Short History of Ayrshire
@ayrshirehistory.bsky.social
History, folklore, myth and maybe some fun from the best region in Scotland. The artist formerly known as the Kingdom of Strathclyde, Damnonii, and many more names.
Happy St Andrews Day everybody. In Ayrshire we know that the best night of celebration is still a couple of months away though😉
November 30, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Happy St Andrews Day everybody. In Ayrshire we know that the best night of celebration is still a couple of months away though😉
(2/6) At it’s peak the East Ayrshire village had a population of 1,198 in 1891, but in the space of just ten years this dropped to 457 in 1901. Most of the population lived in one continuous miners’ row of 96 houses, one of the longest in the country.
November 26, 2024 at 5:41 PM
(2/6) At it’s peak the East Ayrshire village had a population of 1,198 in 1891, but in the space of just ten years this dropped to 457 in 1901. Most of the population lived in one continuous miners’ row of 96 houses, one of the longest in the country.
(1/6) Over the centuries many Ayrshire villages have come and gone, abandoned due to loss of industry or relocation of residents. The largest of these is Darnconner, a village that grew out of the farming, iron, and mining industries near Auchinleck.
November 26, 2024 at 5:41 PM
(1/6) Over the centuries many Ayrshire villages have come and gone, abandoned due to loss of industry or relocation of residents. The largest of these is Darnconner, a village that grew out of the farming, iron, and mining industries near Auchinleck.
(2/3) "A fine set of barbed and tanged arrowheads and a pressure flaked flint borer come from the estate of Lanfine, 4km W of Loanfoot. One of the arrowheads was found in peat 3km SW of Loanfoot at NS 5684 3440."
November 25, 2024 at 1:46 PM
(2/3) "A fine set of barbed and tanged arrowheads and a pressure flaked flint borer come from the estate of Lanfine, 4km W of Loanfoot. One of the arrowheads was found in peat 3km SW of Loanfoot at NS 5684 3440."
(1/3) In the 1850s several Neolithic arrowheads were found on Lanfine Estate in the Irvine Valley and donated to the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh. One was found under 10-feet of moss, as described by the museum. Jane Murray provioded more information in her 1994 PhD saying:
November 25, 2024 at 1:46 PM
(1/3) In the 1850s several Neolithic arrowheads were found on Lanfine Estate in the Irvine Valley and donated to the Museum of Science and Art in Edinburgh. One was found under 10-feet of moss, as described by the museum. Jane Murray provioded more information in her 1994 PhD saying:
(3/4) ...did suggest though, that there could have been a Mesolithic hunter/gatherer camp at that location dating to 5200 BC.
In 2004, another archaeological dig at Dreghorn uncovered a well dating to 3500 BC. (the Neolithic era in Britain). Further investigation found...
In 2004, another archaeological dig at Dreghorn uncovered a well dating to 3500 BC. (the Neolithic era in Britain). Further investigation found...
November 22, 2024 at 2:24 PM
(3/4) ...did suggest though, that there could have been a Mesolithic hunter/gatherer camp at that location dating to 5200 BC.
In 2004, another archaeological dig at Dreghorn uncovered a well dating to 3500 BC. (the Neolithic era in Britain). Further investigation found...
In 2004, another archaeological dig at Dreghorn uncovered a well dating to 3500 BC. (the Neolithic era in Britain). Further investigation found...
(1/4) Prior to the construction of the new Ayr Academy in 2015, an incredible excavation was undertaken by GUARD Archaeology. The strongest evidence uncovered was of a Roman camp, set up strategically around AD 80 between camps near Girvan and Strathaven...
November 22, 2024 at 2:24 PM
(1/4) Prior to the construction of the new Ayr Academy in 2015, an incredible excavation was undertaken by GUARD Archaeology. The strongest evidence uncovered was of a Roman camp, set up strategically around AD 80 between camps near Girvan and Strathaven...
(6/7) Even finding the entrance to the firth proved a challenge for those entering from the Atlantic and from the south, leading to the erection of a light on Pladda at the southern tip of Arran in the 1790s.
November 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
(6/7) Even finding the entrance to the firth proved a challenge for those entering from the Atlantic and from the south, leading to the erection of a light on Pladda at the southern tip of Arran in the 1790s.
(5/7) A coal burning brazier tower, designed by Robert Stevenson, was built on Wee Cumbrae in 1756 to replace the previous beacon fire, but it was built too high up and often obscured in overcast weather, and a replacement had to be built by Thomas Smith at a lower height.
