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Kilbirnie |
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KILBIRNIE Or Kilbirny, is a thriving and populous village, in the parish of its name, and district of Cunningham; 64 miles w by s of Edinburgh, 20 ssw of Glasgow, the like distance n of Ayr, and three from Beith; eligibly situate on the banks of the Garnock, in the heart of a fine country, and within a mile of the Lock of Kilbirny, which extends two miles in length by half a mile in breadth, and is well stored with perch, trout and eel. The importance of this village has been much augmented of late years, by the establishment of two very extensive mills - one for the spinning of flax, belonging to Messrs Wilson and Jamesons, the other for the manufacture of cotton goods by power, belonging to Mr David Watson; there is also a manufacturory for thread. The old castle of Glengarnock is perhaps one of the most ancient, as well as the most stately ruins in Ayrshire; it is supposed to have been the residence of the once famed family of De Morville, which flourished in great splendour during the reigh of Alexander I, David I, Malcolm IV, and William the Lion; they held the high office of constable of Scotland, and were Lords of Galloway and Cunningham. There likewise exists the extensive ruin of the old house of Kilbirnie, long the residence of the ancient family of Crawford of Kilbirnie. Some time after the death of George, the last Earl of Crawford, a person came from Ireland, calling himself John Lindsay Crawford, and assuming to be the heir male to the title and estates; this claim excited a great sensation in the country for several years; but the pretender being convicted of vitiating written evidence, in cupport of his assumption, was transported to Botany Bay for seven years. Upon his return, however, he renewed his demands, and a society of noblemen and gentlemen in London assisted him; but, after a minute and careful investigation, the claim was decided to be unfounded, and was consequently abandoned. This individual having since died, his heirs, not satisfied with the judicial decision which had been pronounced, are still pertinaciously litigating their claim to the property. Post. Letters arrive from Beith every morning at ten, and are despatched every afternoon at half- past five. CLERGY ACADEMIES
AND SCHOOLS BLEACHERS
AND THREAD MANUFACTURERS BOOT
AND SHOE MAKERS
CARTWRIGHTS COTTON
MANUFACTURERS (by power) FLAX
SPINNERS FLESHERS GROCERS
& SPIRIT DEALERS STONE
MASONS TAILORS
VINTERS MISCELLANEOUS CARRIERS This transcript was kindly provided by Keith Muirhead from the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. |