PRESTWICK, a burgh of barony (ancient), in the
parish of Monkton-and-Prestwick, district of Kyle,
county of Ayr, Ji mile (N. by E.) from Ayr; containing
1152 inhabitants. The charter erecting this place into
a burgh was renewed and confirmed by James VL at
Holyrood House, on the IQth of June, 1600; and the
narrative of the charter expressly states that Prestwick
was known to have been a free burgh of barony "beyond
the memory of man, for the space of 617 years previous
to the renewal." By the charter of James it is pri-
vileged to elect annually a provost and two bailies, with
councillors; to grant franchises for several trades; and
hold weekly markets, and a fair on the 6th of November;
but the markets and fair are completely annihilated
by those of Ayr, and most of its other privileges have
fallen into disuse. It has still, however, its cross, its
prison, and council-house, and is governed by certain
bailies. The village is situated on the coast road from
Ayr to Irvine, and is now a decayed place. Since the
union of the parish with that of Monkton, the church has
been allowed to fall into decay; hut it serves as a landmark
for vessels navigating the Firth of Clyde.