Smithycroft
Smithycroft
The inhabitants, as in other towns and villages, had to observe Royal Proclamations, such as one that instructed that the ‘Lower Classes’ should practise archery during holidays and Sundays after divine service.
Archery practice took place in a large field opposite the Old Parish Church, known as Archer’s Croft. Archer’s Croft was divided into two areas when a railway was constructed across the field to take the line over the River Calder to East Kilbride. The columns of the old viaduct bridge can still be seen adjacent to Hunthill football fields and from Stoneymeadow Road.
One day my friend Jim Cornfield and myself were out visiting some historical sites including Archer’s Croft.
Jim led me across the road to the Old Parish Church entrance gates and asked me if I saw anything that required some explanation.
After a few attempts at identifying questionable aspects, mostly to do with the Church, Jim pointed at the side of the pathway and showed me a stone with the number 1777 carved into it. Photo by Jim Brown. |
He then explained that up until the 60’s, there were two cottages located in front of the church named Smithycroft, one of which had the year of build carved into the stone roof support and when they were demolished, the stone was used to edge the pathway to the Church. |
Lots of Blantyre’s history has been relocated, like the Gate Pillars of the workers Village and this stone from Smithycroft. It would certainly be a good question for local Pub quizzes. |
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