1800s as the Lamberton Mortification to be used to provide fuel, food or clothing for the local poor. He may of come from Townhead of Lambroughton as he was obviously a man with strong local connections.

File:Chapeltounterrace.jpg

Chapeltoun Terrace in 2006.

A marriage stone built into a wall on the farm reads 'AL MR 1707'. This may be Alexander Langmuir, however it predates the ownership of the farm by his father Gabriel Longmuir in 1734. Another stone bears a date which seems to be 1724 and was part of a two story building demolished recently (2006).

Reid's Family History gives us the occupants, but not necessarily the owners, with Alexander Langmuir in 1532, John in 1603, Alexander in 1609 and his first wife Isabel (nee Langmure) and daughter Isabel. His second wife was Janet Tod. In 1666 we have Alexander Langmure, John Langmuir in 1710, Alexander in 1721, John Langmuir in 1730 and Gabriel Langmuir in 1730, who as stated below, was an owner occupier. Alexander Langmuir was living here in 1762. The records of Dreghorn Parish church give us these dates as the family tradition was to become Church Elders.

Townhead of Lambroughton (Lambrochtoune) itself must have passed to the Longmuirs by 1734 as it is recorded by McNaught that Gabriel Longmuir of what is now High Langmuir owned the farm at this date. In 1820 Robertson gives Lambertonhead a rental value of £118, the proprietor being William Orr, Esq.

Sunset over Stewarton.

As stated, Lambrouchton-head was owned in 1734 by Gabriel Longmuir (Dobie 1876) who was succeeded by Alexander Longmuir, whose sister, Margaret, married William Orr in Langmuir, Kilmaurs. Their eldest son William Orr succeeded to the property in 1808 and built the present mansion house. William married Grizell Lock of Hollybush in Paisley and had eight sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Alexander inherited the property in 1856 and married Margaret Gilmour of Dunlop. They had seven children who inherited the property conjointly. Alexander Orr Esquire of Lambroughton Mains died on 5th. June 1860, aged 62, however Margaret lived on until the age of 92, dying on the 22nd December, 1909. They were both buried in Dreghorn parish churchyard.

Townhead of Lambroughton is include in Davis's book and he records it as being a small estate long independent of the larger estates which surround it and comments on the old building of 1724.

The placename changed from Mains of Lambroughton in 1604, to Lambroughton-end in 1821, to Lambroughton-Head in 1858 and finally to Townhead of Lambroughton by 1897. The name change reflects the status of the site, from firstly being a 'ton' of the tenement held by the feudal vassal to a small estate amongst other Lambroughton farms to a modern farm amongst others of equal status. The usage of Townhead, Mid and Townend is quite commonly found when the same identifying 'surname' name is used.

Langmuir and its connection with Townhead of Lambroughton

The estate of Langmuir (now High Langmuir) used to include Auldtoun (previously Auldtoune), Langsyde, part of Lambroughton and also part of Busbie (McNaught 1912).

Robertson has the family of Langmuir of Langmuir (Pont gives Langmoor) in his desiderata appendix as an ancient and respected family who are either extinct or no longer live in the area. He asks for any details of the family to be passed to him (1823).

East Lambroughton Farm

Thomson's map of 1828 does not mark this farm, however Aitken's map of 1829 names the farm as Lamberton, however by 1858 the name becomes East Lambroughton, presumably to clarify potential confusion with the other farms, as indicated by the 6 to the mile OS map. East Lambroughton is show but not named on the 1895 OS. East Lambroughton is not marked on the Pont's (1604) or Armstrong's (1775) map.

East Lambroughton Farm in 2004, viewed from the Farm Labourers houses at Chapeltoun, with East Lambroughton Cottages in near the distance

James Nairn was christened on 30 October 1788 in Stewarton. James lived in East Lambroughton in the 1841 and 1851 censuses. He died there on 17 October 1861. No record of marriage or children exists. The parents of local character, businessman, steam, tractor and agricultural implements enthusiast Frank 'Rob Roy' Neill lived here for a short while after they were married, moving to Kilmaurs after about a year. Frank's father was a Traction Engine Driver as witnessed by the Birth Certificate of his son. The father of Davie Smith of Peacockbank Farm was born here. Mr. Tom & Mrs. Nancy Forrest lived at East Lambroughton Cottages when they were first built. The Forrests moved to Byres Farm.

East Lambroughton Farm from the old Entrance to Townhead of Lambroughton at the Lochridge Burn Bridge

The farmhouse was eventually divided into three separate 'flats' with the three families being McNiven, Rae and Kelly (Forrest 2006). The McNiven's were the first occupants of Number 3, Chapeltoun Terrace and the Rae's were the first to occupy Number 4. Jimmy Rae had been the Ploughman at Castleton Farm. These council built houses are just across the field from the old farm buildings. Number 3 was later occupied in their retirement by John and Minnie Hastings of West Lambroughton and the Bull family lived at Number 1.

