GLASSFORD, a parish, in the Middle ward of the
county of Lanark, 2^ miles (N. E.) from Strathaven;
containing, with the villages of Westquarter and Chapelton,
1736 inhabitants. This parish, which is not distinguished
by any events of historical importance, is
bounded on the south by the river Avon. It is about
eight miles in length, and of very irregular form,, varying
in breadth from nearly four miles to two miles at its
extremities, and to half a mile at the centre. Glassford
comprises about 7000 acres, and, with the exception of
about 550 acres, is generally arable and in a state of
profitable cultivation. The surface is uniformly level,
but having a gradual ascent to a considerable elevation;
and consists partly of dale extending along the lower
parts of the parish, towards the south, and partly of
moor. The soil is various, being in different parts moss,
clay, and light loam: some small portion of the moss
has been improved, and of the remainder it is probable
that, from the rapid advance of agriculture, the greater
part will be brought into cultivation. The principal
crops are oats, potatoes, and turnips; attempts have
been made of late to raise wheat, and with tolerable
success, but hitherto a small tract only has been sown
for that purpose. A considerable portion of land is in
pasture, and great attention is paid to the rearing of
sheep and cattle, the latter mostly of the Ayrshire breed.
There is but little wood, and what there is has been
planted; it consists chiefly of beech, ash, and fir. In
general the lands are well inclosed, except in the moorland
districts: and the fences, which are usually of
thorn and beech, have of late been much attended to,
and are well kept up: the farm-houses, also, many of
which are of recent erection, are for the most part substantial.
The annual value of real property in the parish
is £6700.
Freestone is found in different parts; near the village
of Westquarter are three quarries of excellent quality,
and there is also one at a place called Flatt, all of which
are in operation, affording employment to several men,
and supplying abundant material for building. Limestone
is also prevalent, and lime-kilns on an extensive
scale have been established in the moors, providing
plenty of lime for agricultural use. Coal is found in
some parts, and at Crutherland works have been opened
on a limited scale, for the supply of that estate. Ironstone
has also been lately discovered in different parts
of the parish. A considerable number of females are
employed in weaving, and on the bank of the river Avon
are a flour-mill and a mill for oats, &c. Communication
is maintained with Strathaven and other market-towns
by means of good turnpike-roads, one of which, from
that town to Glasgow, by East Kilbride, and also one to
Hamilton, pass through the parish.
Glassford is in the presbytery of Hamilton, synod of
Glasgow and Ayr, and in the patronage of Lady Mary
Montgomerie: the minister's stipend is £'256. 17. 11.,
with a manse, and a glebe of about nine acres of rich
land. The parish church, situated in the village of
Westquarter, nearly at one extremity of the parish, was
erected in 1820, and is adapted for a congregation of
560 persons. A handsome church with a spire was
erected on the church-extension principle in 1S39, in
the village of Chapelton, about three miles from the
parish church. There is a place of worship in connexion
with the Free Church. A female society for the
promotion of religious objects was formed in 1835, and
a parochial library has been established. The parochial
school, situated at Westquarter, affords education to a
considerable number; the salary of the master, a portion
of which has been assigned to the masters of two
branch schools, is £'25. 13., with £35 fees, and a house
and garden. The branch schools are at Chapelton and
Millwell: the former is endowed with £5. 11.; and the
latter with £2. 15. 6., a house and garden given by Lady
Montgomerie, and the sum of £3 from the parish. About
300 children attend three Sabbath schools, held at
Westquarter, Chapelton, and Millwell; and there is also
a class of adults. On the lands of Avonholm are the
remains of a cromlech, consisting of three upright stones.
Near Hallhill House were some ruins of an ancient
castle, which were removed by the late proprietor; it
appears to have been a very strong fortress, capable of
containing more than 100 men, and was probably a safe
retreat in times of danger. There are still some remains
of the original church and belfry, built in 1633: they
stand in the grave-yard, where is a tombstone inscribed
to William Gordon, of Earlston in Galloway, who was
shot by a party of dragoons on his way to Bothwell
Bridge, in the year 16*9.