Carnwath

Carnwath stands about a mile north of the old Roman road connecting forts in Tweeddale with those on the Clyde. The former castle of Carnwath is believed to date to the mid 12th-century built under the orders of William de Sommerville (who died 1160). However, the only remains are the motte which is visible beside the Carnwath Golf Club (founded 1907), at the west end of the village. At the centre of Carnwath is Carnwath Cross, the mercat cross, set back a little where the Main Street widens to form the Market Square. This was erected by the 5th Lord Somerville in 1516 to celebrate the granting of burgh status to the village in 1514. Carnwath collegiate church was established in 1386. The…

Carnwath is mentioned twice in the traditional song We're No' Awa' Tae Bide Awa, also known as Carnwath Mill. <poem>So we had a hauf an' anither hauf, And then we had anither, When he got fou' he shouted "Hoo! It's Carnwath Mill for ever." For we're no' awa' tae bide awa' , etc.</poem> And:- <poem> So whenever friendly friens may meet, Wherever Scots foregather, We'll raise our gless, we'll shout Hurroo, It's Carnwath Mill for ever.</poem> The allusion is obscure. Carnwath Mill is now a farm (and ruined mill) about 1 mi from Carnwath; alternatively, there was a lint mill at Carnwath erected in 1762; The song also alludes to Wilsontown, which was about 6 mi away.