A traveller named Stanley Macallan lived as an unofficial occupant of the upper room for a while in the late 1980s (Roberts 2006).

Mid Lambroughton Farm

Mid Lambroughton in 2006

Aitken's 1829 map gives the name Mid Lamberton and Ainslie's 1821 map only records the farm as Lambreighton. The farm is not marked on the Pont's (1604) or Armstrong's (1775) map. The farm was originall a single story height and was thatched, however following a fire it was given a second floor, the changes being clearly 'readable' in the stonework of the external walls. During renovations a fire charred beam was found, strong enough to have been retained. James Forrest was a noted botanist and an active member of the Kilmarnock Glenfield Ramblers around the 1930's. It is marked on the 1858 OS with a milestone ( Irvine 5 3/4 miles and Stewarton 1 mile) opposite its entrance, but now buried (see 'The Turnpike'). Close to the farm in a field near the 'cut' in the main road, is a depression, which is said locally to be the site of a meteorite strike. When new shed were being constructed circa 1950 a stone axe head was found, now preserved in the Dick Institute (Forrest 2006).

West Lambroughton Farm

Aitken's 1829 map gives the name as both South and West Lamberton on different pages. The farm is not marked on the Pont's (1604) or Armstrong's (1775) map. The farm does not appear on Ainslie's 1821 map, however it does appears on Thomson's 1828 map, confusingly with Townhead of Lamb. next to it, probably in error, both lying on a lane which runs down to a ford across the river Annick at Bankend. John Allan and his wife Margaret Hunter lived here in the 19th Century. John died, aged 67 in 1885 and was buried in Dreghorn Parish churchyard.

Lambroch Bridge

Lambroch bridge could be a bridge over the Annick, however it seems to be located by Pont where the Brackenburn has its confluence with the Garrier (Previously Gawreer) burn. Alton, the 'Old Ton' is near to this confluence and a bridge over the rivulet would be important for access as the flow of water would have been much more substantial than today, especially during floods and the bridge could double as a dam if required. The Garrier's name is thought to be derived, according to McNaught, from the Gaelic 'ruigh or righ' meaning 'fast running water', but ironically the Garrier burn is now seasonal as its headwaters are the drained loch at Lochside near Buiston (previously Buston). The word 'Gaw' is the term given to a 'cut made by a plough'. The name is still prounounced locally as 'Gawreer' locally despite the cartographers best efforts to change it to Garrier.

The Buiston loch is famous as the site of the dark ages (Strawhorn 1975) crannog (lake dwelling) discovered and excavated by Duncan McNaught. Another possibility is that the bridge was over the Garrier burn near its confluence with the Lochridge (Lochrig) Burn between Cranshaw (now Hillhead) Farm and Wheatrig Farm. Some Ordnance Survey maps confuse the Brakenburn, which is near Kilmaurs, with the Garrier. A bridge would be a significant feature in the 17th. century, when a ford was the usual way in which rivers were crossed, as dangerous as this was. See the note on Maid Morville's Mound commemorating the drowning of a De Morville daughter at a ford on the river Irvine near Dreghorn.

Lambroughton Crossroads

The Lambroughton Crossroads were the site for festivities wehere the farm hands would meet for singing, dancing and trials of strength (Hastings 1995). One 'ghost story' relates that when a well-liked and respected octogenarian farmer from West Lambroughton passed away in the 1990s, at around midnight on the night before the funeral the sound of dancing in hobnail boots could be heard coming from the crossroads with a Tawny Owl screeching its presence from a nearby telegraph pole for the first and only known time. The height above sea level is 74 metres at the centre of the crossroads.

Lambroch Mill

A view of the old lane that ran down to Lambroch Mill.

The existence of Lambroch Mill is shown up until 1775 (Armstrong, scale 1 inch to 1 Mile), however the positioning is not near the river and unless the Lochridge (formerly Lochrig) burn was used to fill a millpond then the site was probably on the River Annick (previously Annoch (1791-3), Annock or Annack Water) near where the farm of Laigh Castleton formerly Nether Castleton) is situated. At one time Laigh Castleton was part of the Robertland Estate and more recently the Lainshaw estate.

A well made lane runs from Laigh Castleton down to the River Annick. The shape of the enclosure at the end of this road, the presence of piles of stones and what may have been a weir fairly conclusively show this to have been the site of the Lambroch Mill. The 1829 Robert Aitken's survey and the 1858 OS map indicates 'stepping stones' here (the old weir) and a ford a hundred metres or so upstream. A building is indicated, which may have been the grain store on the other side of the river, the ford would have provided easy access. A track from here, the grain store, to High Chapeltoun is shown on one of Aitken's maps. Ploughing in this field did not bring up asany stones, suggesting that this was a wooden building (Smith 2006).

