Helenton Loch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helenton, also Ellingtone |
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The site of Helenton Loch in 1811
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| Location | Symington, South Ayrshire, Scotland |
| Type | Drained freshwater loch |
| Primary inflows | Damhead and Pow Burns |
| Primary outflows | Pow Burn |
| Basin countries | Scotland |
| Islands | None |
| Settlements | Kilmarnock |
Helenton Loch was a natural lake located in a low area near the farms of Helentongate, Mains, and Burnbank in Symington, South Ayrshire, Scotland. This loch formed in a hollow created by glaciers long ago. Its waters eventually flowed out through the Pow Burn. Helenton Hill is a well-known landmark west of where the loch used to be.
Contents
History of Helenton Loch
The Loch's Story
Maps from hundreds of years ago show Helenton Loch with different names. For example, on Roy's survey from 1747-55, it was called Ellingtone Loch. An even older map from 1654, based on surveys by Timothy Pont, called it Elintoun Loch. Later maps, like Ainslie's in 1821, started using the name 'Helenton'.
In 1775, Armstrong's map showed a large loch next to the Helentoun mansion. However, by 1857, the loch had become much smaller. The loch was eventually drained to create more land for farming. A mill pond was made in its place. Today, the area where the loch once was is now dry farmland at Helentongate Farm.
Helenton Mill
Helenton Mill, also known as Ellingtone Mill, was built a very long time ago, possibly around 1549 or 1583. The loch likely supplied water to power this mill. Two dams helped create enough water pressure to turn the mill's large wheel. This wheel powered two grinding stones, which could produce about half a ton of oatmeal every hour! The mill also made food for cattle.
The mill was built for the local tenants by the Montgomeries of Eglinton. In 1583, William Wallace of Ellerslie owned half of the mill. By 1875, the old mill was in ruins, having closed in 1858. A miller named Robert Calderwood lived at Helenton Mill in 1841.
The mill pond is now filled in, and a footpath used to run from Underhill, crossing the Pow Burn, right to the old mill.
Land Ownership and Names
In 1549, Andrew Schaw owned the lands of Goldring (now Rosemount), Knockindail, and Helentoun Mains, including the mill. Later, Johne Schaw of Polkemmet owned Helentoun, its tower, and the mill.
The name 'Helenton' didn't appear on maps until the late 1500s. Before that, variations of 'Ellington' were used. The name 'Pow' or 'Poll' refers to a slow-moving, ditch-like stream.
Rev William Auld and Robert Burns
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The famous Scottish poet Robert Burns knew a minister named Rev William 'Daddy' Auld. He was the minister at Mauchline Kirk. Rev Auld was born at Auld Ellanton or Helenton Farm in 1709. He was the younger son of the Laird of Ellanton.
Robert Burns and Jean Armour had to appear before Rev Auld for their "irregular behaviour." Rev Auld also baptised their oldest son, Robert, and his sister Jean. William Auld's family had a special pew in Symington church. He died at 81 years old, after serving as a minister for 50 years. He never married.
Helenton Motte
A 'motte' or Moot hill was located at Helenton. This was a raised mound of earth, often topped with a building. It served as a "Justice Hill" for the local area, where important decisions or legal matters might have been handled. It was once seen as a fort with a ditch on one side.
