A (very) brief history of Kilwinning
17 June
Here are just a few key points in the development of Kilwinning, town of firsts:
Early 8th Century - St Winin/Winning arrives and establishes a church that will later become the site of the Abbey.
12th Century - Building of Kilwinning Abbey begins leading to the arrival of Tyronensian Benedictines and subsequent annual earnings of approximately 20,000 pounds sterling.
12th Century - Mother Kilwinning, the First Lodge of Scotland is built around 1140.
1439 - Garnock Bridge is constructed linking Kilwinning with Segdoune.
1483 - First Papingo shoot and start of the Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers, said to be the oldest archery group in the UK and possibly the world.
16th Century - Reformation leads to downfall of the Abbey.
18th Century - Eglinton Castle built, foundation laid in 1797.
1839 - Eglinton Tournament takes place bringing thousands of visitors to the area despite the heavy rain.
1851 - Kilwinning Abbey Tower rebuilt.
2000 - James Watt College completed.
Now it's your turn.
Above are just a few important dates - there's far more to the heritage of the town. There's a lot of interest in local history, and lots and lots of local knowledge. And here's your chance to tell everyone about it.
If you have an interest in the history of Kilwinning - either in general or in specific points - then you can post it here. There must be many, many pictures of the village from throughout the 20th century - why not post them here, and ask other people what they remember?
s1kilwinning is your site, so be one of the first to help build it!
Thanks James Burns, here' s a link to The Mother Lodge of Scotland, Mother Kilwinning No.0.
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