Running from nearly opposite the present entrance to Townhead of Lambroughton is what appears to have been a lane in 1829, leading directly to Lambroch Mill, with hedgerow banks on either side. Grain could have been easily lowered down or flour hauled up from this lane's termination. This lane and the one to the mill site are clearly shown on the 1895 OS map, published in 1897. Laigh Castleton could also have been the miller's dwelling and farm, however it doesn't appear on a map by name until around 1828 (Thomson) as it is missing from Aitken's in 1829; the 1775 map has a building indicated, but it is named Mill, despite being set well back from the river. The name Mill could be interpreted as meaning that Laigh Castleton is linked with the mill though being the miller's dwelling.

Thirlage was the feudal law by which the laird could force all those farmers living on his lands to bring their grain to his mill to be ground. Additionally they had to carry out repairs on the mill, maintain the lade and weir, as well as conveying new millstones to the site. The Thirlage Law was repealed in 1779 (Ferguson 2005) and after this many mills fell out of use as competition and unsubsidised running costs took their toll. This may explain why no sign of the mill is visible on Thomson's 1828 map, Aitken's 1829 map, or the 1858 OS map. Other mills, such as Dalgarven Mill near Kilwinning, survived almost to the present day through a mixture of luck, a reliable water supply and investment at the right time. Dalgarven Mill is now a museum. The last unrestored working mill in Ayrshire was Coldstream near Beith which last worked in 1979; the last traditional Ayrshire miller being Andrew Smith.

Floors Farm

On Aitken's 1829 map Floors is written as Fleurs and in 1572 it was written as Fluris in a charter granted to John Cunninghame of Hill, Kilmaurs. The farm is recorded as Meikle Floors, meaning Large or Big Floors, on the 1911 OS map. One possibility is that the farm is named after William de Ferreres who obtained lands in Lambrachton and Grugere (now Grugar) from Hugo de Morville, upon his marriage to his daughter Margaret in the 1300s (McNaught 1912). Allan de La Zuche married her sister Ela and was also given lands in Lambrachton and Grugere (now Grugar). It is not clear how the lands were apportioned other than the possible application of the name Ferreres to the farm now known as Floors, and thus a Ferreres to Fluris to Fleurs to Floors transition would provide a possible explanation. Floors does not however appear on either Pont's (1604) or Armstrong's (1775) map. Alexander Orr and his wife Mary Galt lived at Mikle Floors, as recorded on their tombstone in Dreghorn parish churchyard. He died in March 1784 aged 73. The family appear to be related to the Orrs of Townhead of Lambroughton.

The Lady Constance coal mine was just across the railway line from the farm and was locally known as the 'Floors Mine'. Another Floors Farm is found at Eaglesham where Rudolf Hess crashed his Messerschmitt Bf 110 in 1941.

Alton, Wheatrig and Hillhead (Cranshaw) Farms

Little Alton had a sluice and a dam indicated in the 1860 OS, causing the Garrier Burn to form a pond in the area on the opposite side of the lane. The purpose of this arrangement is unknown. The name Cothouse is given to these two cottages in Aitken's 1829 map as. A cothouse was a cottage tied to a farm labourer and latterly they were often used as homes for the old and infirm, usually widows. According to Aiton they had 'no internal partitions, no smoke-funnels or glass in the windows and had damp clay floors about 12 feet square. Masons, wrights, smiths, shoe-makers and weavers sometimes lived in buildings of this general description.

A view of the Brackenburn at Little Alton, with Hillhead Wood in the background.

Alton Farm (1912 & 1923), also Aulton (1820), Auldton, Auldtoun, Old Town (1807) and Oldtoun (1654 & 1775) has therefore been referred to as 'old' as far back as the early 17th. century and may therefore have been one of the first 'touns' in the area. Altonhead Farm lies nearby. As noted elsewhere, in 1675 Sir John Cunninghame Bart., conveyed to Robert Cunningham, druggist / apothecary, Edinburgh, the lands of 'Auldtoun, Langmuir, Langsyde and Lambrochtoune in whose family they seem to have remained until 1820, when George Cunninghame was the owner.

A track ran from Wheatrig, (previously Whatrig (Railton 1856), Whiterig in 1775, Whiteriggs in 1832 and Whyrigg in 1654) Farm to Hillhead Farm, previously known as Cranshaw Farm in 1832 and 1821, but not marked in 1775 and named Hillhead by Aitken in 1829 and only as Hillhead from 1860. A 'Cran' in Scots was a 'Crane or Heron' and the 'shaw' or small wood is still present. In the days when the loch was present cranes would have been a common sight and may even have neste din the wood, hence the name. Herons are still very common in the area. No reason for the name change is known. Robertson records that the widow of Mr. James Ross of Whiteriggs (Wheatrig?), Christian Wallace daughter to the Laird of Auchans, married William Rankine of Shiel and thereafter became Lady Dreghorn. She had two children by this marriage, Robert and Catherine.

