Perceton
The earliest legible gravestone dates from 1698, though older stone coffins will certainly still rest deep within the small hillock on which the chapel and graveyard sit.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of the long lost medieval manor house which was protected by a moat and the Annick Water.
An excavation undertaken by Headland Archaeology[1] encountered the foundation trench for a defensive wooden palisade enclosing postholes of a substantial timber building.
In the late 15th century following a period of absorption in larger estates the site again became a principal residence, to one Ninian Barclay.
In the late 15th century, following a period of absorption into larger estates, the site again became a principal residence to one Ninian Barclay.
The mansion house still stands, a little to the south of the former site, with a modern office block added for the use of the Irvine Development Corporation (IDC) which was wound up some years ago.
[6] To prevent the Covenanters holding 'Conventicles', King Charles II moved highland troops, the 'Highland Host' into the westland of Ayrshire.
Perceton Mill is marked on the 1860 Ordnance Survey map and stood until the early 1990s, finishing its useful life as the local shop and Post Office.
[13] The ruins are still fairly substantial and clearly visible, with the church and churchyard containing many monuments to the historic families of Cunninghamhead and Pierceton.
The old village and Parish of Perceton had been almost as large as Dreghorn in earlier times, all the surrounding farms housing a significant population.
A tombstone in Perceton wood records the tragedy of the drowning in the Annick Water, of a girl aged only two years and eight months on 12 July 1867.
The prominent mound is partly man made, but does not seem to have any recorded prehistory attached to it, despite its proximity to the Lawthorn Mount.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust, based in Edinburgh, obtained a nature reserve here which was originally established by Irvine Development Corporation.
These lands were held by the Barclays of Perceton until 1874, when they sold to the Macredies and then in 1830 they were purchased by the Morris family of Craig Estate.
King Robert the Bruce originally gave the lands of Pierstoun and Warrickhill to Sir James Stewart in around 1330.
The Barclays were much travelled and had strong social links with British and foreign royalty, also serving with distinction in the Royal Navy and the army.
