Kilwinning is an ancient and thriving little manufacturing town, in the
parish of it's name, and district of Cunningham; 24 miles from Glasgow, 3
nw of Irvine, 4 ne of Saltcoats, the like distance of Dalry, 10 nw of
Kilmarnock and 5 from Ardrossan; situate on rising ground about 2 miles
from the sea;stretching westward from the right bank of the Garnock, and
approached through long ambrageous paths, skirted by beautiful fields. It
consists chiefly of one street and bye-lanes, with a few rows of modern houses.
The
weaving and manufacture of gauzes, muslins, shawls, etc are carried on, to
an important extent, for the Glasgow and Paisley markets, to which they
are conveyed by the local agents. The agricultural produce of the parish
is
likewise considerable; and coals, which are obtained in abundance, are
conveyed by a railway passing from east to west across the parish.
The
only remarkable objects are, the picturesque ruins of the ancient abbey
founded by Hugh de Morville in 1140; and the beautiful tower of the
church, to which
its style of architecture bears no resemblance; this tower cost, exclusive
of the old materials, the sum of £2000, raised by subscription and to
which the late Earl of Eglintoun was a liberal contributor. The present
Earl has a fine mansion in the neighbourhood, called Eglintoun castle.
Kilwinning was the first place in Scotland where free masonary was
established; it is
said to have been introduced by the foreign architect who was employed in
erecting the monastry here. Besides the distinction acquired from its
ancient masonic lodge, it is also remarkable for being the seat of a
company of archers, ascertained to have existed as early as the year 1488;
and the
society at the present day is most respectable. Fairs are held on the 1st
of February, new style; and on the first Wednesday after the 19th of
October, old style.
Post Office
Donald McMallan - post master - The Kilmarnock, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Irish and English mails arrive every morning at half past seven and are
despatched every evening at five.
Places of Worship
Established Church Rev Archibald Blair Campbell manse
Antiburghers no minister
United Secession Rev Alexander McGregor
Coaches
To Ardrossan the "Ayrshire Lass" (from Kilmarnock) calls at
Eglintoun Arms every morning (Sunday excepted) at half past nine.
To Glasgow the "Fair Trader" (from Saltcoats) calls at Wallace's
every morning (Sunday excepted) at half past seven and the
"Herald" at half past six in the evening.
To Kilmarnock the "Time Keeper" and an omnibus (from Saltcoats)
call at Eglington Arms every morning (Sunday excepted) at half past eight
and the "Ayrshire Lass" (from Ardrossan) at half past six in the
evening.
To Saltcoats the "Herald" (from Glasgow) calls at Wallace's
every morning (sunday excepted) at half past nine and the "Fair
Trader" at eight in the evening; an omnibus (from Kilmarnock) calls
at the Eglintoun Arms, every evening (Sunday excepted) at half past five
and the "Time Keeper" at six.
Carriers
To Glasgow & Paisley Jas Jack and Robert Boyd, every Tues and Friday.
To Saltcoats John McBride & James Harris daily
