THE HISTORY OF NEWMILNS

Founded: The Year 1490

Newmilns is steeped in history from as far back as the 12th century when the beginnings of Loudoun Castle were created. In 1490 "Newmyllis" was officially created a Free Burgh of Barony by King James IV and in the 17th century, it was a stronghold of the Covenanting cause.

Although linen weaving was introduced in the 1730s, it wasn't until the end of the 18th century that cotton-weaving became established with the first powerloom lace machine introduced by Hood & Morton in 1867, creating a surge in the population and a requirement for additional housing.

The Newmilns to Kilmarnock railway line was opened in 1850 and brought workers in from surrounding areas to meet the demand.

A large amount of building work took place due to the prosperity of the lace and madras industry and many significant houses were built to accommodate the business owners and associated colleagues.

The oldest building in the town is Newmilns Tower or the Old Keep as it is better known, situated in Castle Street and was built around the 1530s and has been used as a prison, barracks and grain store and much more.

There are many buildings of architectural importance including the Townhouse, the Morton Hall, Lady Flora's, The Brown's Institute, Lanfine House and the old Co-operative building to name but a few.

FURTHER READING

Newmilns has had a turbulent past over the centuries including floods, fires and violent deaths and there has been much written over the years about the history of Newmilns, including the following publications:

• Old Newmilns by Hugh Maxwell

• Pictorial History of Newmilns by James Mair

• Historical Aspects of Newmilns by the Newmilns Quincentenary Committee

• The James Mair Photograph Collection

• A selection of historical images of Newmilns and other Ayrshire Villages by Ayrshirehistory.com