98 TRANSACTIONS, NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASOQ-W. 



vras surrounded by a parapet wall. As there are neither arrow- 

 slits nor gun-ports in the walls, the situation of the fortress was 

 probably believed to render it quite impregnable. Several large 

 portions of the building have fallen at successive periods, the 

 most notable being in January 1839, when, during a severe 

 storm, the north wall of the tower, estimated to contain between 

 four and five thousand feet of solid masonry, was overthrown. 

 A considerable portion of the walls has also been carried away 

 at different times, as material for the erection or reparation of 

 neighbouring farm-steadings. About the year 1842, however, 

 the walls were substantially repaired by the late Mr. William 

 Cochran-Patrick of Ladyland. 



The superior size and venerable antiquity of the castle have 

 inspired various theories as to its origin and early history. 

 According to some, it may probably have been the residence of the 

 De Morvilles, Lords of Cuninghame ; while others suppose it to 

 have perhaps been the home of the renowned Hardyknute. It 

 emerges from mediaeval obscurity in 1263, when it came into the 

 possession of Reginald Cuninghame, of the Kilmaurs family, 

 through his marriage with Janet Riddel, heiress of Glengarnock. 

 Their descendants, the Cuninghames of Glengarnock, are 

 referred to in many of the public records down till the beginning 

 of the seventeenth century. In 1613 Sir James Cuninghame 

 assigned his estate to his creditors, by whom it was afterwards 

 sold to Richard Cuninghame, eldest sou of William Cuninghame, 

 Keeper of the Signet. The new laird took a prominent part in 

 local affairs, was twice censured by the Presbytery of Irvine for 

 his adherence to the Royalist cause, and was present on the 

 King's side at the Battle of Worcester. After various other 

 transmissions, the castle became the property of the late Mr. 

 Cochran-Patrick, of Ladyland, with whose descendents it still 

 remains. 



From Glengarnock Castle the party proceeded to Ladyland, 

 where they were kindly received by the proprietrix, Mrs. K. N. 

 Cochran-Patrick, the Misses Cochran- Patrick (sisters of the late 

 Mr. R. W. Cochran-Patrick, LL.D., F.S.A., &c., formerly M.P. 

 for North Ayrshire, and Under-Secretary for Scotland), and 

 Mr. N. K. Coehran-Patrick, advocate. After tea on the lawn a 

 visit was made to the gardens and policies. The woods contained 



; 



