| Little Known History of Greenock
From Daniel Weirs History of Greenock, 1829
The old mansion [The family ceased to reside here in 1154, and now occupy the noble mansion of Ardgowan] of the Shaw Stewart family stands upon a fine rising ground above the Assembly Rooms, and commands a most extensive view of the Town. This situation, before the buildings encroached upon it, must have been one of delightful retirement and beauty. There must have been various additions built to the house since its first erection. An ancient well close by bears date upon it 1629. Over one of the entrances to the garden is affixed 1635: but the oldest date in connection with the house is over a back entrance, 1637. The front and greater part of the building is of modern erection, and is said to have been planned by James Watt. It was here, however, that baronial hospitality spread the board; and from this place John Shaw, with about 200 of his tenantry, marched to the assistance of King Charles II and fought with that prince at the battle of Worcester, 3d September 1651. The banner which was carried on this occasion, was preserved till about 1790, and hung along with the Town flags in the Coffee Room: but since this period was never seen. It was in consequence of the zeal of John Shaw that he was created a Baronet under the flag on the field of battle. Sir John was residing here in 1715, and on the Duke of Argyle's [The Duke was a frequent visitor at Greenock house, and when his Grace intended to return, an impress party were sent to man the barge. The individuals thus seized “came nothing loath," in consequence of the great kindness with which they were treated on these occasions, in not only receiving a silver Jacobus or two, but a supply of the good beverage on both sides of the Clyde.] arrival in Edinburgh on the 14th September, he addressed a letter earnestly begging assistance. "from which place and Cartsdyke he was reinforced with somewhat more than 100 men, accompanied by their minister, the Rev. Mr. Turner. These remained under the orders of his grace for 80 days, doing duty all that time the same as the regular troops. Besides the above, that were thus employed abroad, there were 50 men belonging to Greenock, and 25 to Cartsdyke, who kept watch every night, bringing all the boats from the south side of the Clyde, to prevent the rebels, especially Rob Roy and his thieves, from transporting themselves across, and plundering the adjacent country." Again in 1745, Sir John, who remained in this place, was applied to, and in the open green close by the house he drilled the various trades before they went on active duty. About this period the Earl of Kilmarnock and Marquis of Tullibardine called upon him to ask his advice; he earnestly implored them not to enter upon that enterprize, which cost the one his life and made the other an exile for ever. It must appear obvious that during the unfortunate 1715 and 45, the men of Greenock were loyal to the house of Hanover; and however we may admire the exalted devotion of the prince's army, [The chevalier's army never visited Greenock, in consequence of war vessels being moored at intervals from about the old Battery to above Port-Glasgow. It is said that about 18 or 24 came to spy the land, and reached as far as Clune Brae; but on receiving the fire from the ships of war, returned immediately to the head-quarters at Glasgow.] and also deplore the fearful winding up of the tragedy, where so many noble victims were sacrificed; yet there can be but one opinion as to the issue of a contest which secured to Britain its civil and religious liberty, and which raised this nation to its present greatness. In the neighbourhood of this house, Sir John mustered the different trades to walk the fair for the protection of property; which was often carried off by Rob Roy and his men, as well as other marauders. And though this exhibition latterly became a mere pageant, it was not abolished till 1822.
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