History of Stonehouse
Early History
In prehistoric times the natural place to settle would have been by the River Avon with its fertile holms and abundance of natural resources. Evidence of early man can be found through out the Parish, enabling us to build a picture of how the community of Stonehouse developed over the centuries.
The earliest record of a landowner in Stonehouse appears to be about the year 1220, when Sir William (the Fleming) de Douglas of Stannous, appears as a witness to a charter along with Sir Archibald Douglas. The Douglas's were the chief landowners of the parish until the reign of James II who endeavoured to destroy the Douglas's and install the Hamilton's to the Barony of Stonehouse.
Principally known as a weaving community, Stonehouse has developed and adapted to social and industrial change. Having always retained its strong agricultural identity and beautiful enviroment, Stonehouse's character and future have been shaped and enriched by its inhabitants through out the years.
Some believe that before the dawn of recorded history, on a small mound half a mile west of the village, standing stones possibly stood within what is now the old Kirk cemetery. The fact that a stone cist was found here in 1937, confirms this site as a pagan place of burial. The oldest record of the village appears to be a notice, dating from the 9th century, stating that the parish of Stonehouse and the churchyard were to be dedicated to St Ninian.
Holy Wells
Four holy wells are found within
the Parish. Of pagan origin, from a time when there were
many superstitions surrounding water, pilgrims from all
the surrounding countryside would flock to experience
their healing properties, or to administer Christian
baptisms, as was probably the case at St Ninian’s
well. This well like the old Kirk church and churchyard,
was dedicated to Ninian. Other holy wells still in
evidence include a sulphurous spring known as St Patrick’s
well near Glenavon, St Laurence’s well near Chapel
Farm and the recently restored St Anthony’s well
within the grounds of Spital House
The Old Kirkyard
A
Prehistoric site of great historical interest, the old
kirk ruins are probably Stonehouse's most recognisable
feature. Classified as a ‘B’ listed monument,
along with the graveyard, in 1971, the Belfry is typical
of seventeenth century churches. Last restored in 1734,
it probably fell into 
disrepair during the latter half of that
century, as the new church in New Street was opened in
1772.
In 1937 an account of Stonehouse stated that a cist was found some years previous within the St Ninian’s old kirk walls. Its presence would suggest that the old kirk yard may have been a prehistoric site of religious significance long before the present church was established there. That being the case, it would not be unthinkable to presume that other such burials exist here undiscovered. The oldest gravestone to be seen in the kirk yard is that of James Hamilton who died in 1650.
The old kirk cemetery possesses a great variety of monuments, some of historical significance, some of great sorrow and others of amusement and intrigue. Together they provide a greater insight and understanding of the people who inhabited the village in the past.
Double Dykes
At the eastern side of the parish, south of Ringside Castle, the River Avon and The Cander Water converge on the steep banks of the Avon Gorge: the tapering area of land between these streams is known as Double Dykes. About a quarter mile from the apex, the ramparts and earthen wall are viewed from north to south, in a semicircular fashion, forming defences for the base of the triangle. The origins of these defences are uncertain, though 19th century local historian Robert Naismith suggests Double Dykes may have been a Roman Fort, it is possible that the fort may even be older, dating to the Iron Age.
In 80AD Governor Gnaeus Julius Agricola led a roman army of 20,000 men into Scotland establishing forts between the Clyde and Forth. To control this new frontier the Romans set about building a network of roads. Stonehouse can lay claim to a length of the Roman road system running through the parish. This can be seen at Dykehead by taking the road up Sidehead Road to Avondyke Training Centre. Two field boundaries south of Dykehead Farm lie just beyond the training centre. To the left, through a metal field gate, follow the fence downhill to another gate. From there onwards, the raised surface of the road can be viewed from the left edge of the field. A slightly raised surface can be followed on foot for two kilometres to Gill farmhouse. The road was formerly known as the ‘Deil’s causey’ as those of superstitious beliefs believed the Devil had a hand in its making.
