Riccarton, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Riccarton, Ayr, Scotland (#611)

History

This account was written in 1839.

The Richard Wallace from who the name of the parish and village is derived, was most probably the individual of that name to whom the estate was originally given by Walter High Steward of Scotland.

Riccarton, Hurlfor, and Sornhill are the nearest towns.

Sir John Cunninghame of Caprington, who was created a baronet by King Charles II., was a lawyer of great eminence in his day.

T

he major land owners were: His Grace the Duke of Portland; John Smith Cuninghame, Esq. of Caprington; G. J. Campbell, Esq. of Treesbank; The hon. Colonel Macadam Catheart of Craigengillan; and C. Shedden, Esq. of Knockmarloch. The land was primarily used for, dairy, oats, wheat, barley, potatoes, turnips, cattle, and horses. The population in 1792 was 1000. The population in 1838 was 2714.

The registers begin in 1695 but have not been kept regularly until recently.

The number belonging to the Established Church was 2410, and there were 304 belonging to all other churches.

source: New Statistical Account of Scotland (FHL book 941 B4sa, series 2 vol. 5)