OS1/3/33/13

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
ROWALLAN CASTLE (In Ruins) Rowallan Castle
Rowallan Castle
Rowallan Castle
Rowallan Castle Rowallan Castle
Robert Dale Woodman Rowallan Castle
Paterson's History
David Dale Bankend
Estate Map
New Statistical Account
018 This Castle is Situated on the North Bank of the Carmel Water, about 3 miles, North of Kilmarnock. It was the Residence of the Baron of Rowallan but it is now going fast to decay and only a few Apartments are occupied by the Woodman, Robert Dale. It appears from a tablet over the door that it was erected about the year 1562, adjoining are the remains of a more Ancient edifice Supposed to be the birthplace of Elizabeth Mure first spouse of King Robert 2nd of Scotland.
The following lines, written by the Revd. [Reverend] George Paxton at one time a Clergyman of Kilmaurs, embody a tradition concerning the origin of 'Rowallan'
"A Scottish chief in days of old
As hoary-headed Sires have told,
was tossed upon the main,
small was the Skiff the Tempest blew
The trembling Chieftain urged his crew
The distan Shore to gain,
Row Allan Low the Baron cried
High on the foaming Surges ride
And bear me Safe on Shore.
A rich domain on Carmel Side
O'er hill and Vale extending wide
Is thine for evermore.
The quivering oar, bold Allan stretched,
The Solid land, the Baron reached,
And Allan won the prize,
Adorned with ropes of twisted Stone,
Long on thy banks Rowallan Shore,
And Still the Storm defies."

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 13 -- County of Ayr -- No. 21 -- Parish of Kilmarnock

"Rowallan Castle - This mansion deserted and in decay, save one or
two apartments occupied by the baron bailie, is delightfully Situated on
banks of the Carmel Water. There are different dates upon the building, which
is of a Singular construction, with various initials, and the three mullets and a
moor's head, the Arms of the family. The principal and more ornamental
part of the mansion appears to have been erected in 1562. There is, however,
the fragment of a tower of much higher antiquity, situated
on a projecting rock immediately in the rear of the
more modern building. This is supposed to have been
the birthplace of Elizabeth More, first wife of
Richard II of Scotland, and was anciently called,
no doubt from its situation, the Craig of Rowallan.
The Rowallan family were zealous Supporters of
the Reformation, and the Covenanted cause of
Scotland. Conventions were not unfrequently
held within the mansion, and one of the
apartments, in which are preserved two
[Continued]

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