Between Hillhead Farm and Wheatrig Farm is a dwelling marked as Lochend on the 1860 OS, although it is not marked on earlier or later maps. It lies on the old track that connected the two farms and it is close to the confluence of the Garrier and Lochridge Burns, suggesting that a small loch or lochan could well have existed here. A wet meadow still exists at this point (Neill 2006), suggesting that the loch was drained during the period of agricultural improvements around 1775. A very large underground culvert was built to carry the large volumes of water away from this area, although its course is no longer known locally (Hastings 2006). The Lochridge Burn, Garrier Burn and Brackenburn all merge before Alton Bridge. The old bridge here, with its proximity to the 'Old Toun', may have been the Lambroch Bridge marked on Pont's 1654 map.

The Turnpike and Milestones

Wheeled vehicles were unknown to farmers in the area until the end of the 17th. century and prior to this sledges were used to haul loads (Strawhorn 1951) as wheeled vehicles were useless. Roads were mere tracks and such bridges as there were could only take pedestrians, men on horseback or pack-animals. The first wheeled vehicles to be used in Ayrshire were carts offered gratis to labourers working on Riccarton Bridge in 1726.

The road running up from Cunninghamehead was made into a turnpike by the 'Ayr Roads Act of 1767' (McClure 1994) and the opportunity was taken to move the route away from Townhead of Lambroughton through which it used to run. The date of construction is unclear as the 1775 map doesn't show a new route. The nearest toll house was on the right as the road joins with the Stewarton to Kilmaurs road opposite the site of the old Lainshaw Mill and the Peacockbank toll (Railton 1856) house.

The Toll Road looking towards Cunninghamhead, with Mid Lambroughton on the left

The name 'Turnpike' originated from the original 'gate' used being just a simple wooden bar attached at one end to a hinge on the supporting post. The hinge allowed it to 'open' or 'turn' This bar looked like the 'pike' used as a weapon in the army at that time and therefore we get 'turnpike'. The term was also used by the military for barriers set up on roads specifically to prevent the passage of horses. Other than providing better roads, the turnpikes settled the confusion of the different lengths given to miles (Thompson 1999), which varied from 4,854 to nearly 7000 feet. Long miles, short miles, Scotch or Scot's miles (5,928 feet), Irish miles (6,720 feet), etc. all existed. 5280 seems to have been an average! Another important point is that when these new toll roads were constructed the Turnpike Trusts went to a great deal of trouble to improve the route of the new road and these changes could be quite considerable. The tolls on roads were abolished in 1878 to be replaced by a road assessment, which was taken over by the County Council in 1889.

Red sandstone milestones were positioned every mile. Only one survives in the hedge opposite the entrance to the upper Law Mount field, indicating Stewarton 1 mile and Irvine 6 3/4 miles, another was positioned opposite the entrance to Mid Lambroughton farm and as with the others the only remaining clue is a 'kink' in the hedgerow as seen near Langlands Farm. The milestones were buried during the Second World War so as not to provide assistance to invading troops, German spies, etc. (Wilson 2006). This seems to have happened all over Scotland, however Fife was more fortunate than Ayrshire, for the stones were taken into storage and put back in place after the war had finished (Stephen 1967-68).

The Law Mount Milestone near Castleton Farm

The short section of woodland on the right beyond Castleton heading towards Stewarton is known as Peter's Brae or Peter's Planting on the 1779 estate map and the 1858 OS. The identity of Peter is unknown. Just beyond this point is an entrance gate with sandstone gateposts and a short wall either side, which was the end of the original driveway down from Lochridge House. Later it branched off next to Peacockbank (previously Pearcebank) Farm from what is now the main road, but which didn't exist. One branch went to Stewarton and the other to the Irvine road. The OS map of 1911 clearly shows the routes taken and the 1779 map shows only the old entrance onto the Irvine road.

Limekilns

Limekilns are a common feature of farms in the area and limestone was quarried locally. Limekilns seem to have come into regular use about the 18th century and were located at Wheatrig, Haysmuir, Bonshaw, High Chapeltoun, Sandylands (now Bank End) and Alton. Large limestone blocks were used for building but the smaller pieces were burnt, using coal dug in the parish (Topog Dict Scot) to produce lime which was a useful commodity in various ways: it could be spread on the fields to reduce acidity, for lime-mortar in buildings or for lime-washing on farm buildings. It was regarded as cleansing agent.

