The Martyr's honour and his Crown

Bestw'd on me ,O high Renown,

That I Should not only believe,

But for Christ's cause my life Should give

The Covenanting period, often referred to as The Killing Times, was particularly active in the Newmilns

area, this period in Scottish history was brought about by the political manoeuvring of Charles 1st who

took the throne in 1625, the son of James V1 of Scotland, who became James 1st of England. Charles

knowledge of Scotland was sparse, he left Scotland when 3 years of age. Charles was raised in the

Episcopalian faith and had a dislike for Presbyterianism, Henry V111 introduced Protestantism across

the country with its hierarchy appointed by the Government, Scotland did not agree and firmly opposed

this ruling, Charles proceeded to inflict this ruling by force. The National Covenant was signed in

Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh. The King was far from impressed, he sent an Army to Scotland to

enforce his ruling, Charles 11 further enforced it by using new regulations to force Ministers to resign,

this met with severe opposition and in particular in the West of Scotland. Newmilns put up exceptional

opposition, the Earls of Loudoun took a leading role, the 1st Earl raised an army, mainly locals, and

invaded England in 1640, the 2nd Earl was exiled to Holland and died there in 1684, the local clergy

did not escape persecution, the Rev John Nevay was banished from his parish, secret Conventicles

were held in the surrounding hills and valleys, as can be seen from the gravestones in the area

Newmilns had its share of martyrs and heroes who eventually succeeded in giving us the choice and

religious freedom we enjoy today.

Mattew Paton, Shoemaker, taken at Pentland, executed Glasgow, Dec 19th, 1666.

David Findlay, shot at Newmilns by Order of Dalziel, 1666.

James Wood, taken at Bothwell Brig, executed at Magus Muir, Nov 25th 1679.

James Nesbit, in Highside, executed at Glasgow, June 11th 1684.

John Nesbit, in Glen, executed at Kilmarnock, April 14th, 1683.

John Gebbie, died after Drumclog.

John Morton,Broomhill, shot at Drumclog by Claverhouse.

John Law ( see under s1 History)

Those are they who came out of great tribulation Rev. vii,11.

See Scottish Covenanters Memorial Association www.covenanter.org.uk

Article by Stephen Drury