Earnock


Earnock was an ancient estate in an area south of Hamilton in Lanarkshire, Scotland. It extended from the western side of Strathaven Road to the western extremity of the Parish of Hamilton.

Etymology

Sir John Sinclair's Statistical Account of Scotland attributes Earnock to the Celtic Earnogg, “the old son’s possessions” while Stothers suggests alternatively ‘Ireland’. James Johnston's Place-names of Scotland postulates a Gaelic etymology, from earr an achaidh "end/boundary of the field".

History

Earnock was originally part of the grant of Cadzow to Walter fitz Gilbert in 1314. It was received by the progenitor of the Roberton family, Robert de Robertoun, by feudal charter from either Malcolm IV or William I between 1160-1200
The Robertouns were feudal Lairds of Earnock from prior to 1226 – 1296 and 1390 - c 1700.. Simon Robertoun regained Earnock through marriage to a daughter of David fitz Walter of Cadzow . It was sold by James Roberton, 12th Laird of Earnock, to a Mr Semple at the turn of the 19th century. He in turn sold the property to A. Millar, Esq., in 1810.
Earnockmuir, part of the original estate was inherited by Sir William Erskine Cochrane, great grandson of the last Laird of Earnock. He sold it along with part of Annesfield Farm to a Mr Dixon sometime after his retirement in 1819
Upon Millar’s death his married sister Mrs Williams inherited it, and sold it to Sir John Watson, baronet. None of the Robertons’ house remains although it is said " the great hall was beautifully decorated with armorial bearings of the Robertons, and that the fireplace was remarkable for its carving." Watson and his descendants built a mansion upon the site.
Electric light was introduced to the house in 1881 although the town of Hamilton did not receive electricity until 1903. The house was sold in 1925 and demolished in 1926.

Overseas

When John Roberton of Glasgow settled in New Zealand in the 19th century he named his Takapuna property "Earnock", after the family estate in Scotland. The house, a white weather-board structure, still stands on Hustmere Road, Takapuna. It is used as a hair dressing salon.