Edit A (very) brief history of Newmilns
Photo Hugh Gray.
Here are just a few historical dates:
2000 BC - Area inhabited, indicated by site of Neolithic stone circle east of Gowf course
800-1200 - Area under Viking occupation
1126 - The name 'Nawemeln' recorded
1451 - Loudoun Kirk established
1490 - Newmilns formed as a Free Burgh of Barony by Royal Charter from James IV King of Scots
1520 - Murdoch Nisbet translated the New Testament into the Scots language
c. 1525-1530 - Newmilns Tower erected by Sir Hugh Campbell, Earl of Loudoun
17th Century - Centre for Covenanters, Newmilns Tower used as a prison in the mid 1600s
1739 - Town House built: The Old Council House and the Tolbooth
1806 - Lady Flora Hastings born (died 1839)
1877 - Lady Flora's Institute, built as a girls' school
1864 - For its written support of the Union cause during the American Civil War in the 1860s, the USA Congress later presented the village with an American flag
19th Century - Village became textile centre for muslin and lace
1894 - Newmilns School opened
1896 - Morton Hall opened
1st World War - 138 young men of Newmilns killed in the conflict
1930 - Old Men's Cabin opened
1941 - Loudoun Castle destroyed by fire
1960 - School burnt down
1971 - Loudoun Academy opened
1975 - Newmilns Ski Slope officially opened
31 January 2001 - Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex set up
2002 - Irvine Valley Walking Festival started
Now it's your turn.
Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of Newmilns. There's a lot of interest in local history, and lots and lots of local knowledge. And here's your chance to tell everyone about it. If you have an interest in the history of Newmilns - either in general or in specific points - then you can post it here. There must be many, many pictures of the village from throughout the 20th century - why not post them here, and ask other people what they remember?
2000 BC - Area inhabited, indicated by site of Neolithic stone circle east of Gowf course
800-1200 - Area under Viking occupation
1126 - The name 'Nawemeln' recorded
1451 - Loudoun Kirk established
1490 - Newmilns formed as a Free Burgh of Barony by Royal Charter from James IV King of Scots
1520 - Murdoch Nisbet translated the New Testament into the Scots language
c. 1525-1530 - Newmilns Tower erected by Sir Hugh Campbell, Earl of Loudoun
17th Century - Centre for Covenanters, Newmilns Tower used as a prison in the mid 1600s
1739 - Town House built: The Old Council House and the Tolbooth
1806 - Lady Flora Hastings born (died 1839)
1877 - Lady Flora's Institute, built as a girls' school
1864 - For its written support of the Union cause during the American Civil War in the 1860s, the USA Congress later presented the village with an American flag
19th Century - Village became textile centre for muslin and lace
1894 - Newmilns School opened
1896 - Morton Hall opened
1st World War - 138 young men of Newmilns killed in the conflict
1930 - Old Men's Cabin opened
1941 - Loudoun Castle destroyed by fire
1960 - School burnt down
1971 - Loudoun Academy opened
1975 - Newmilns Ski Slope officially opened
31 January 2001 - Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex set up
2002 - Irvine Valley Walking Festival started
Now it's your turn.
Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of Newmilns. There's a lot of interest in local history, and lots and lots of local knowledge. And here's your chance to tell everyone about it. If you have an interest in the history of Newmilns - either in general or in specific points - then you can post it here. There must be many, many pictures of the village from throughout the 20th century - why not post them here, and ask other people what they remember?
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Robert Burns visited Newmilns prior to publishing his first edition in Kilmarnock.
The Bard stayed over with the Lawrie family in Saint Margaret Hill Manse. Was entertained by the Seraph-Sister band, run after by Mrs. Lawrie and helped by Rev. George Lawrie. Visiting Newmilns changed his outlook.
Burns wrote an awesome Prayer and an eight line poem 'Irvine's Bairns'. A wee gem. Near the 'Green', brother Robert was asked to take a seat.
2008 'Reply fae a Mouse', written 222 years after 'To a Mouse'. Newmilns Heir? 2009 Introduces a new 'Burns' walk to the 7th excellent Irvine Valley Walking & Outdoor Festival which joins in with the Darvel Music Festival in May.
Rev. George Lawrie, patron of Mr. Robert Burns.
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20th Century - Graeme Obree relocates to Newmilns and soon learns to cycle his bicycle as fast as he can. You could say his life depended on cycling really fast. He didn't know it at the time but he was training to become a World Champion. The story is told in 'The Flying Scotsman' movie. Strangely the director picked Galston to film in and then stranger still the Provost dedicated the new cycle way to Sir Chris Hoy.
However that gives Newmilns the opportunity to name 'The Flying Scotsman Cycle Way', all the way till it meets, 'The Spirit of Scotland Way' near the Sir William Wallace Memorial at Loudoun Hill. Even the BraveHeart Cyclists and Miss Brown would approve of that.
Sir William Wallace Memorial, Loudoun Hill.
- Possible new edition to National Cycle Network 73. Newmilns 26 arch viaduct, would make any Scotsperson feel as though they are flying. U.S.P. addition to Newmilns awesome list of unique 1st.
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Lest we forget, if we do not remember the past how can we look to the future.
Many of the residents of Newmilns & Greenholm were in the Armed Forces and later supported one another in the British Legion, some even gave their Lives for their country.
But are now forgotten, the Legion Laid up their colours in the Church as many of their Members were getting to old to carry them. These were dedicated Colours.
Where has their Standard been in the last two years and likely to remain there, in a cupboard.
Some respect.
Why can't they go back on the Inside Wall for every one to see and remember.
Come on Church what about it.
- To add to Burns' connection with Newmilns, he ASKED to receive membership of Lodge Loudoun Newmilns No 51. Gavin Hamilton factor of Loudoun was I understand Master of the Lodge, mentioned in "Holy Willies Prayer". John Lapraik a fellow poet from Muirkirk area also associated with the Lodge. The Lodge assembled above the Loudoun Arms. There will be more info out there, please can anyone elaborate?
- Irvine's Bairns, Prayer ~ O Thou Dread Power ~ 'lovely Mrs. Lawrie, she is all charms'. Literally composed and scribed near River Irvine. Jean, Lady Flora, Joseph, John and many others have followed with their own works. Recently Reply fae a Mouse. New museums in Loudoun and Kilmarnock have more information. Muirkirk Diamond will offer an audio tour.
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Can anyone provide more detail about Dalqwhatswood (sic). I am an interloper, I know of the ruined building above the Cemetery, I assume it to be this
building. John Arnot, friend of Burns resided here, was it a farm?
Info please.
Stephen Drury
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Zillah Warner nee Girvan says:
Don't ever believe that those who died in battle will ever be forgotten, as the daughter of William Girvan I will never forget him. He was the first Valley Lad to die in the 2nd World War, I have added a photo of his obituary as it was published in the Irvine Valley News, his name is on your War Memorial.
