A (very) brief history of Cumnock
7 June
Evidence of Cumnock being inhabited during the Bronze Age included a stone circle kown locally as the 'Rocking Stone' and the cup and ring marking near the Cumnock to Mauchline Road. Later, the economy grew based on trade and craft. Here are some key events in Cumnock's history:
1509 - Cumnock is made a burgh of barony under James 4th.
15th Century - Terringzean Castle built.
1626 - Alexander Peden born near Cumnock.
1638 - National Covenant. The singing of this indicated locals resistance to the Stuart kings..
1650 - New Cumnock separates from Cumnock Parish.
1666 - Alexander Peden ordered to Privy Council in Edinburgh. He does not show and as a consequence of his beliefs lives much of his life on the run and in hiding.
1686 - Peden goes to family home to die. He is originally buried in Auchinleck Kirkyard but his body is dug up and buried at the bottom of the gallows as a mark of shame. This site becomes the town's cemetery.
1800 - An agreement is written up by the local reverend and residents to regulate the number of drinks at funerals as, apparently people's drinking is getting out of hand.
1879 - James Keir Hardie moves to Cumnock. He later becomes secretary of the Ayrshire Miner's Association and moves into politics. The Scottish Labour Party is formed in 1888.
Now it's your turn.
Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of the town. 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 Cumnock - 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?
s1cumnock is your site, so be one of the first to help build it!
1509 - Cumnock is made a burgh of barony under James 4th.
15th Century - Terringzean Castle built.
1626 - Alexander Peden born near Cumnock.
1638 - National Covenant. The singing of this indicated locals resistance to the Stuart kings..
1650 - New Cumnock separates from Cumnock Parish.
1666 - Alexander Peden ordered to Privy Council in Edinburgh. He does not show and as a consequence of his beliefs lives much of his life on the run and in hiding.
1686 - Peden goes to family home to die. He is originally buried in Auchinleck Kirkyard but his body is dug up and buried at the bottom of the gallows as a mark of shame. This site becomes the town's cemetery.
1800 - An agreement is written up by the local reverend and residents to regulate the number of drinks at funerals as, apparently people's drinking is getting out of hand.
1879 - James Keir Hardie moves to Cumnock. He later becomes secretary of the Ayrshire Miner's Association and moves into politics. The Scottish Labour Party is formed in 1888.
Now it's your turn.
Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of the town. 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 Cumnock - 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?
s1cumnock is your site, so be one of the first to help build it!
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