Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kirkoswald
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 The Main Street |
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 Kirkoswald
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| Population | 194 |
| OS grid reference | NS240075 |
| Council area | |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MAYBOLE |
| Postcode district | KA19 |
| Dialling code | 01655 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Kirkoswald (Scots: Kirkossald) is a small village in Scotland. It is located in the Carrick area of Ayrshire. The village is about 4 miles (6.5 km) southwest of Maybole. Kirkoswald is well-known for its history. It also has strong connections to the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Contents
Discovering Kirkoswald
The Village Name and History
Kirkoswald gets its name from two words: "kirk" and "Oswald". "Kirk" is an old Scottish word for church. The village's church was dedicated to Oswald of Northumbria. He was a king who lived in the 7th century. People believe he won an important battle right here.
In 1991, Kirkoswald village had a population of 194 people. The wider Kirkoswald parish covers about 23.3 square miles (60.3 square km). It also includes the coastal village of Maidens.
Kirkoswald's Historic Churches
The original church in Kirkoswald was built a very long time ago, in 1244. Today, this old church is a beautiful ruin. Inside, you can still find the baptismal font of Robert the Bruce. He was a famous Scottish king.
A newer church was built in 1777. It was designed by a famous architect named Robert Adam. This modern church stands near the historic ruins.
Robert Burns' Special Connection
Kirkoswald has a very special link to Robert Burns. He is one of Scotland's most famous poets. Burns's family, the Brouns, came from this very village. Young Robert Burns also went to school here.
Later, Burns used people from Kirkoswald as inspiration for his poems. For example, the characters Tam o' Shanter, Kirkton Jean, and souter Johnnie were based on real villagers. They were Douglas Graham, Jean Aird, and John Davidson, who was a shoemaker.
Famous Local Landmarks
The area around Kirkoswald is home to several important historical sites. These landmarks tell stories of Scotland's past:
- Turnberry Castle: This was once the ancient home of the Earls of Carrick.
- Culzean Castle: A stunning castle with beautiful grounds.
- Thomaston Castle: Another historic castle ruin in the area.
- Crossraguel Abbey: The remains of an old abbey, a place where monks used to live.
Gallery
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View of the village from the neighbouring moorland
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The old church
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The War memorial
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The grave of 'Kirkton Jean'
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Grave marker for former slave Scipio Kennedy
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Souter Johnnie's cottage, now owned by the National Trust
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The remains of Turnberry Castle
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View of Maidens village
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View towards Mochrum Hill
