Crosshouse, a history by C Hannah & J Stewart

"Crosshouse: A Journey Through Time and Memory"

Discovering the Heart of Crosshouse During WWII

A Voyage Back to Crosshouse's Rich Heritage

I was incredibly fortunate to receive some fascinating documents from Sadie McHarg a few years ago. She knew I was writing a novel set in Crosshouse during WWII. Among these materials were ten pages penned by Charlie Hannah. He collaborated with Sadie’s father, Jimmy Stewart. They captured the essence of childhood exploration, taking us on a walking tour around the village of Crosshouse while describing its layout, shops, businesses, and people.

Initially, I faced challenges opening these documents. I resorted to taking handwritten notes. Eventually, I managed to open the files but found I couldn't edit them. Following the passing of my mother and the onset of COVID-19, my enthusiasm for writing dwindled, and the novel remains incomplete.

Memories Sparked by a Familiar Place

Recently, while waiting at the traffic lights on the bridge in Crosshouse, I pondered, "Where was the entrance to the Crosshouse Junior football team changing rooms located?" This question reminded me of Sadie’s documents, reigniting a flurry of memories.

To streamline the documents for a modern audience, I succeeded in changing their format and conducting thoughtful editing. My goal was to retain the heart of their narrative while making it relatable to today's readers. This was a delicate balance. The original words had an unmistakable charm, yet some explanations and contexts were necessary for readers unfamiliar with certain references. Thus, explanatory brackets were added.

One poignant part of the memoir mentions Crosshouse Hospital. It began construction in 1972 and opened its doors in 1984, suggesting the memoir was penned in the 70s and 80s. I hope you enjoy reading and reminiscing as much as I did. Charlie and Jimmy truly brought Crosshouse in the early 20th century to life in a way only locals could.

A Look Back—The Lives of Crosshouse Residents

The memories captured by Charlie and Jimmy serve as a time capsule. They transport readers to an era filled with vivid experiences. Their writing emphasizes the communal spirit that characterized Crosshouse, marked by belonging, mutual respect, and shared experiences. Such narratives highlight the significance of community, often overshadowed by modernity.

Additionally, the wartime memories added at the end create a striking contrast. They underscore the resilience of those who lived amid the uncertainty of WWII.

Reigniting My Passion

While the novel remains unfinished, this journey through these precious documents rekindled my passion for writing. Charlie and Jimmy's memories remind us of Crosshouse’s rich heritage. As I advance in drafting my novel, I will continue drawing inspiration from these invaluable accounts. Watch this space!

Crosshouse will always hold a cherished place in my heart—not merely as the backdrop for my novel but as a symbol of resilience, community, and the transformative power of memory. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey, and may you find as much joy in these memories as I have.

Jacqueline Heron Wray, March 2025.

Weaving Through the History of Crosshouse

The old name of the village was Corshouse. Originally known as Corsehouse Muir, Crosshouse is part of the parish of Kilmaurs. The church was built in 1882, but before this, residents trekked to various churches—some to Kilmarnock, others to Kilmaurs, and a few to Dreghorn.

Those who attended the parish church in Kilmaurs walked up through Knockentiber and then halfway to Kilmaurs, where a path branches off to the right, trails under the railway, and meanders through fields to Kilmaurs church. This path was the right-of-way.

From 1870 until the church's opening in 1882, Crosshouse was served by a missionary probationer, appointed jointly by Dreghorn and Kilmaurs. He conducted services alternately in the outlying areas of both parishes. The church, originally costing £6,000, was built in 1882. In 1887, a manse was constructed, costing £1,400, raised through public subscription. Mr. Pollock Morris of Craig contributed £500 towards the pipe organ.

The Struggles for Education

In October 1704, members of the Kilmaurs Kirk Session—all residing in the Crosshouse area—petitioned for a school in Crosshouse. The entire Session, after careful consideration, promised the sum of 11 shillings and 8 pence (58p) per annum to support the school. This must have strained their resources because, from 1739 to 1765, the allocation was reduced to 5 shillings (25p) annually.

By 1804, the heritors of Crosshouse agreed to pay one hundred merks (13 shillings and four pence, exactly two-thirds of a Scottish pound) per year as a salary for the schoolteacher. A school and schoolhouse appear to have been constructed by subscription around 1808, with a small debt still lingering at a 1820 meeting.

