1. History of Cambusnethan Priory
Compiled by Christine Wallace and the Friends of Cambusnethan Priory
(updated Jan 2017)
Cover Photo by James B. Brown

2. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 1: From the mists of time to 1100AD
The lands of Cambusnethan have a long history, with significant archaeological finds dating back to 2000 years ago. The Netherton Head, found in the lands surrounding the Priory in 1967 is a pre-Christian Celtic diety, believed to be associated with the River Clyde itself, which the pagans of that time would have held sacred, known to them as the mighty goddess Clota.
The Christian history of the area began with old Cambusnethan Churchyard, dedicated to St Nethan and from which the area got its name. "Camb" is gaelic for "curve" or "bend", in this case the bend, or meander, in the river. Thus we have the Meander of St Nethan.
Caltic Ticephalos from Netherton from paper by Anne Ross MA PHD
Introduction to “Historical Sketches…” by Rev. P. Brown
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

3. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 1: From the mists of time to 1100AD
As with many sacred sites, the foundations of this church pre-date Christianity and could be from as early as the 6th or 7th century, allthough some local experts believe the evidence suggests a date of 430AD!
St Nethan was a Pictish king living in the 8th century and whose residence was at Abernethy, the ancient form of which was Abernethyn. His lands stretched as far as the banks of the Clyde. In most sources his name was written Nechtan, or to give him his full title Nechtan mac Der-Ilei.
There is another mystery from ancient times that we haven't been able to find any information about - an old map from 1913 shows that a stone coffin containing human remains was discovered in 1904, in the flat land just down from the Priory.
The old Cambusnethan Kirkyard (Image from Bing)
Map from 1913 showing stone coffin (Image C. Wallace)
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

4. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 2: The Normans & Kelso Abbey 1100-1200AD
At the start of the 12th century King David 1st of Scotland encouraged Anglo-Norman and Flemish barons to settle in Scotland; they were given land in return for military service. Before becoming King of Scotland, David was the Prince of Cumbria and the lands of Clydesdale belonged to Cumbria. It was at this time that the first records mentioning the Barony of Cambusnethan appeared, stating that William Finnemund, a Norman Lord, was in possession of the land. A pious man, he gave the Barony's titles and rights over the soil to the Abbey of Kelso. It is this era that was to inspire the banquets held at Cambusnethan Priory nearly a thousand years later. By the mid 12th century another Norman baron held the title - Ralph de Clare. The de Clares were descended from Richard fitz Gilbert, who accompanied William the Conqueror into England during the Norman conquest of England. It was Ralph de Clare who granted the right to grind grain to the monks of Kelso Abbey and also gave them the Church of Cambusnethan. The monks in turn granted de Clare the right to build a private chapel on the site - this chapel was dedicated to St Michael.
A member of the de Clare family from Tewkesbury Cathedral
From the Priory Medieval Banquet leaflet by Carol Wilson
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

5. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 2: The Normans & Kelso Abbey 1100-1200AD
At that time Kelso was one of the most powerful abbeys in the country, deriving its revenue from 34 parishes. The massive ruins which survive today were only a tiny fragment of the building which once stood. This association with the monks of Kelso is believed by some to be the reason that years later, the title "Priory" could be rightly bestowed on the house at Cambusnethan. Who knows - it may also be the origin of the local names "Monkey Road" and "Monkey Bing". At the end of the 13th century, the lands of Cambusnethan appear to have been transferred to the Bishop of Glasgow.
Kelso Abbey, photo C. Wallace
Kelso Abbey, photo C. Wallace
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

6. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 3: The Bairds & Somervilles 1200-1661
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Barony of Cambusnethan was granted by Robert 1st of Scotland (Robert the Bruce) to the Bairds - an influential family in the Anglo-Scottish politics at that time. Sir Robert Baird built a four-storey square tower house on the site where Cambusnethan Priory now stands. This tower may have been similar in appearance to Hallbar Tower in Braidwood, the best-preserved tower house in Lanarkshire. Such tower houses could once be found all over the land at strategic points. The tower stood in its entirety until 1661 and gave the site at Cambusnethan its alternative name of Baird's Tower.
Later, the Barony of Cambusnethan passed to Sir John Edmonstone and through marriage it then fell into the hands of the Somervilles, who were to hold the estate for 264 unbroken years and then for a further 115 years. The Somervilles were another of the Norman families who came to Scotland at the invitation of David I and originally held land in Carnwarth. This is one of the connections between Cambusnethan and Sir Walter Scott, who together with Lord James Somerville, complied and annotated a history of the Somerville family entitled "Memorie of the Somervilles" in Under the Somervilles the land was split and sold off as separate estates to such notable local families as the Hamiltons of Wishaw and the Stewarts of Coltness. Their family were buried within the chapel of St Michael's, which some believe to be the old Cambusnethan Cemetery or Covenanters' Graveyard, although others suggest this was their own private chapel attached to their manor house.
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

7. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 3: The Bairds & Somervilles 1200-1661
More political intrigue led to the loss of the estate in 1524 to Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, famous for having built the mighty Craignethan Castle, but the Somervilles were to regain the lands 20 years later and they were to retain it until the death of the last of their line in In 1661, the land passed to Sir John Harper, Sherriff of the County. He inherited a mass of buildings erected by the Barons of Cambusnethan over the years, including the 14th century tower house of Baird. He had them all demolished and built in their place the first Cambusnethan House
Cambusnethan House from lithograph sent by Sir Simon Sinclair Lockhart
Hallbar Tower from “Historic Buildings of Clydesdale”
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

8. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 4: The Lockharts of Castlehill 1695
The Barony of Cambusnethan came into the hands of the Lockharts of Castlehill, who were a branch of the Lockharts of the Lee, in The seat of the Lockharts was Lee Castle near Lanark and they can trace their line back to Sir Simon Loccard, who attempted to take the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land in the 14th century and returned with the magical talisman known as the Lee Penny, which is still kept at Lee Castle. Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Talisman" published in 1825 is a fictional account of Sir Simon Loccard's adventure. The symbol of the Lockharts is a heart within a lock, which can still be seen above the archway at Cambusnethan stable block, as well as the gatehouse of Milton Lockhart. It could once be seen etched into every balustrade of the main staircase at Cambusnethan Priory.
The Lee Penny, also known as the Talisman
Cambusnethan Stable Block
photo C. Wallace
Milton Lockhart Gateway, photo C. Wallace
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

9. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 4: The Lockharts of Castlehill 1695
The Lockharts of Castlehill took on the name Sinclair-Lockhart in 1695, when Martha Lockhart, daughter of Sir John Lockhart of Castlehill, married Sir John Sinclair of Stevenson. When their son succeeded to the Castlehill title he assumed the surname Lockhart as it was stated that a the name Lockhart must remain with the Barony of Cambusnethan. The Lockharts of Castlehill also own the lands where the town of Stonehouse is situated and to this day, the main street leading into the town is known as Lockhart Street, with Cam'nethan Street running in parallel. Their family home was Cambusnethan House which stood on the site where Cambusnethan Priory is today.
Marriage Certificate from 1695, photos from Sir Simon Sinclair Lockhart
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

10. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 4: The Lockharts of Castlehill 1695
An old photo of the dining room of Cambusnethan Priory shows portraits of the Sinclair-Lockharts on the wall. The portrait of Captain James Sinclair-Lockhart, born 1736 can be seen on the left. Captain James was aquainted with Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson and a letter written to him by Nelson survives. The 17th and 18th centuries were a turbulent time and the lands of Cambusnethan saw their fair share of this history. Stockleton Dyke, where Claverhouse, known as Bloody Clavers, shot local farmer Arthur Inglis during the Killing Times of 1680s is somewhere on the estate. Five oak trees once stood there. In the 18th century General Wade used the fields between the river and Cambusnethan House as a resting post during the suppression of the Jacobite Uprising and the Highland Clearances. The fields around the actual building itself when ploughed reveal clay pipes, some with crossed musket insignia, and musket balls of lead from the 17th century as well as glass bottles from slightly later.
Interior of the Priory showing Sinclair Lockhart portraits from Sir Simon Sinclair Lockhart
James Sinclair Lockhart
Martha Lockhart
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

11. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 5: Building the Priory 1810-1820
"UPON THE NIGHT OF THE 16th OF MARCH 1810, THE HOUSE OF CAMBUSNETHAN BEING BURNT TO THE GROUND..."
- so was the catastrophe described that led to the loss of the mansion of Cambusnethan House, which had stood since 1661 on the site of earlier buildings. This inscription could once be seen on the plaque on the wall of Cambusenthan Priory beside the rose window facing the Clyde, but is now sadly illegibile. With the loss of the family home Robert Sinclair-Lockhart commissioned architect James Gillespie Graham to design a new home in the neo-gothic style, which was the height of fashion at that time. Gillespie Graham was born in Dunblane and had worked as architect to the Lord of the Isles on Skye for nearly 25 years, where he was involved in many estate buildings such as the Castle of Armadale. At the time of the Cambusnethan commission he had already completed a stunning re-building of Crawford Priory in the gothic ecclesiastical style and one can see the similarities in the details when compared with Cambusnethan Priory.
The plaques on the side of the Priory facing the Clyde
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

12. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 5: Building the Priory 1810-1820
The main building of the Priory was completed by 1816, as can be seen on the second plaque which can still be read. The coach house, known locally as the stable block but actually built as estate offices were also built at this time and designed by James Gillespie Graham. During the first half of the 19th century he was a very important architect in the Lanarkshire area, being responsible for Wishaw house, Coltness House, Bonnington House and Lee Castle amongst others. Sadly, only the latter survives and his name is no longer well-known. A wonderful lithograph shows Cambusnethan Priory shortly after completion, perhaps in around 1825 judging by the clothes of the figures portrayed.
James Gillespie Graham
Robert Sinclair-Lockhart, who comissioned James Gillespie Graham to build the Priory
Cambusnethan Priory shortly after completion by John Fleming
(engraved by Joseph Swan)
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

13. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 6: Era of the General 1850-1905
Sir Graeme Alexander Sinclair Lockhart was born in 1820, the year the Priory was fully completed. He inherited the Barony in 1850 and it is from his time at Cambusnethan Priory that we have acquired rare and historic photographs of the grounds, exterior and interior of the building from Sir Simon Sinclair Lockhart. After a dazzling military career, which saw him mentioned in despatches for bravery, Sir Graeme retired with the rank of Major General to Cambusnethan Priory, where he became very involved in local issues. He was described in "Glasgow and Lanarkshire Illustrated" as one of the "grand old men of Lanarkshire". Photogrpahs from this time show the building and estate in their heyday. Another insight into this time was related by Tom and Robert Lang whose great-grandfather John Todd was the gamekeeper at Cambusnethan Priory between 1881 and Two of John Todd's sons were born on the estate - Thomas Todd, grandfather of Tom and Robert, at "Camnethan House", and John Todd, at a "Cottage near Camnethan House“. We believe the game-keeper's cottage is what is now known as the East Lodge.
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

14. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 6: Era of the General 1850-1905
Major General Sir Graeme Sinclair-Lockhart died in 1904 and was buried at Cambusnethan Mausoleum on the Monk's Mound and it seems his lovely wife died just a few months later. The General had a special Mausoleum made for him and his wife on the Monk's Mound within the Cambusnethan Woodlands, apparently because his wife was a commoner and could not be buried in the Sinclair Lockhart tomb at Cambusnethan Cemetery. There was a description of her burial in the Motherwell Press at the time: "Lady Emily Udny Sinclair Lockhart had died on the 18/6/1904, and her remains were interred beside those of her husband's, in the little mausoleum within the castle grounds, which Sir Graeme caused to be constructed a short time before his death. The oaken coffin was carried on the shoulders of the estate employees....through the grounds and up the hill to the "Monks' Mound" where the mausoleum is romantically situated"
Cambusnethan Mausoleum, resting place of Major General Sir Graeme Sinclair-Lockhart and his wife
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

15. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 6: Era of the General 1850-1905
Some still remember the little Mausoleum as it once stood: the slate roof, brick walls and the yew trees growing outside - the sacred yew is a symbol of immortality. It is known locally as the General's Tomb. Unfortunately the building was accidentally destroyed 30 years ago by woodland contractors who apparently didn't know it was there. The yew trees at least have survived but are now masssively overgrown. The crosses, though broken, are still beautiful with the intricate carvings of forgot-me-knots and the names of the General and his wife Emily can still be seen. With the passing of the Major General without issue, the Baronetcy of Cambusnethan passed to his nephew Robert Duncan Sinclair-Lockhart. Born in New Zealand, there is a wonderful account of his arrival in Scotland in 1905 as the new Baronet of Cambusnethan, on which occasion he entertained his tenants at dinner at the Black Bull Hotel in Stonehouse, part of the Cambusnethan Estates. He informed them that he had to return to New Zealand for several years due to business commitments but that he fully intended to return. He never did, and thus the era of the Sinclair Lockharts at Cambusnethan Priory came to an end.
Sir Robert Sinclair Lockhart from Michael Grace Jones
The Black Bull Hotel Stonehouse from
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

16. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 7: Sir John Craig of Colvilles c
The period from circa 1910 until the late 1960s saw the loss of many of the important, historic buildings of the Clyde Valley, such as Hamilton Palace (1919), Bonnington House (1925), Stonebyres House (1934), Mauldslie Castle (1935), Dalserf House (1950), Wishaw House (1953) and Carfin House (1957). This destruction was not limited to the Clyde Valley; according to one estimate, in 1955 a country mansion was demolished every single week in Britain as a whole. This makes it all the more amazing that Cambusnethan Priory survived at all. The reason for the survival of the Priory against the odds may be that it became the family home of Sir John Craig, the Chairman and Managing Director of Colvilles, the steel company which would later become Ravenscraig. Sir John was born into a family of iron and steel workers at Mossend, Lanarkshire in 1874 and left school at the age of 14 to start work at Colvilles as an office boy and where he later worked directly in the iron milling department before rising through the ranks to become managing director in 1916.
Sir John Craig
Sir John Craig at the entrance to the Priory
(photo courtesy of Kenneth Liddell)
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

17. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 7: Sir John Craig of Colvilles c
As well as running Colvilles, he was involved in many other companies, which makes for quite a list: Director of Bank of Scotland, Director of Harland & Wolf Ltd, Ardrossan Harbour Co, Archibald Russell. Ltd, Fullwood Foundry Co. Ltd, Motherwell Machinery & Scrap Co. Ltd, Murdostoun Colliery Co. Ltd, Polmaise Patent Fuel Co. Ltd, Carnlough Lime Co. Ltd, Smith & McLean Ltd and Clyde Alloy Steel Co. Ltd. During his time it seems that the Priory was open for public events, such as the strong man competition of the 1930s and he appears to have been involved with public services, such as the opening of an exhibition at Hamilton Public Library. There were also several newspaper articles written about his fine country home, which was described as "one of the most outstanding buildings in the county". Estate workers had fond memories of working at the Priory at this time. We have a personal account of two members of the staff, having met and fallen in love at the Priory, being driven in Sir John Craig's car on their wedding day up to Wishaw Cross. The other staff tied carrots to the bumper! With the passing of Sir John Craig and his family's moving out a few years later, Cambusnethan Priory and its grounds at last came onto the market in 1965
Strongman competition in the grounds of Cambusnethan Priory, courtesy of Wishaw Memories
Priory with Sir John Craig’s car parked outside
(Photo courtesy of Kenneth Liddell)
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

18. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 8: Growing up at the Priory in the early 1960s
These wonderful photos, together with extracts for their mother’s diary, were sent to us by Tacye Blest and Sarah Faith Peacock, who grew up at the Priory in the early 1960s
"House no. 13: This was altogether different and marvellous. We travelled late in the day in april, with basic things till the furniture arrived, to this next home. It was a 50 room Priory (mansion). Set in 2 fields from the Clyde, in the fertile Clyde valley. It had 200 acres of land, but 17 acres around the house. The walled garden was 1 1/2 acres with 2 greenhouses and the stable block, now a garage, with two small houses attached had a telephone to the main house. It was an early 19th centre building. All the fittings and doors etc were of the highest quality. The office was in the ballroom and central room.”
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

19. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 8: Growing up at the Priory in the early 1960s
"The garden stocked nearly everything you could want and used to have 8 gardeners. I became far too busy to cope with William and Tacye, who had to go to school in Wishaw. Sarah at home. The front lawn took 4 hrs to mow, and the back 2 hrs. The walled garden was endless but lovely and warm in summer.“
"In winter, when the frosts and snow arrived, you could hear the geese honking and flying over the river and it was so silent and complete. The cellars had the servants quarters, and endless storage. It was before the deep freeze era and I spent a lot of time filling Kilner jars and sterilising the summer fruits."
"There was no central heating of course, but autovcector fires kept the huge rooms warm. I was at last connected to a road and had the use of a mini. It was a revelation after Co.Durham, and very beautiful."
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

20. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 9: The Medieval Banquets 1967-1985
After being on the market for two years, Cambusnethan Priory was saved from demolition when it was bought by Mr Ronald Wilson and the time which so many people remember fondly began - the era of the Medieval Banquets! Much fun was to be had and a range of live music acts played there, including the band Revelry, who made the album "Revelry at Cambusnethan Priory“. For special occasions, one could sit at the Lord's Table, situated on a raised table, looking down on everyone else! Extensive alterations had been made to the building during the era of the banquets, including the stripping of the wooden panelling to show the more rustic bare stone walls and structural changes to open up large areas for seating at the long banquet tables. The vaulted cellar beneath, which some believe to be older than the current building, perhaps dating from the previous Cambusnethan House, was run as a bar known as the Monk's Habit. The vaulting survives but the area is now very dangerous and is strictly off limits!
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

21. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 9: The Medieval Banquets 1967-1985
More photos from the era of the Medieval Banquest, courtesy of Ronald and Rona Wilson!
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

22. History of Cambusnethan Priory Part 9: The Medieval Banquets 1967-1985
By 1980 the Priory had been converted into a hotel and was used for wedding venues. Planning permission was sought to erect holiday chalets in the grounds but this was rejected. Further attempts to develop the site failed, the whole history of which can be seen on the Buildings at Risk register. In 1985 the Sinclair-Lockharts returned to see their ancestral home. A photo from this visit is the last we have when the building was still in a good condition, with all the stonework intact. Soon afterwards, the building was badly damaged in a fire. A photograph from 1986 shows that even with this catastrophe, the stonework and even the roof was almost fully intact. Since then, neglect, weather and vandalism have taken their toll.
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

23. History of Cambusnethan Priory References and Acknowledgements
A Pagan Celtic Tricephalos from Netherton, Lanarkshire - by Anne Ross, MA PHD
The River Clyde - by Innes Macleod and Margaret Gilroy
The Castles of Glasgow and the Clyde - by Gordon Mason
Historical Sketches of the Parish of Cambusnethan - by the Rev. Peter Brown, 1859
Leaflet "A Medieval banquet at Cambusnethan Priory"
Wikipedia article on Nechtan mac Der-Ilei and the history of the name de Clare
“Wishaw Memories” facebook page for invaluable historical information and photos
“Northern Picts” facebook page for information about the pictish king Nechtan
Thanks to “Old Kelso” facebook page for the photo of the information board at Kelso Abbey.
Information provided by the North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre
Information board at the Low Parks Museum, Hamilton
Very special thanks to the members of the Sinclair-Lockhart family who have sent photos and details of the family history
Very special thanks to the Ronald and Rona Wilson for their wonderful photos from the banqueting era!
Very special thanks to the Tacye Blest and Sarah-Faith Peacock for their photos of childhood at the Priory in the early 1960s
Correspondence with Marie Lockhart Michlova, expert on Sir Walter Scott and John Gibson Lockhart
History of the many branches of the Lockhart family from
Biography of James Gillespie Graham sent by Ms Hillyard, Dictionary of Scottish Architects manager
The Gothic Revival by James Macauley
Historic Scotland
Obituary from "Glasgow and Lanarkshire illustrated" dated 1904, posted by Rita Rodger
Article re. the retirement of Sir John Craig in 1955 from the Glasgow Herald
"Scotland's Lost Houses" by Ian Gow and "England's Lost Houses" by Giles Worsely
The Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland:
Correspondence with local historians! Special thanks to Jill Williams, Kenny Malcolm, John McDermott, Rae Woodrow, Sandra Brownlie, Gordon Mason and others for their detailed contributions.
Many thanks to members of the “Friends of Cambusnethan Priory”!
Note from the author and complier Christine Wallace: All errors and omissions are my own and unintentional. In case of any issues, please contact
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown

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Photo by kind permission of Sir Simon Sinclair-Lockhart
Priory photo: Bill Lighterness Presentation design: Christine Wallace Plaque photo: James B Brown