Square 1 Mercat Cross, Pawn steps, Victoria fountain

Mercat Cross In 1509 Cumnock was created a burgh of Barony by King James IV. An important outcome of the Charter was to establish Cumnock as a market town denoted by a Mercat Cross, mercat being the old Scots word for market.

In 1703 the original Mercat Cross was replaced by the present cross as a continuing symbol of Cumnock’s status as a burgh of Barony. The Cross has a plain shaft capped with a cube and ball finial. On the sides of the cube are the arms of the Earls of Dumfries family, a sundial and the legend “1703 repaired in 1778”.

The Cross has stood in various locations over the centuries, from its original position in Townhead Street (cobbles in the middle of the road indicate where the cross once stood); to the north – east corner of the square; to near the front door of the parish church; to its present location at the southwestern corner of the Square. The Cross, a registered ancient monument, was restored again in 1974.

When the streets were lit by gas lamps, little concerned with ethical considerations, the council fitted a standard gas lantern to its crowning orb in the 1880s but this was removed in 1911. The distinctive cross features on many local organisations’ logos.

The Pawn Steps lead from the square to the Townfoot area. They got the name from a nearby pawn shop long since demolished. The steps were once much narrower and were known as the Eye of the Needle.

Pawn Steps leading tot he Square

The Victoria Jubilee Fountain was erected in Cumnock Square in 1898 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria. It is made of pink granite and has two drinking spouts. It too was originally topped by a gas lamp. In 1928 due to increased traffic in the Square it was moved to Gemmell Avenue. It was more recently relocated again and now stands just off the Square on the Pawn Steps leading towards the bus station.

Cumnock Action Plan with Cumnock History Group . Plaques funded by 9CC.

cumnockhistorygroup.org