| Chapter 5 - LANDED
ESTATES, FAMILIES, AND HISTORY CONNECTED WITH THEM KIRKFIELD
This property derives some interest from the opinion, that upon it may have existed a
religious establishment, probably of the Culdees, prior to the grant of Lesmahagow by
David I. to his favourites, the Tyronensian Benedictines. It subsequently became a portion
of the extensive possessions of the Weirs of Stonebyres, and is believed to have been
given to a younger branch of that family about the middle of the seventeenth century. The
title deeds show that James Weir was in possession in 1681 ; as in that year he entered
into a contract with John Bannatyne of Corehouse, regarding the division of Corehouse
muir. In 1689, Weir of Kirkfield received his commission as cornet to the Lord Belhaven's
regiment. (Act Parl., ix. 55.) In 1695, James Weir of Kirkfield was major to Lord
Carmichael's regiment. ("Poll Tax Record.") In 1696, he was appointed
Commissioner of Supply. (Act Parl., x. 28.) Hamilton of Wishaw, in 1710, alludes to
Kirkfield as " a cadet of the family of Stonebyres."
From a statement contained in the MSS. of the family of Weir, and published in a history
of Ireland, by J. D. Alton, it appears that Major James Weir was heir of Sir William Weir
of Stonebyres, and "was succeeded by William Weir, who, as heir, was seised of
Stonebyres in 1710 ; after which all trace of the family through the second branch is
lost." In 1739, we find Richard Dick in possession of Kirkfield ; and in 1750, Robert
Dick, advocate, his son. Robert Dick conveyed the lands to William Cochrane, merchant in
Glasgow, in 1757. In 1794, the property was held by James Cochrane, and was purchased by
the present proprietor, John Stein, Esq., in 1834.
The house is beautifully situated, overlooking the vale of the Clyde, and was probably
erected about the time when the branch of the Stonebyres family settled there. There is no
date upon it, but one of the oldest inhabitants who resides in the neighbourhood is of
opinion, that part of it is upwards of 200 years old; and as the style of architecture
corresponds with that period, there is no reason to doubt the accuracy of the statement.
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