AYRSHIRE-L Archives

From: BOBBIE M HALL< >
Subject: Old Rome - U had 2 ask...
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 12:18:28, -0500

Margaret Rome <> asked:

>Could someone enlighten me as to the location of "Old Rome" and
provide
>other information about it?

I think Old Rome would be described best as perhaps a hamlet.
It is within Dundonald Parish, located on the south bank of the
River Irvine, on the road between Dundonald village and Crosshouse,
(known, I think, locally as the Troon-Kilmarnock Road)
if you can find those on your map.

Excerpts from "A Pictorial History of Dundonald" compiled by
Robert Kirk:

pg 8:
Coal mining provided employment on a large scale from early in the
19th Century. Coal pits were opened at Fairlie, Peatland, Templeton,
Shewalton and Fortacres. Miners rows were built at Old Rome together
with a school and a blacksmiths. All that now remains of Old Rome is
the School House which has been converted into two cottages. The farm
of Old Rome was originally known as Pate's Hole but the name was
changed about the time of the demolition of the village of Old Rome.

pg 80:

MINING
Coal mining commenced with outcrops in fields and river banks and
progressed to a simple bell pit which had no ventilation. From early
in the 19th century coal was being worked at Fairlie and Shewalton in
a number of small coal pits which changed hands frequently. The
village of Old Rome owed its existance to the many coalpits in the
surrounding area and coal was on offer in Kilmarnock at 6 shillings
and sixpence per 14 cwt load - delivered!
The last coal pits to close were Newfield and Fortacres in 1957.

Hope that helps some.
Bobbie

____
Bobbie Madison Hall - Chicago, usa

http://pages.prodigy.com/bobbie-hall
A family reunion is an effective form of birth control in my family.

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• Old Rome - U had 2 ask... by BOBBIE M HALL< >