Castlemilk History
600 years & more of Castlemilk
Connections
Click on pic for more info
The first Castlemilk (Cassel Milk)
Family and connections........
The Stuarts of Castlemilk had many connections through the centuries as their family crest shows, but here are a few you may take a bit more interest in,(no offence to others).
The first one we mention is Robert the Bruce (top left). This is a strong connection through marraige of Walter, (son of the High steward to King Robert Bruce 2nd), to Marjory, daughter of the King. The 'Steward' family were strong supporters of the 'Bruces' for many years.
Mary Queen of Scots (Mary Stuart 2nd left) was cousin to the Castlemilk Stuarts and visited them on the eve of the battle at 'Langside'. It is said that Cassiltoun tower came under threat from her opposing troops. Mary was crowned Queen of Scotland at Stirling castle on the 9th of September 1543, The Scottish queen gave birth to James on 19th June 1566. She was beheaded (rather roughly) on the 8th Feb 1587 between 9-10am.
3rd left, King James the VI of Scotland & I of England. His mother Queen Mary was forced to abdicate and James inherited the Scottish throne at the tender age of 13 months. James was proclaimed King of England in March 1603 linking both countries, he died at the age of 59 on March 27 1625.
Joan of Ark, Maid of Orleans. This connection is through brothers William & John Stewart. Both were killed at the battle of Orleans in Feb 1429. The battle is depicted on the magnificent fire place which will be placed in the regenerated 'Stables'. It was Sir Johns son Matthew who inherited his land in Dumfrieshire & Fynnart, then moving to Cassiltoun of carmunnock,Casselmylk.
Origin of the name
The picture on the left shows the location of the very first Cassel Mylk, The central Cassel or 'keep', was built on the order of Robert the Bruce on the banks of the river 'Milk' in Annandale Dumfrieshire. By pronouncing the two words together quickly it was addopted and written as one word, Casselmylk.
In 1398, Sir William Stewart was given 'surities' in Dumfrieshire for the preservation of peace on the borders between Scotland & England. After Williams death his son Matthew succeeded his lands. It was this Matthew who later 'feud' lands known as 'Cassiltoun of Carmunnock', and in 1460, constructed a tower, Cassiltoun tower.
Just over 100 years later,(1579), the Stewart family sold their lands in Dumfries and moved North to Cassiltoun tower, they then changed the name to that of Casselmilk,(Castlemilk) and made his area their 'cheif' residence.
The small village of Carmunnock has strong connections to Castlemilk to this day.
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