The dome top of Hamilton Mausoleum is visible just above the treetops on the left hand side. And, on the right side the Old Toll Booth Clock Tower and Jail can be seen. You can also see the top of Hamilton Palace with the flag flying high! Murdochs Tannery (Last one in Hamilton) is focus of shot.
Written by
Hamilton Historian
Terence (Terry) Murphy.
This Scottish Covenanters Memorial Association Plaque was unveiled during an unpublicised service of remembrance on Sunday June 30th 2019 at 3pm just off Millgate Road, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The plaque details state that the Laird James Strangs’ family were Covenanters, this is not entirely correct! As only one of his family members was proven to be a Covenanter and that was Christopher Strang. His head along with three others was buried in the Old Parish Churchyard in Hamilton and their memorial is embedded in the parameter wall.
It is great to see that finally a memorial plaque has been installed in the area relating to the Meikle Earnock Burial Ground! Unfortunately the plaque details stating that: ” This mound marks the graves of a number of Covenanters….” is incorrect! The mound is what’s left of a Roman Tumulus located in the former lands of Fairhill Park (Laird Old James Strangs’ land.) In the ancient village of Meikle Earnock which bordered Neilsland. The Tumulus has been reduced in size and filled in with earth over the years. It is also documented that three terracotta urns containing ashes and some bone fragments and teeth were stolen from the Tumulus many years ago.
Some yards behind the Roman Tumulus (Closer to the Neilsland Road end) is where the burial ground was located. It is on this area of ground where the plaque should have been installed! Laird James Strang is buried there as is Robert Strang (Younger of Meikle Earnock) and other undocumented Strang/Mathers family descendants. Recent information has come to light that the Laird gave permission for Covenanters (And their family members) who came from the ancient lands could also be buried there!
On the above map clipping the burial ground is sectioned off in a rectangular area with the small mausoleum in the right hand corner. The Mound ( Tumulus ) is indicated outside it by a sunshine type symbol!
Written by
Hamilton Historian
Terence (Terry) Murphy.
Hamilton Historian. Terry Murphy 