The Origin of the Name Nethan (Thanks to Gordon for this post about the origin of the name Nethan. There There are alternative theories as to the origin of the name and the history of the old Kirkyard and research is ongoing! )
An interesting alternative explanation for the Nethan placename element, from WJ Watson's History Celtic Placenames of the British Isles (1926):
The river Nethan in Lanarkshire, twelfth century Neithan, is for an early Nectona, 'pure one.' When British names were taken over into Gaelic they were often [211] gaelicized by the addition of the Gaelic suffix -ach, -ech, to the name itself or to a shortened form of it. Thus Abur-nethige of the Pictish Chronicle, now Abernethy near Perth, has as its second part the genitive of a nominative Nethech or Neitheach (fem.), which is gaelicized either from Neithon directly, or from a British river name from the same root. With it goes Abernethy on Speyside, in Gaelic now Obar Neithich, proving that the change of E.Celt. or Old British -ct- into -th- took place not only in Perthshire but also north of the Grampians. Another example of the same change occurs in the Aberdeenshire river name Ythan, which is the same as the Welsh Ieithon of Radnor and Shropshire, for an early Iectona, 'talking one,' from the root seen in W. iaith, language. For the idea we may compare such stream names as Briathrachán, 'wordy one,' Balbhág, 'little dumb one.' These names, Nethy and Ythan, cannot be explained from Gaelic, and they show that they were taken over into Gaelic at a period when Old British had passed into the stage corresponding to Early Welsh.
St Micheal's Churchyard
According to "Historical Sketches of the Parish of Cambusnethan" this ancient grave and churchyard is mentioned in historical documents as early as 1495. Within the churchyard is the Belhaven Mausoleum, the site also includes the historic graves of the Sinclair-Lockharts, the Steuarts of Coltness and the Sommervilles.
Photos courtesy of North Lanarkshire Council and Simon Sinclair-Lockhart.
Pagan Celtic Tricephalos
A gentleman has got in touch with us about the age of Cambusnethan cemetery. As some of us suspected, it seems to be far, far older than officially recognised. He was involved in discussions about this with the council over years, but no interest was shown. He mentioned the templars, which I had suspected based on a description of carved swords on the gravestones from Jake Dasnake on the main page (see post). He also mentioned the term tricephalos, which I must admit was a new word for me - however, a quick google search immediately brought me to this paper. How can such a historically important site be languishing in the mud and cowpats?
John Gibson Lockhart's Relatives and Carluke Cemetery
In 2014, Dallas Carter who is part of a group who transcribes gravestones in Lanarkshire graveyards found family links to John Gibson Lockhart in the Carluke Cemetery.
I am part of a group transcribing gravestones in Lanarkshire graveyards and have just typed up the following, which was in Carluke Cemetery - the graveyard of the old parish church. These are John Gibson Lockhart's relatives, as you will see once you read almost to the end, where he is mentioned. (the gaps and brackete...d parts are where the original was difficult or impossible to read, also describing the tombs themselves): 1. [ in stone walled enclosure] In memory of Major General David Blair LOCKHART, Germiston, born 19th August 1829 died 14th January 1906, also of his wife Mary Clementina Lockhart ROSS daughter of George Lockhart ROSS, professor of Scots Law in the University of Edinburgh born __ June 1846 died __th May 1922.2. 2. [on main wall of stone walled enclosure] Sacred to the memory of [Ro]bert LOCKHART of Birkhill second son of [St]ephen LOCKHART of Wicketshaw in this parish and of Grizel CARMICHAEL his spouse, daughter of Walter CARMICHAEL of Hyndford and sister of [J]ohn, First Lord CARMICHAEL. He suffered severely in person and estate from [hi]s attachment to the cause of civil and religious [li]berty during the reign of Charles the Second [an]d was attainted for taking part in the Battle of [Bo]thwell Bridge. He died in 1682 and his remains [we]re deposited near this spot within the site of the old church of Carluke. Here also lie the remains of William LOCKHART M.P. for Lanarkshire fourth descendant from the above Robert LOCKHART of Birkhill and Jean BRUCE of Clackmannan his spouse and eldest son of John LOCKHART D.D. by Elizabeth DINWIDDIE of Germiston. Unopposed he served his native County in Parliament from 1842 to the period of his decease. He was also a Deputy Lieutenant of the County and Dean of Faculties of the University of Glasgow. He died at Milton-Lockhart universally lamented on the 25th day of November 1856 aged sixty nine years. John Gibson LOCKHART next brother of the above named William LOCKHART was born at Cam’nethan in 1794 and died at Abbotsford in 1855. He is buried in Dryburgh Abbey by the side of the illustrious Sir Walter SCOTT of whom he was the son-in-law and biographer. Here likewise rest the remains of the Reverend [L]aurence LOCKHART D.D. who succeeded to the family [es]tate on the death of his brother William above named. He died on the 16th April 1876 aged eighty. Also of his sixth son James Somerville LOCKHART ____ow of Hertford College, Oxford, born 18th Oct ____ died 6th January 1922.
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