“Hamilton Branch. Why here?” Once this was a railway station. It was once part of the Glasgow, Bothwell, Hamilton and Coatbridge Railway. The Hamilton Branch played a role in this region’s transportation history. But let’s journey further back in time.
Hamilton’s story stretches back to the 6th century. Originally it was known as Cadzow. Cadzow came from the Celtic word Cadihou. Rederech, ruler of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, had a hunting lodge here. In 568 AD, St Kentigern converted the king and queen to Christianity here.
David I created the area a Royal Barony in the 12th century. Later Robert the Bruce gave it to Walter FitzGilbert of Hameldone. Sir James Hamilton married Mary Stewart, the sister of James III. He became Lord Hamilton. The Barony remained Cadzow until 1445. James II renamed the town and district Hamilton. It became a Royal Burgh in 1548-49.
Cadzow Castle was originally built during the reign of Alexander II. Sir James Hamilton of Finnart rebuilt it around 1530. In 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots, found refuge here. She had escaped from Loch Leven Castle. The Crown later razed the town and castle. This was a reprisal against the Marquis’ actions. Cadzow Castle was rebuilt as a folly in the 18th century. It is now within Chatelherault Country Park.
William Adam designed Chatelherault in the 1730s. James Hamilton received the title Duke of Chatelherault from Henry II of France. Adam also built Hamilton Old Parish Church in 1734. It is the only church Adam ever built. It’s the oldest building in Hamilton still used for its original purpose. The Mausoleum, the family tomb, still stands. Its dome is 120ft high. Hamilton Palace stood nearby. It was demolished in the 1920s. It is now part of Strathclyde Country Park.
During the 17th century, Hamilton was a key stop for stagecoaches traveling between Scotland and England. The coaching inn is now the Low Parks Museum. It is on Muir Street. Thomas Telford built a new highway in 1819. It included a bridge over the Cadzow Burn. This shifted the commercial heart of the town to Cadzow Street.
Hamilton Parish had just over 5000 residents in 1791. Within 100 years, that number increased to over 35,000. This was due to the cotton and coal industry booms. The opening of the Caledonian Central Railway Station also contributed.
Hamilton was declared a distressed area in 1931. This followed the end of the mining boom. A 1948 survey showed the town had changed again. Many residents worked in public administration and professions. Some worked locally. Others commuted to Glasgow.
William Cullen was born in Hamilton in 1710. He was a leading physician and chemist. Cullen co-founded the Glasgow Medical School in 1744. In 1777, he published papers on disease. These became Europe’s principal text on disease classification and treatment.
Though the Hamilton Branch is no longer a railway stop, its very name echoes the rich history of Hamilton. A history of royalty. A history of industry. A history of innovation.