Natural History

Hares are a common site on the Kilmaurs road near the Townhead of Lambroughton old entrance, but rabbits are a rarity hereabouts. Foxes can be seen and heard in the woods by the Annick and migrating geese use the fields as a migration stop. Lapwings are an annual visitor as are the swallows and housemartins which nest in the buildings of East Lambroughton farm. Other species present are the pipistrelle bats, moles, hedgehogs, toads, kestrels, treecreepers, ravens, wagtails, sparrows, blue-tits, great-tits, pleasants, snipe, wrens, buzzards, chaffinches, blackbirds, greenfinches, rooks, etc. The rare Hummingbird Hawkmoth was seen near the Lambroughton Crossroads in 1985 and Duncan McNaught also recorded this species in 1912.

The Stewarton Flower

The Stewarton Flower (Kilm Glen Ramb) otherwise known as Pink Purslane (Montia sibirica) is found in damp areas. This plant was introduced from North America, quite possibly at the Lainshaw Estate for in the Anderson Plantation it is almost the dominant undergrowth species. The white flowered variety was introduced here and the normal pink variety spread from elsewhere. As far away as Dalgarven Mill the white flowered variety still dominates. The plant is very adept at reproducing by asexual plantlets and this maintains the white gene pool around Stewarton. The pink variety has not been able to predominate here, unlike almost everywhere else in the lowlands of Scotland, England and Wales.

Other items of interest in the locality

The Law Mount or Moot Hill

The Law Mount (OS maps), Moat Hill (Aitken) or Moot Hill (Smith 1885) overlooking Lainshaw House and above Castleton (previously Over or High Castleton) is an artificial mound which was thought to have a bailey and therefore a castle motte, hence the name of the farms. Linge is of the opinion that the supposed bailey is a natural geographic feature. The mound is 19m in diameter and 3.5m in height. At the top its diameter is 12m.

File:MootHill.jpg

The Moot Hill or Law Mount above the River Annick near Castleton Farm

A Motte of Castleton is recorded in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland as being specifically excluded by King James from a grant of lands such as Lainshaw, Robertland and Gallowberry to Alexander Hume. This could indicate that it was a castle and it was sufficiently important as a fortified place as to be of some strategic or political importance to the King. A MacBeth Hill is mentioned as being part of the lands of Lainshaw by Robertson (1823) and this site is one possible holder of that name, given its royal importance.

Another possibility that suggests the secondary use of the mound and fits with its more recent local names, is that it was the site of the Justice Hill where proclamations of the Lainshaw Castle Barony Court's judgements and sentence was carried out here. For serious crimes the men were hung here and women were drowned in the Annick Water below the mound. This situation, known as the feudal Barony right of 'pit and gallows' existed at many other sites, such as at Kilmarnock, Ardrossan, Dalry, Carnell and Mugdock where the castle, mound and lochan have this scenario attached to their history. The Boyds, Lords of Kilmarnock, had their gallows at Gallows-Knowe which stood in Wellington street (McKay 1880). Brehons or Judges administered justice from these 'Court Hills', especially in the highlands. Aiket castle had a court hill mound nearby and the village of Tinwald exists near Dumfries its name is derived from the same root as that of the famous Tynwald parliament site in the Isle of Man.

High Castleton had been a part of the Robertland Estate and was farmed by William Smith and his spouse Jessie Gibson in the late 18th century. William died aged 83 on the 14th December 1913, whilst Jessie passed away aged 64 on the 7th April 1895. They were both buried at the Laigh Kirk, Stewarton.

Gibbie the Fox-Killer

Hunter or Tod Gibbie was a character in Sir Walter Scott's ''Guy Mannering'', based on Gabriel Young who lived in Kilmaurs. Gabriel had a pack of twelve slow-hounds to give tongue, six greyhounds to catch by speed and eight terriers to deliver the coup-de-gras. The hunts were always on foot, often of short duration and accompanied by all and sundry. He was paid, just like the mole-catcher, to rid the farms of foxes without any notions of sport. Gibbie was the last of his kind.

Christian Shaw and the Kilmaurs Witches

At the age of 11 this young girl took a violent dislike to one Catherine Campbell, a domestic servant. Christian decided to achieve the death of Catherine by feigning possession by evil spirits, so she threw fits with violent contortions of her body and ejected egg-shells, fur balls, chicken bones, etc. forth from her mouth. So convincing was she, that she achieved a great deal of attention, and this encouraged her in the end to accuse twenty-four men and women, old and young, of taking an oath to follow Satan. Six were hung and then burned at Paisley and one committed suicide in gaol in 1697. Strangely several of her victims willingly confessed their pact with the Devil. This was one of the most cunning and diabolical episodes in the annals of witchcraft, however Christian was never held to account and went on to marry and actually set the foundations for the thread manufacturing trade of Paisley (McNaught 1912).

