Loudoun, Ayrshire, Scotland Genealogy

Loudoun, Ayr, Scotland (#603)

History

This historical account was written in 1842.

The name is probably derived from a hill in the extremity of the parish called Lowdon from the old word low, a fire and don or dun a hill.

Newmilns and Darvel are the nearest towns.

Loudoun Hill has been the centre of more than one warlike exploit. The Roman camp, though on the Galston side of the Irvine, is almost beneath the shadow of the hill: the shouts of Bruce’s victorious army have been echoed by its gray rocks, and the watchmen who warned the Covenanters of Drumclog of the approach of Claverhouse, were perched upon its summit.

The land was primarily used for, tile works, weaving, and wool mill.

The population in 1791 was 2308. The population in 1841 was 4444.

There are two parish registers. 1. Marriages. The earliest date is 3-Dec-1673, and it has been kept regularly since November 1759. 2. Baptisms. Earliest date 16-Oct-1763; kept regularly since 1759. Few Dissenters register their children in this register.

About 620 families profess to belong to the Established Church. There are two Dissenting congregations in the parish, one connected with the United Associate Synod, the other with the Reformed Presbyterians or Cameronians. There are also 3 Roman Catholic, 2 Episcopalian, and 10 or 12 Baptist families in the parish.

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