[Map updated 18 August 2026.]
This map is based on one from about 1860, before Kilmarnock became the large town it is today. This is where the Brown, Pinkerton and Wyllie/Harper families came together, mostly working as carpet weavers. My great-grandmother, Annie Brown, was born at 39 Bank Street in 1869, though eventually moved to Glasgow where she married an unrelated Alexander Brown in 1889 (aye, “a Broon married a Broon”). Also, some extended family members from the McMeekin and Galt branches made their way to Kilmarnock, but the town is overwhelming part of my Brown family connections. Following are some photos/illustrations of the old town as our ancestors would have recognised.
Kilmarnock, late 1800s — looking north towards Portland Street (off to the left of the statue), and York Street to the right. The street at the far right was Regent Street, but this whole area has been redeveloped, and is now part of the Burns Shopping Mall.
Kilmarnock, near the turn of the century – King Street follows the tram line towards the south, while Bank Street is straight ahead behind the statue (southwest). My great-grandmother, Annie Brown, was born on Bank Street, about 150 metres passed the clock tower.
Kilmarnock, late 1800s — looking south from The Cross along King Street, with Waterloo Street going off to the left.
Kilmarnock, mid 1800s — old Waterloo Street (previously called Greenfoot), looking northwest towards The Cross. This whole area is now a part of the Burns Shopping Mall.
Hello
do you know about the Walker family – who married into Brown family- Agnes and Margaret early 1900
thanks
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Sorry for the late reply, but I’ve been away for about a month, and I’m just back. I’ve had a look for you, but can’t find any connections between my Brown family and the Walker family. Unfortunately, “Brown” is the most common name in Scotland, and I have three distinct branches in my ancestry! Most of my Brown family had moved to Glasgow by the early 1900s.
hi…my great grandfather Thomas Mccall had a Wheel Right ..Carpenter..Buisness in High St Kilmarnock in the Mid 19th Century…..he took up Kilpatrick Mcmillans Bicycle Invention and Perfected it Into a Machine that could be Sold Comercially….the First to do so in Scotland….if not the UK…..one was Exhibited in London….and is now in the Science Museum……..Another is in The Dumfriese Museum………on his new Invention…..he was at the Opening of John Finnie Street……Pedaling up The New Street…………Bicycle Shop Boyd b Neil…used to have a Photo in There Shop Window of This Event……does Anyone Have a Copy of this Photo…….Thanks…..Jack
John, that is a fascinating story, and I wonder if any of my family actually knew Thomas – very possible, I’d say! 🙂
Alan….i see your name is Craig…….there were Some Craigs at the Small Village of ( CUNNINGHAMHEAD ) where i was Born and went to the Small Cunninghamhead School…..if i Remember Correctly…..the Graigs at the School were Farmers From…..RODENHILL and Other Farms Around the Area
Hi Jack,
Those Craigs would not be mine — almost all my ‘Craig’ line came from Rutherglen/Carmunnock.
My family connections to the town of Kilmarnock were through my paternal grandmother’s side – Brown (with ancestors: Pinkerton, Harper, Wyllie, Millar, Borland, Caddell), who often lived around Bank/Nelson Streets, but also in Boyd Street. They were mostly glovers and hat/bonnet makers.
That branch of my family has an unbroken connection to the town from at least 1657 – so Kilmarnock is definitely one of the most important locations in my family tree. My wife also has some ancestral connections to the town, but hers were mostly from Cumnock, Mull, and Perthshire.
hi alan….before i shut down this computer for the day……if you key in on Google…..Reform Monument Kay Park Kilmarnock……..you will see an Archibald Graig Spoke at the Monuments Unvailing in 1885…..Much to the Goverments Dislike