The Kilmaurs Burgh of Barony

In 1577 (Strawhorn gives 1527) , King James V erected Kilmaurs as a Burgh of Barony, under a charter from Cuthbert, 3rd. Earl of Glencairn. 240 acres of rich land, in lots of six acres each, was apportioned to 40 persons in order to 'induce mechanics to reside in Kilmaurs', such as shoemakers, cutlers, skinners, carpenters, waukers and wolsters. At one time 30 cutlers and a good many tinkers resided in Kilmaurs and gave the town a reputation for craftmanship which lingers on to this day (2006) (Aiton 1811 and Strawhorn 1975).

The Lifters and Non-Lifters

The Secessionists were those who had split in the 18th century from the established Presbyterian church. David Smyton or Smeaton had been 'called' to Kilmaurs, however he developed the belief that in the dispensation of the Sacrament, it was essential that the bread must be first lifted before being blessed. Such a small point was not taken very seriously by Smeaton and he fought hard for in his view Divine Authority would accept no latitude in this matter. The 'Non-lifter' congregation built a meeting house and manse at Holland Green on the Fenwick Road. Tradition has it that Smyton forgot to 'lift the bread' at his first service following his victory in maintaining the possession of the Secession church in Kilmaurs (Borrowman 1940). Robbie Burns must have heard him preach and commented in a letter to Margaret Chalmers in 1787 that "The whining cant of love, except in real passion, and by a masterly hand, is to me as insufferable as the preaching cant of Old Smeaton, Whig minister at Kilmaurs." (Robertson 1908) and (McNaught 1912).

Tour, Kirklands and Pathfoot

The Abbot of Kelso granted part of these 'Lands of Touer' to David Cuninghame of Robertland in 1532. The property stayed in the Robertland family and their descendants until 1841, when Robert Parker Adam purchased the lands and rebuilt the Mansion House in the old English style (Paterson 1866). Tour (Tower in 1820) has an ice house. A copper alloy flanged axehead was found by a metal-detectorist in a ploughed field near Tour House in 1991. It is now in the Glasgow Kelvinside Museum. William Cathcart had the property in 1820 with a rental value of £126 4s. 10d (Robertson 1820).

At NS44SW 36 414 406 an old inhabitant in 1912, backed by other reliable informants, stated that in his grandfather's time there were a few thatched cottages, forming a small hamlet called Pathfoot, near the vicarage tower; the site now forms part of the Tour plantation, which extends W to the railway viaducts over the Carmel Water. All traces of Pathfoot have long ago disappeared (McNaught 1912).

The Darien affair

The Darien Company was an attempt by the Scots to set up a trading colony in America in the late 1690s, however the opposition from England and elsewhere was so great that the attempt failed with huge losses and great financial implications for the country and for individuals. Half of the whole circulating capital of Scotland was subscribed and mostly lost. In Cunninghame some examples of losses are Major James Cunninghame of Aiket (£200), Sir William Cunninghame of Cunninghamhead (£1000), Sir Archibald Mure of Thorntoun (£1000), William Watson of Tour (£150) and James Thomson of Hill in Kilmaurs (£100).

Knockenlaw Mound and the De Soulis family

A view of the Soulis Cross.

This mound, called Knockinglaw on the 1896 OS, still exists in very poor condition, near Little Onthank. It was a tumulus in which urns had been found (Smith 1895). It had a powder magazine built into it at one stage and was eventually effectively removed altogether. It is involved in one of the versions of the storys of the killing of Lord Soulis. He is said to have been killed here in 1444 after leading a band of English mercenaries into the Kilmarnock area and then subsequently suffering a rout at the hands of the Boyd's of Dean Castle. Dean Castle at one time belonged to the De Soulis family. A memorial stone, dating from at least 1609, to Lord Soulis is to be found set into a wall at the High Church, by the railway viaduct (McKay 1880). A brass plack with details of the De Soulis coat of arms used to be set into the road near this spot. The Soulis Cross was in Soulis Street, but is now housed in the Dick Institute. A notorious Lord Soulis is linked with the evil Redcaps at Hermitage Castle in the Borders. He could only be bound by a three-stranded rope of sand, but they got over the problem of hanging him by binding him in a lead sheet and boiling himn to death for the murder of the Laird of Branxholm (Folklore, Myths & Legends of Britain). Robertson (1820) points out that the coat of arms of the De Soulis & De Morville families is identical and they may therefore have been related. The De Soulis family lost their lands due to their involvement in the 'The Soulis Plot' to depose Robert the Bruce. The family were unsuccessful claimants to the throne of Scotland.

