In the 17th century, Lanarkshire was swept up in Scotland’s deadly witch hunts. Women from Lanark, Hamilton and surrounding villages were accused of consorting with the Devil, blighting crops, and cursing neighbours. Many were imprisoned, tortured, and executed based on little more than suspicion or local grudges. Records show Lanarkshire courts were active participants in this grim chapter, […]
Bothwell Castle, located near Blantyre and Uddingston on the River Clyde, is a significant medieval fortress built in the late 1200s. It served as a key stronghold during the Wars of Independence, changing hands between Scots and English, and now stands as a testament to Lanarkshire’s historical turmoil, despite its decay.
Hamilton Palace, once Scotland’s largest non-royal residence, was constructed in 1684 by the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. Renowned for its grandeur, particularly the unique entrance portico, it housed an extensive art collection. However, subsidence from coal mining led to its demolition between 1921 and 1932, erasing a historic landmark.
Some extra content about the history of nearby places. Long before modern Hamilton rose to prominence, the area was home to the ancient royal settlement of Cadzow—a medieval stronghold nestled in what is now Chatelherault Country Park. The ancient kings of Strathclyde are believed to have used it primarily as a hunting lodge due to […]
With quite a lot of new followers to Blantyre Project, I’ve recently been asked what is Blantyre most famous for? Well, it surely must be David Livingstone. Born in 1813 in a humble one-room home in Blantyre, David Livingstone would become one of the world’s most renowned explorers and missionaries. By day, he worked in the local cotton mill; by […]
In the early 1850s, the Dukes of Hamilton built the Hamilton Mausoleum in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, as a grand resting place for their family. Standing 123 feet tall, it features one of the longest echoes in manmade structures. Due to subsidence, it remains empty, symbolizing Victorian ambition and history.
A lot of people have joined Blantyre Project this year, so here’s a quick synopsis of the most tragic event in 1877 which several people have enquired about. On 22 October 1877, an explosion tore through Blantyre Colliery, owned by William Dixon Ltd. In a matter of seconds, 215 men and boys—some as young as 11—were killed […]