Scotland was benefiting from the expansion of commerce across Western Europe during the 16th century.
Social change and in particular the Reformation of the Medieval Church with the establishment of the Protestant Church, came from Germany in 1560.
The religious struggle which followed, lasted most of the 17th century when these problems dominated Ayr's history between 1560 and 1689, when a settlement was achieved.
The Tower of St. John is all that is left of the church which dates back to 1233 and was possibly built in the 15th century with stones taken from the Castle of Ayr, which had by then been abandoned.
I will add to these pages regularly, so please feel free to return to them as often as you like, and if you have anything to contribute, get in touch with me at alex@troon-promotions.com subject Ayr History