Edit A (very) brief history of Kilbirnie
Photo by R. Edwards
Evidence shows that Kilbirnie was inhabited during the Bronze Age. It was many years later however, that due to the weaving and flax industry, Kilbirnie really became established. Here are a few important historical dates:
15th Century - Auld Kirk parish church built.
15th Century - Glengarnock Castle built.
1778: The Knox Mill Company registered
1824 - West Free church built.
1862 - St Bridget's Roman Catholic church built.
1869 - Ladyland School built.
1874 - Kilbirnie football club formed.
World War Two - enemy plane shot down north of Kilbirnie (debris can still be seen).
1971 - Garnock Academy opens.
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 Kilbirnie - 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?
s1kilbirnie is your site, so be one of the first to help build it!
Memorial Gate. Photo © Bill Anderson
- Could someone explain the history of the Memorial Gate and why it sits where it does. Did it used to be attached to something else like a boundary wall?
- Also interesting that the date of the end of the First World War is given as 1919. Technically correct, but most others give 1918. Anyone have any idea why it was decided to put 1919 on the memorial?
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The war memorial gate was erected in 8th October 1922 an the entrance way to the at that time new public park, it was attatched to steel railings the remnants of which still exist only at the bottom of the park.
Here is the official war memorial website literature on the war memorial;
Inscription
1914 PRO PATRIA MORTUI 1919/ (names on plaques)
The date of 1919 is for the service men who died between the years of 1914 to 1919 from their injuries.
Components
Component Material(s) Height Width Depth Condition
GATES STONE 8-9m 8-9m 1-1.5m GOOD
PLAQUES STONE GOOD
Physical Description
Neo-Greek memorial gate with four bronze plaques listing names of WW1 and WW2 dead. Wreaths have been carved on each side. Atop gates are two carved stone torches.
Wars Commemorated & People Remembered
War FIRST WORLD WAR
Total names on memorial: 159
Served & Returned 0
Died 159
Is this an exact count? Yes, an exact count
How are the names ordered? surname
What information is listed on the memorial? surname, regiment, forename
Is a list of names on the memorial held by the UKNIWM? Yes
War SECOND WORLD WAR
Total names on memorial: 54
Served & Returned 0
Died 54
Is this an exact count? Yes, an exact count
How are the names ordered? surname
What information is listed on the memorial? surname, regiment, forename
Is a list of names on the memorial held by the UKNIWM? Yes
Maintenance
Are the letters difficult to read? No
Who is responsible for the memorial?
Maintenance History: Photo from unveiling shows glass torches atop gate, probably with real lights, which have since been replaced by carved stone torches.
Ceremonies
Date: 07 October 1922
Role Performed By
UNVEILING Major General Sir Charles Mathew
DEDICATION LOCAL CLERGY/DIGNITARIES
Sponsorship
Sponsorship Type: None
Did this include a trust or scholarship? No
Did this include a roll of honour? No
Cost of Site: Not known
Cost of Memorial: Not known
Comments on Costs:
Craftsmen
Name Occupation
James Houston DESIGNER (Kilbirnie Architect)
References
Co-ordinator's Comments: Seventeen acre park opened with dedication of gate.
Comments:
Photographs: 6
Other Documents: None
Form / Letter: F
Negatives: No
Drawings / Plans: No
Minutes: No
Press Cuttings: 1
Publication Name Author Date Published Page / Date Other Information
The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald 13 Oct 1922.
Memorial Tools
- Thank you for your help in this matter.