A Brief History of Gourock
5 MayHere are a few key dates from our past
c2000BC - Granny Kempock's Stone may have been erected by prehistoric man, although there are various theories about its origin.
1494 - James IV sails from the shore at Gourock to quell the rebellious Highland clans.
1662 - Mary Lamont and other local women are burned as witches.
1694 - Gourock is created a burgh of barony.
1747 - Gourock Castle is demolished.
1796 - Cloch Point lighthouse is first lit.
1820 - A pier opens brining the direct Dunoon ferry into Gourock from Cloch Point.
1889 - The railway arrives, bringing tourism.
1909 - Gourock Outdoor Pool is opened as a tidal swimming pool.
1969 - Gourock Outdoor Pool is rebuilt as a modern, heated facility.
2004 - Amazon opens its Scottish fulfilment centre.
2010 - s1gourock.com is launched to give locals a place to discuss local issues, place small ads, air their opinions, advertise events and show off pictures and video.
Now it's your turn!
That's the briefest of brief summaries, and hardly covers the most important dates. But this is where you come in. There's lots of interest in local history and lots of local knowledge out there - so why not share it here?
Perhaps you'd like to build your own more detailed time-line, or start your own article about your favourite aspect of Gourock history? And there must also be a wealth of wonderful photographs of Gourock in years gone by - maybe even some video of more recent events - and those are more than welcome here. Remember, history doesn't need to be in black and white! It's good to bring back memories of just a few years ago, too.
Post it all here, and let's see if we can really chronicle the history of Gourock in a way we can all share!Â
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