A final role of the mound was in the holding of a 'court' at Knockenlaw by the Earl of Glencairn when he was attempting to claim the Lordship of Kilmarnock from the Boyd's. In the event the supporters of the Boyd's turned up in force and the Earl had to abandon his attempt. The Roman Well, said to be of great antiquity was located nearby. These sites are now hidden beneath housing estates.

Barony of Roberton

Robertson (1820) mentions this barony, once part of the Barony of Kilmaurs, which ran from Kilmaurs south to the river Irvine. It had no manor house and belonged to the Eglinton family latterly. The following properties were part of the barony: parts of Kilamurs, Gatehead, Woodhills, Greenhill, Altonhill, Plann, Hayside, Rash-hill Park, Milton, Windyedge, Fardelhill, Muirfields, Corsehouse and Knockentiber.

Miscellaneous notes

Templehouse and its associated fortalice are mentioned by Dobie and were located in Stewarton on the lands of Meikle-Corsehill Farm. The name Templehouses was still current in the 1860s on the OS map for the tenements along from the Mill House Inn. The fortalice is not marked, however an area on the opposite side of the road from Templehouses was known as 'The Castle' within living memory (Hewitt 2006). Robertson in 1820 gives the proprietor as William Deans Esq. and the rental value as £13.

The poet William C. Lamberton of Kilmaurs was also a shoemaker and the Kilmarnock town chaplain. He published a volume of verses in 1878 under the nom de plume of 'An Ayrshire Volunteer'.

A view of the Monk's or Mack's Well in Kilmaurs.

The Monk's or Mack's Well water runs into the Carmel beneath Kilmaurs Place. It is said that many years ago the local lord tried to prevent the local people from using the well. It dried up until the lord changed his mind, but has run continuously ever since.

In 1820 Kilmaurs Parish had only four freeholders qualified to vote and Dreghorn had only five, these being the proprietors of Cunninghamhead, Annock Lodge, Langlands (2) and Warwickhill!

On Saturday, March 3, 1827 a remarkable snow-storm hit Ayrshire. The snow lay up to twenty feet deep in places and it snowed for twenty-four hours. A strong wind got up and drifts covered even the tops of the hedges so the roads were all but hidden (McKay 1880).

A Mrs Lambroughton lived at Fulshaw Farm in the 1950s, a rare example of the name being used in this form. The name is still (2006) linked to Fulshaw Farm Cottage.

In Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English Church and People written in A.D. 731 is recorded the case of a Cunningham of Northumbria who died after a gradually worsening illness. All his grieving family were gathered around his corpse when he suddenly sat up. Everyone ran away, apart from his wife to whom he told the story of his adventure. He had been guided in death by a man in a shining robe to a broad, deep, dark valley of infinite length and from here he crossed a high wall beyond which was a broad and pleasant meadow. His guide told him that he had to return to live amongst men again and despite his reluctanvce to go he found himself back in his body again, alive (Cooper & Smith 1981).

Standalane — a number of properties in this area have this name, however no obvious pattern exists, other than its humorous use in connection with lonely or solitary places (Johnston 1934) or a dwelling just outside a village or town.

Aiton in 1811 mentions "a curious notion that has long prevailed in the County of Ayr, and elsewhere, that the wool of sheep was pernicious to the growth of thorns."

Feuds were a feature of life in old Ayrshire and in 1547 Sir Neil Montgomerie of Lainshaw was killed by Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock in a skirmish which took place in the streets of Irvine (Robertson 1908).

Near Langlands Farm in the hedgerow of the main road is a rare example of a Wild Pear tree. The blossom is outstanding in the month of May, but in the absence of another tree nearby it doesn't set fruit. The nearest grows near Chapeltoun Mains.

James Cunninghame, 14th. Earl of Glencairn, a Great Supporter of Robbie Burns. He was instrumental in the Production of the Second Edition of Burn's Poems (Hill MDCCCXL).

The old sandstone parapet of the bridge overlooking the site of Cunnighamehead railway station has many carvings on it, probably made over the years by local children and pupils from the primary school as they waited and watched the old steam and diesel trains going by on this long closed line. Extensive cattle sidings and docks can still be made out here. Ayrshire or Cunninghame Cattle were sent from here to all parts of the United Kingdom and Empire beyond. Ayrshire Cattle were sent from nearby Wheatrig Farm to restock the Falkland Islands after the war with Argentina.

A number of small whinstone quarries were also present in the area, such as at Townhead of Lambroughton on the 1858 OS. The area is later marked as a fox covert and the old road down from Floors ran beside it.

An unusual feature of Kilmaurs Mill was a carved stone showing a millstone drive spider or rind (often used on Miller's tombstones as a symbol of the milling trade) on which the upper grindstone rested, a ring of rope, a bill for dressing millstones, and a grain shovel.

