01555 663430
Lanark
An important market town in Scotland since medieval times when King David I granted Lanark Royal Burgh status in 1140
Lanark is a market town in the central belt of Scotland, and is approximately 28 miles from Edinburgh and 25 miles from Glasgow. Population is approximately 9,000.
It lies high on the east bank of the river Clyde, close to its merging with Mouse Water, a tributary. The strategic location guarding the Clyde Valley was first recognised by the Romans, who built a fort, on what’s now known as Castlehill (Bowling Green). The Romans were followed by others fortifying this site, and in 978 AD, King Kenneth ll of Scotland held at least one parliament in Lanark Castle.
William l, 1165-1214, frequently made Lanark Castle his residence. However by mid 14th century, the Castle had fallen into disuse, but the associated street pattern remains today. Lanark has served as an important market town since medieval times, and King David l, made it a Royal Burgh in 1140, giving it certain mercantile privileges relating to Government and taxation.
The Royal Burgh of Lanark is steeped in tradition. It has been an important market town in Scotland since medieval times when King David I granted Lanark Royal Burgh status in 1140 and the town is proud of its rich heritage.
Lanark has had several important figures in its long history from a wide range of different backgrounds. The town also has stronger ties to the William Wallace legacy than you might think. He is believed to have married a Lanark lass, Marion Braidfute, and he first drew his sword in Lanark in 1297.
There are a variety of landmarks across the area. Lanark once had its own Racecourse near the Loch which was a bustling scene in its heyday and home of the Silver Bell, which is one of the oldest sporting trophies in the world and is still held to this day. It was also the venue for Scotland’s first ever airshow in 1910 where over 250,000 people came to watch the spectacle.
