Bourtreehill House - Mr. Hamilton of Bourtreehill's Gardener

Mr. Hamilton of Bourtreehill's Gardener

The owner of Bourtreehill in 1754 was one Robert Hamilton. His two daughters married the Earls of Crawford and Eglinton, the latter family later inheriting the entire estate. The Earl of Crawford, who lived in Kilbirnie took his new wife there to live but a devastating fire - from which the Earl rescued his family - brought the house to the ground. The Kilbirnie Earl of Crawford sought shelter and his father-in-law, Robert Hamilton of Bourtreehill, gave his estate to the distressed family. Hamilton moved to another estate he had purchased close by and the Crawford family moved into Bourtreehill House in 1757. The footman employed by the Earl of Crawford had come to Bourtreehill to continue to duties. He later published his works under the name Memoirs of an 18th Century Footman. At the same time, the gardener employed by Robert Hamilton of Bourtreehill, was directly responsible for much of the landscaping and decoration in the present remnant that survives today.

He was a subject in the Letters of Gilbert Burns, a collection of letters written by the brother of Robert Burns. In these, Gilbert reminisces on a book loan between his own father, William Burness and "Mr. Hamilton of Bourtreehill's gardener". The grave of Andrew Urquhart can be seen in Irvine Parish Graveyard.

For additional history and photographs visit the Bourtreehill website by clicking here.

Bourtreehill Estate views (2007)

• Ruins of estate outbuildings

• Ruins of estate outbuildings

• Ruins of estate outbuildings

• An old entrance gate to Bourtreehill House

• The old farm lane running down to the Annick Water

• The course of the old railway line to Perceton Colliery

• The Annick Water