The stone that was set in the old mill.

A ball of fine-grained sandstone, 2 1/2 ins in diameter, with the surface ornamented by six equal, circular and slightly projecting discs, found at Jock's Thorn farm (NS 417 410) (Smith 1895) and (Marshall 1976/77). 387 are known from Scotland, but only two from Ayrshire. They are from the neolithic or bronze age and their function is not known, however they may be symbols of power, equivalent to the orb in the British Coronation ceremony.

This Petrosphere was found at Jock's Thorn farm in Kilmaurs

In 1911 McNaught records the last sighting of an otter. This took place at the Brackenburn Bridge on 9 September in full moonlight. They have probably made a comeback in the last few years (2000–2006).

Next to the Kilmaurs-Glencairn church is a patch of woodland which was once an orchard. The Tour streamlet joins the Carmel nearby and before the confluence can be found an old well, arched over, known as the Lady's well, with never-failing, excellent and refeshingly cool water. A small wooden bridge used to run across to it from the church glebe side (McNaught 1912).

The Lady's well at Kilmaurs on the Tour Rivulet

Lord John Boyd Orr, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize was born in Holland House on the Fenwick Road in Kilmaurs. He may have been related to the Orr's of Townhead of Lambroughton.

The dovecot at Tour below Kilmaurs-Glencairn Church is dated 1636 on its door lintel (not 1630 as stated by McNaught). It is rectangular on plan, with a centre ridge roof and crowstepped gables. Only the foundations of the tower still exist, the remains having being taken down in the late 20th century. Kilmaurs was splet Kylmawse in Circa 1564 (1980).

Kilmaurs Council House had the top twelve feet of the steeple thrown down by a lightning strike in 1874. The front steps were smashed, but no one came to harm. The "juggs", which dangle from an iron chain, were last used officially in 1812 to hold a young women who had been found guilty of theft. She was later drummed out of the parish by a mob (Adamson 1875).

The Horse-mill at Wester Kittochside farm near Glasgow

The Stewarton cricket ground was located between Wardhead House and Lochridge House. A golf course also existed here for a few years after WW2 (Milligan).

The Royal Mail re-organised its postal districts in the 1930s and at that point many hamlets and localities ceased to exist officially, such as Templehouse, Darlington, Goosehill and other areas in Stewarton (Strawhorn 1951).

Kilmaurs was famous for producing cutlery and swords, the local expression "As Gleg as a Kilmaurs Whittel". means "the sharpest of the sharpest". A restaurant by the name of the Gleg Whittle existed here until 2006.

Robbie Burns' uncle worked at Titwood Farm and was buried in Stewarton where a memorial was erected by public subscription. He is known to have helped guard the Stewarton Laigh Church graveyard against the activities of body snatchers (Milligan). Titwood (Tetwood in 1828) was also the last farm in the district to use a horse mill to drive farm machinery (Hastings 1995).

Definitions, Scots and other words

• Barony - lands held directly from the crown.
• Butt & Ben - Literally 'backwards and forwards'. A dwelling entered by a single shared fore-door with a double partition and doors to the living quarters on one side and the byre on the other. A person sitting in the living area, called the in-seat, would look butt to the byre and someone in the byre would look ben to the living area.
• Cothouse - a dwelling with or without land attached. A tied cottage to a farm labourer and his family.
• Cottar - a tenant
• Cousin-german - having the same grandparents.
• Demesne - all the land, not necessarily all contiguous to the castle, that was retained by the lord for his own use as distinguished from that "alienated" or granted to others as tenants. Initially the demesne lands were worked on the lord's behalf by villeins or by serfs, in fulfillment of their feudal obligations.
• Dyke - a stone wall. In England it can mean a ditch (Mack 1926).
• Glebe - land apportioned to a minister in addition to his stipend/pay.
• Mains - the home farm of an estate, cultivate by or for the owner.
• March - an estate or property boundary, from the old English Mearc a mark.
• Merk - a land value of 2/3 of a Scot's pound.
• Rig or Ridge - a type of cultivation practised in upland areas generally and in Scotland in particular, which differs slightly from the more common ridge and furrow in that it was created through excavation by spade rather than plough. The technique improved drainage by creating raised areas of cultivation and furrows to carry away water.
• Shaw - a small natural wood.
• Teins - a tenth of the income of a property, payable to the church.
• Temple - lands belonging to the Knight's Templar.
• Tenement - land built on and held in tenure.
• Toun or Ton - a farm and its outbuildings, originally the site of a dwelling surrounded by a wall or fence.

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See also

• Chapeltoun
• Cunninghamhead
• Corsehill
• William de Lamberton
• Dean Castle

External links

• [1] Details of the De Soulis, De Morville and other families.