November 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
(5/7) A coal burning brazier tower, designed by Robert Stevenson, was built on Wee Cumbrae in 1756 to replace the previous beacon fire, but it was built too high up and often obscured in overcast weather, and a replacement had to be built by Thomas Smith at a lower height.
(4/7) ...the year of the beginning of French Revolution, brought chaos to the Ayrshire coastline, with fourteen ships being lost in that winter alone. To facilitate increased trade, several lighthouses were built or modernised throughout the 18th century, with varying degrees of success.
November 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
(4/7) ...the year of the beginning of French Revolution, brought chaos to the Ayrshire coastline, with fourteen ships being lost in that winter alone. To facilitate increased trade, several lighthouses were built or modernised throughout the 18th century, with varying degrees of success.
(2/7) ...hundreds of ships. When the weather was particularly poor and captains dared not enter the firth, they would often find sanctuary at Campbelltown or the Bay of Lamlash. These bays provided momentary respite before the treacherous threading of the needle between Wee Cumbrae and Bute.
November 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
(2/7) ...hundreds of ships. When the weather was particularly poor and captains dared not enter the firth, they would often find sanctuary at Campbelltown or the Bay of Lamlash. These bays provided momentary respite before the treacherous threading of the needle between Wee Cumbrae and Bute.
(1/7) The Ayrshire coastline has provided Firth of Clyde bound sailors, captains and smugglers with a formidable task over the centuries. The lee shore (a shore which the wind blows toward), rocky outcrops and estuary sandbanks make navigation in stormy weather a major hazard, and have wrecked...
November 21, 2024 at 6:39 PM
(1/7) The Ayrshire coastline has provided Firth of Clyde bound sailors, captains and smugglers with a formidable task over the centuries. The lee shore (a shore which the wind blows toward), rocky outcrops and estuary sandbanks make navigation in stormy weather a major hazard, and have wrecked...
(8/8) "There was another that attracted more attention although few may have known its history. It was a national flag of the United States, presented to a townsman during the American Civil War by President Lincoln."
November 19, 2024 at 5:23 PM
(8/8) "There was another that attracted more attention although few may have known its history. It was a national flag of the United States, presented to a townsman during the American Civil War by President Lincoln."
(6/8) "... there is no doubt whatever that an American flag arrived in the community during the Civil War, at the hands of a Mr. John Brooks, a coloured gentleman. Twenty years after the Civil War, the ‘Kilmarnock Standard’ recorded a great franchise demonstration at Kilmarnock in 1884..."
November 19, 2024 at 5:23 PM
(6/8) "... there is no doubt whatever that an American flag arrived in the community during the Civil War, at the hands of a Mr. John Brooks, a coloured gentleman. Twenty years after the Civil War, the ‘Kilmarnock Standard’ recorded a great franchise demonstration at Kilmarnock in 1884..."
(5/8) "The French Huguenot refugee strain and the Covenanting tradition of their forefathers probably contributed to the independence of judgment of these valley weavers.
Oral tradition holds that, as an expression of appreciation, Abraham Lincoln eventually sent an American Flag..."
Oral tradition holds that, as an expression of appreciation, Abraham Lincoln eventually sent an American Flag..."
November 19, 2024 at 5:23 PM
(5/8) "The French Huguenot refugee strain and the Covenanting tradition of their forefathers probably contributed to the independence of judgment of these valley weavers.
Oral tradition holds that, as an expression of appreciation, Abraham Lincoln eventually sent an American Flag..."
Oral tradition holds that, as an expression of appreciation, Abraham Lincoln eventually sent an American Flag..."
(4/8) “In Newmilns there existed an Anti-Slavery Society which sent resolutions of sympathy and support to (President Abraham) Lincoln and his Government, in spite of the fact that the local weavers were being hard hit by the blockade of the southern cotton ports."
November 19, 2024 at 5:23 PM
(4/8) “In Newmilns there existed an Anti-Slavery Society which sent resolutions of sympathy and support to (President Abraham) Lincoln and his Government, in spite of the fact that the local weavers were being hard hit by the blockade of the southern cotton ports."
(1/8) Newmilns, a town in East Ayrshire once famous for its lace industry, was one of the loudest voices in Scotland’s anti-slavery movement during the American Civil War. The town - now with a population of just 2700 – was once a 6000 strong centre of industry.
November 19, 2024 at 5:23 PM
(1/8) Newmilns, a town in East Ayrshire once famous for its lace industry, was one of the loudest voices in Scotland’s anti-slavery movement during the American Civil War. The town - now with a population of just 2700 – was once a 6000 strong centre of industry.
