Fairhill Martyrs' Graves

Millgate Road

Fairhill

Hamilton

Lanarkshire

NGR - NS 711539

 

The small stones which traditionally mark the site of graves of Covenanters killed after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge are located in an area of grassland at Millgate Road. One of them may have had the date 1679 on it. Nearby are two large oak trees, which may mark the graves.

Hamilton Bothwell Martyrs' Graves

 

After the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, hundreds of Covenanters tried to flee to safety. The pursuing soldiers caught up with many, and some were killed on sight. There are a few places in the Hamilton and Bothwell areas where they were traditionally buried.

At one time there was another grave site near to Neillsland Road, Meikle Earnock, but this no longer exists.

 

For other sites like this, see:

Laigh Stonehall

Little Earnock Memorial

Mary Rae's Well

The Ordnance Survey map above (dating from around 1850) shows the Burial Ground and a 'Tumulus'. This is shown on later maps as a 'Mound' and is still visible on the site today. The Covenanters are thought to have been buried below the mound.

On Sunday 30 June 2019 a new plaque was unveiled by the SCMA at the mound. Photo: Lang Stewart