Carluke: Unveiling its Rich History

The Enduring Enigma of Carluke's Name

Carluke, a parish nestled in Scotland, may appear to possess ordinary buildings and inhabitants at first glance. However, delve a little deeper, and you'll uncover a tapestry of stories that imbue the town and its surrounding parish with a unique character. The very origins of Carluke's name, however, remain shrouded in a captivating mystery. While definitive proof is elusive, the most compelling theory suggests a derivation from 'Eglis Malouc,' meaning the church of St. Malouc. This Celtic saint, closely associated with Lesmahagow and even St. Malo in France, held a special place in the affections of the Culdee monks, who predated the Tironensians in Lesmahagow.

From Forest Kirk to 'Visible Kirk'

The earliest documented evidence pertaining to Carluke centres around its church. In the 12th century, Tironesian monks from Kelso Abbey established a church within the forest of Mauldslie, a site known as ‘Eglismalesock’. A significant shift occurred perhaps as early as the 14th century when the monks relocated the church to a more salubrious location. This new site, situated at the heart of the present-day old churchyard, marked a pivotal moment in the town's development. Although no physical remnants of this ancient church survive, its bell tower, erected in 1714, remains a steadfast testament to its past. Locals affectionately referred to the church as the ‘Forest Kirk’, a name echoed in the prevalence of the surname ‘Forest’ within the Carluke parish, a fact observable to any visitor to the churchyard. A plaque on the tower holds particular significance for Canadians, commemorating a generous gift from James Ross and his uncles, Thomas and James Gibb, all hailing from Quebec. Ross, who departed Carluke as an impoverished teenager, rose to become one of Canada's wealthiest individuals, dying a multi-millionaire.

The original ‘Forest Kirk’ eventually fell into ruin, making way for St. Andrew’s Church in 1799. This new edifice was designed by Henry Bell, the very same individual responsible for the construction of the renowned steamship ‘Comet’. Standing proudly at the summit of Mount Stuart Street, its visibility from all approaches to the town, with some claiming it was visible from as far as Glasgow Green, earned it the evocative nickname of the ‘Visible Kirk’.

Industrial Transformation and Growth

Carluke experienced a gradual expansion. By the close of the 18th century, its population numbered around 380 individuals. The primary occupation at this juncture was weaving, a trade that, after a few decades, began to wane, giving way to various mining activities. The advent of industrialisation brought iron-making to the parish at Castlehill. The development of the blast furnace spurred the extraction of coal, ironstone, limestone, and freestone. The latter was particularly in demand due to the burgeoning need for housing, driven by the influx of workers to the town and parish. While iron making proved to be a relatively short-lived enterprise, lasting only forty years, coal mining persisted as a vital industry until the closure of the last pit in the 1950s.

Market Crosses and Community Spirit

The 1840s marked a period of rapid growth for Carluke. It was during this era that the market cross appears to have been relocated from the foot of the town’s High Street to its upper reaches, near the current gardens. Until the formal gardens were established in the 1930s, the Market Square served as the venue for the town’s cattle fairs, held four times annually. Today, while it remains a popular gathering spot during the summer months, its largest crowds assemble on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting the annual visit of Santa Claus.

Victoria Cross Heroes of Carluke

Carluke has a proud history of military heroism, with several of its inhabitants being awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross. In 1915, the town witnessed one of its largest gatherings to welcome home Corporal William Angus. Angus received the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery in rescuing a wounded soldier from ‘No Man’s Land’. The significance of this act was amplified by the fact that the soldier he saved, Lieutenant James Martin, also hailed from Carluke. During his perilous rescue, Angus sustained forty wounds. Later, in 1918, Sergeant Thomas Caldwell earned the Victoria Cross for single-handedly destroying a machine-gun nest and capturing eighteen enemy prisoners. The Second World War saw Lieutenant Donald Cameron awarded the medal for his command of a midget submarine tasked with destroying the formidable battleship ‘Tirpitz’. For a town of Carluke’s modest size, producing three Victoria Cross recipients is an exceptional and likely unique achievement.

Major General William Roy: Mapping a Nation

Carluke’s contributions extend beyond military accolades. Major General William Roy, a distinguished soldier whose enterprise quite literally put Carluke on the map, is credited with founding the Ordnance Survey mapping system. Born near Miltonhead in 1726, Roy’s legacy is marked by a trigonometrical point erected in the 1950s by the Ordnance Survey itself, a poignant tribute to their visionary founder.

Eminent Carlukeans: Artists and Scholars

A list of eminent ‘Carlukeans’ would be incomplete without mentioning the names of Rankin, Forrest, and Greenshields. Dr. Daniel Rankin, a figure who never left his beloved town, left an indelible mark through his multifaceted contributions. His work as a medical doctor, a disseminator of knowledge to his fellow townsfolk, a paleontologist, and a local historian ensured his name would be remembered. Following his death, the townspeople erected the Rankin Memorial Hall and Library in his honour. When this building was regrettably demolished in 1979 to facilitate road improvements, a clock was erected in the High Street as a lasting memorial.

Robert Forrest and John Greenshields, both accomplished sculptors of the 19th century, also hailed from Carluke. Largely self-taught, both men achieved considerable fame for their artistic endeavours, with their sculptures gracing various towns across Scotland. Notable examples include John Knox in the Glasgow Necropolis by Forrest and Sir Walter Scott in the Parliament Hall in Edinburgh, sculpted by Greenshields.

The Verdant Bounty of Carluke: Fruit Growing

Fruit growing has historically been a cornerstone of Carluke’s economy. The monks from Kelso were instrumental in cultivating a diverse array of apples and pears. By the late 19th century, strawberries had emerged as the primary crop. However, from the 1920s onwards, tomatoes gained increasing popularity. The vibrant colours of the fruit farms and the allure of home baking attract thousands of visitors to the parish each weekend, particularly to the charming village of Braidwood.

The Ruinous Majesty of High Mill

The town also harbours aspirations of possessing another significant tourist attraction in its High Mill. This imposing structure, situated at the top of Chapel Street, was constructed by the Dick family around 1797. Initially a windmill, it was later converted to steam power in the 1830s and subsequently powered by a suction gas engine until its closure in the 1930s. Fortunately, much of the original machinery remains in situ. While plans for its restoration were once in place, they ultimately faltered, leaving the mill in a state of considerable disrepair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most accepted theory about the origin of Carluke's name?

The most widely accepted theory suggests that Carluke's name is derived from 'Eglis Malouc,' meaning the church of St. Malouc, a Celtic saint with connections to Lesmahagow and St. Malo in France.

What was the 'Forest Kirk'?

The 'Forest Kirk' was the local name for the church established by Tironesian monks from Kelso Abbey in the 12th century. Although the original church no longer exists, its 1714 bell tower can still be seen.

Who were some notable figures from Carluke?

Notable figures include Corporal William Angus, Sergeant Thomas Caldwell, and Lieutenant Donald Cameron (Victoria Cross recipients), Major General William Roy (founder of the Ordnance Survey), Dr. Daniel Rankin (doctor and historian), and sculptors Robert Forrest and John Greenshields.

What is Carluke known for in terms of agriculture?

Carluke has a long history of fruit growing, with strawberries being a major crop in the late 19th century, and tomatoes becoming increasingly popular from the 1920s onwards.

What is the current state of the High Mill?

The High Mill, a former windmill converted to steam power, is currently in a ruinous state, although much of its original machinery remains in place.

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