(6/7) Then, in 1658, came Richard Frank of Cambridge, who served under Oliver Cromwell. He was less than kind about the town itself, but saw its redeeming quality to be the good people of Kilmarnock.
November 18, 2024 at 4:25 PM
(6/7) Then, in 1658, came Richard Frank of Cambridge, who served under Oliver Cromwell. He was less than kind about the town itself, but saw its redeeming quality to be the good people of Kilmarnock.
(3/7) ...lordschipe takes its name. The Lord Boyd is now Lord of it, to quhosse predicessors it hath belonged for maney generations. In this church ar divers of ye Lord Boydes progenitors buried...
November 18, 2024 at 4:25 PM
(3/7) ...lordschipe takes its name. The Lord Boyd is now Lord of it, to quhosse predicessors it hath belonged for maney generations. In this church ar divers of ye Lord Boydes progenitors buried...
(2/7) "Kilmernock-toune and Kirk is a large village and of grate repaire. It hath in it a veekly market, it hath a faire stone bridge over the river Marnock vich glydes hard by the said toune, till it falles in the river Irving. It hath a pretty church from vich ye village, castell and...
November 18, 2024 at 4:25 PM
(2/7) "Kilmernock-toune and Kirk is a large village and of grate repaire. It hath in it a veekly market, it hath a faire stone bridge over the river Marnock vich glydes hard by the said toune, till it falles in the river Irving. It hath a pretty church from vich ye village, castell and...
(1/7) The reputation, perception, and role of Kilmarnock – as with any place – has changed over time. Some historical depictions have been kind, others not so much. in 1609, Timothy Pont visited Kilmarnock when making a survey of Cunningham, and gave a quaint description:
November 18, 2024 at 4:25 PM
(1/7) The reputation, perception, and role of Kilmarnock – as with any place – has changed over time. Some historical depictions have been kind, others not so much. in 1609, Timothy Pont visited Kilmarnock when making a survey of Cunningham, and gave a quaint description:
(7/8) He rubbed his eyes but the boy remained. The boy said "Laird o' Co', Rise and go! Get on my back, for thou are not safe till thou art out of this country." He did as he was asked, and in a matter of seconds was taken from Flanders and returned to his green at Culzean, on a fine summer morning.
November 16, 2024 at 11:28 AM
(7/8) He rubbed his eyes but the boy remained. The boy said "Laird o' Co', Rise and go! Get on my back, for thou are not safe till thou art out of this country." He did as he was asked, and in a matter of seconds was taken from Flanders and returned to his green at Culzean, on a fine summer morning.
(6/8) Years passed and the Laird o’ Co’ was called to war in Flanders, where he was captured, locked up and condemned to death. On his final night, he could only think of the pleasant gardens of Culzean. From nowhere, the boy appeared in front of him in the cell, much to the Laird’s disbelief.
November 16, 2024 at 11:28 AM
(6/8) Years passed and the Laird o’ Co’ was called to war in Flanders, where he was captured, locked up and condemned to death. On his final night, he could only think of the pleasant gardens of Culzean. From nowhere, the boy appeared in front of him in the cell, much to the Laird’s disbelief.
(1/8) A folk tale from Ayrshire to brighten your saturday:
One fine summer morning, the Laird o‘ Co’ (Lord of Culzean), as the people of Ayrshire knew him, was taking a wander on this green. On his wander he saw a small boy standing at the castle gate and went to greet him, kind as the Laird was.
One fine summer morning, the Laird o‘ Co’ (Lord of Culzean), as the people of Ayrshire knew him, was taking a wander on this green. On his wander he saw a small boy standing at the castle gate and went to greet him, kind as the Laird was.
November 16, 2024 at 11:28 AM
(1/8) A folk tale from Ayrshire to brighten your saturday:
One fine summer morning, the Laird o‘ Co’ (Lord of Culzean), as the people of Ayrshire knew him, was taking a wander on this green. On his wander he saw a small boy standing at the castle gate and went to greet him, kind as the Laird was.
One fine summer morning, the Laird o‘ Co’ (Lord of Culzean), as the people of Ayrshire knew him, was taking a wander on this green. On his wander he saw a small boy standing at the castle gate and went to greet him, kind as the Laird was.
In July 1914 they even tried to blow up Burns Cottage in Alloway, something that I’m sure he would have had complex feelings about considering his 1792 poem, The Rights of Women.
November 15, 2024 at 4:17 PM
In July 1914 they even tried to blow up Burns Cottage in Alloway, something that I’m sure he would have had complex feelings about considering his 1792 poem, The Rights of Women.