OS1/26/21/62

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 62
County of Renfrew Parish of Renfrew


"Proceeding first to the highest point of the road between Renfrew and Paisley, and as it crosses the
Cockle Hill, we find a gate on the west side. Ninety-six yards from this gate, in a straight line
towards the north corner of the Knock farm-house, there was, at the period referred to, a circular
mound of earth, about twenty yards in diameter, surrounded by a moat five yards broad, the
mound having been apparently raised by the earth taken out of the moat. This mound was
commonly known by the name of the Kempe Knowe. The tradition is that there was at one time
a wager between the Scottish and English sovereigns; the latter having chalenged Scotland to furnish a man
able to fight a noted champion attendant on the English court; the former having accepted the challenge.
The King of Scotland being much perplexed to find a man competent to the task, offered 'The Inch' as a award to
any who should encounter the Englishman. At last Sir John Ross of Hawkhead offered his services, and arrangements
were made on the Knock-hill for the fight. The moat was filled with water and a large fire was kindled on
the mound, and the parties were expected to grant no terms. To escape was to meet death by drowning; and to
be vanquished was to perish,_ if not otherwise by fire. The Englishman was of large stature and renowned prowess
while Ross was only a private gentleman, and of small stature, but of great agility and muscular strength. Having
equipped himself with a dress of skin, the smoth side out, and rendered farther slippery with grease or oil, he appeared on
the ground with his more bulky antagonist. After many unavailing attempts to lay hold of Ross, the Englishman held out
his hands, inviting his antagonist to grasp them, and no doubt trusting to his superior strength against any advantage which
might thus be given. The invitation was 'palm my arm'. This, it seems, was the hold Ross most coveted. He seized the
Englishman by the wrists, and, by a sudden jerk, wrenched his shoulders out of their sockets, and made easy work
of him." New Statistical Acct. [Account], page.13.

Transcriber's notes

Extra detail re Kemp Knowe added as extra info.