In 1887, a new school and schoolhouse were built, taking the place of the original school, facilitated under the School Board. This structure underwent extensions between 1901 to 1911 to address the burgeoning population. Below is a list of schoolmasters:

| Schoolmaster | Year |

|-----------------------|----------|

| Allan Orr | 1705 |

| Mr. Gilbey | 1750 |

| Thos Brunton | 1753-1762 |

| Arthur Smith | 1755-1757 |

| Thos Walker | 1757 |

| Andrew McTire | 1758-1759 |

| John Duff | 1759 |

| Arch Gillies | 1761 |

| Robt. Boxentoor | 1761 |

| Daniel Thomson | 1763-1765 |

| James Johnstone | 1765 |

Arthur Smith received his appointment from the Secession Church of Kilmaurs' Session. Mr. Smyton, the minister, took a keen interest in Crosshouse school during this period. The teacher received a gratuity from the Poor Box to support him on the meager income from his role!

The 'Brig' and Its History

Before the bridge was built, the road dipped down the brae (hill) towards Hunter's Garage and crossed a ford. The riverbanks were built up, with steps installed down both sides leading to the burn. Large stones were placed to facilitate crossing the water.

In one of the houses on the burn side, Andrew Fisher—Labour Prime Minister of Australia—was born. If you observe closely at the end of the bridge near the Laundromat, you can see steps on both sides leading down to the burn, allowing villagers to collect water for washing.

Next to the Laundromat stood a slew of cottages, which were in ruins by the early 1920s. A shed used to house Will Stewart’s horse and wagonette, which ferried passengers to and from Kilmarnock before the advent of motorbuses.

Murdoch's Smiddy, a bustling hub for shooing horses and repairing farm implements, played an important role in the community.

Next, we arrive at Carmel View, owned by the Keast family, who also managed the butcher shop at the Cross—now owned by the Co-operative. A field behind the butcher shop served as a grazing area for sheep.

Connecting with the Co-ops and Community Services

Behind Carmel View were sheds for keeping pigs, which were slaughtered on-site. Moving forward, we reach the Co-operative Buildings containing multiple dwellings alongside the tailor, cobbler, and drapery departments. Subsequently, the dairy relocated to new premises, occupying the previous drapery space.

This marked the end of the village proper, with an open field beyond it and two nurseries, one owned by Michael Brown and the other by George Brown.

A large house, Craufurd Hill, served as the home and surgery for Dr. McLaren. During Dr. McLaren’s tenure, a waiting room for patients didn’t exist; patients waited outside, sheltered against the gable end of the house. Fortunate patients found refuge in the garage during their wait. Ultimately, Dr. McLaren moved his practice to an old shop now an open area between the Cross Garage and the petrol pumps, later constructing a clinic after demolishing a cottage.

There is no longer a petrol station in the village; the area has since transitioned into a car wash. The clinic’s previous site, referred to as Finlay’s buildings, housed my father when he was born.

The Evolution of Community Spaces

What is now the Post Office was once Montgomery's Buildings, and the Post Office was situated on a small triangular patch of land at the end of this establishment. The road currently known as Annandale Lane was once referred to as the Boo'in, with some houses occupied by workers from Annandale Farm.

The village concluded at the Manse, behind which was the original Crosshouse Waverley football pitch. Across the road, housing resumed, starting with the residence of the village constable. Next was a structure that eventually morphed into a hosiery factory—Blackwood's Building.

The building adjacent was Douglas Cottage, No 38 Kilmarnock Road, the first in Crosshouse to be fitted with electric lighting. I recall the crowd that gathered to witness the lights being turned on!

We have now reached McChristie’s Buildings, home to the Portland Arms. Behind the pub were numerous houses, accommodating no fewer than sixteen families. Passing by the school brought us to the Co-operative grocery shop.

Behind it were the stables and offices. Several cottages ended opposite the Toll House situated at the Gatehead Road corner. On the Portland Arms’ street side, each garden used to have a well to supply water for household needs before public water installation.

I remember witnessing the demolition of old houses behind the Portland Arms. When a lorry dislodged a large slab, it revealed a deep well, previously unknown to residents, that has since been filled.

Home Memories and Community Life During WWII

As I delve back into my community's history, I find myself longing for more intimate stories from individuals who experienced life in Crosshouse. I'd love to hear from anyone willing to share their experiences.

Remember, the human stories of life—whether mundane or extraordinary—form the fabric of our community history.

Help required

I have just started my new book set in Crosshouse and Kilmarnock during WWII. Hopefully, some of you will have some memories you would be willing to share with me.

I am looking for memories of daily life, shops, entertainment, etc. Was there a pub in Crosshouse? Were signposts removed? Were there Anderson air raid shelters, communal shelters, etc.? What are your memories of rationing? I want to be as factually correct as possible; however, the characters and stories will remain fictional.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you in anticipation.

Jacqueline x

Through the voices of the past, we can enrich our understanding of history and the community spirit that binds us all together. If you are also connected through memories, don’t hesitate to share.