About Lanark

Feb 19 2008 By John Hutcheson

Lanark is one of Scotland’s most historic locations, with deep roots in the country’s turbulent past.

The historic burgh – which gave its name to the rest of the county - held the first-ever meeting of the Scots Parliament in 978 and has strong connections with national hero William Wallace.

The famed freedom fighter lived in Lanark and his presence is commemorated on a monument in the town which reads:

Here stood the house of William Wallace who in Lanark in 1297 first drew sword to free his native land.

The ruins of St Kentigern's Church, dating back to 1180, are still visible in Lanark and it is said that this is where William Wallace married Marion Braidfute.

Lanark has served as a hub of industry since medieval times when it was a major market town, and King David I made it a Royal Burgh in 1140, giving it mercantile privileges.

Even today, Lanark, with a population of about 8200, is still one of the most important towns in the Clyde Valley, and retains its busy and popular markets.

Sitting nearby is the settlement of New Lanark, which came to prominence when Robert Owen became mill manager in 1800. 

Owen revolutionised the cotton factory – which would become Scotland’s largest – with his forward-thinking ideas and humane treatment of workers and their families.

He phased out child labour and introduced progressive schools, including the world’s first nursery school. Workers also got decent homes, free health care and affordable food.

New Lanark is now a conservation village, run by New Lanark Conservation Trust, and has been beautifully restored as a living community and lasting monument to Robert Owen.