Dalserf is a small village of only a few streets in

South Lanarkshire gd, Siorrachd Lannraig a Deas , image_skyline = , image_flag = , image_shield = Arms_slanarkshire.jpg , image_blank_emblem = Slanarks.jpg , blank_emblem_type = Council logo , image_map ...

, Scotland. It lies on the

River Clyde The River Clyde ( gd, Abhainn Chluaidh, , sco, Clyde Watter, or ) is a river that flows into the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. It is the ninth-longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third-longest in Scotland. It runs through the major cit ...

, east of Larkhall and south east of

Hamilton Hamilton may refer to: People * Hamilton (name), a common British surname and occasional given name, usually of Scottish origin, including a list of persons with the surname ** The Duke of Hamilton, the premier peer of Scotland ** Lord Hamilt ...

. Dalserf is also a traditional civil parish. It includes Ashgill, Larkhall, Netherburn, Rosebank and Shawsburn. The parish has a population of 17,985 (mostly from Larkhall's near 15,500 population). The name of the village comes from the

Gaelic Gaelic is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". As a noun it refers to the group of languages spoken by the Gaels, or to any one of the languages individually. Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ca ...

''dail'', meaning "field", and

Serf Serfdom was the status of many peasants under feudalism, specifically relating to manorialism, and similar systems. It was a condition of debt bondage and indentured servitude with similarities to and differences from slavery, which developed ...

, the name of a 6th-century saint who dwelt here. Of old, it was also known as ''Machan'' or ''Machanshire'', from the Gaelic ''Maghan'' meaning "small plain". The village kirk, built in 1655, is dedicated to Saint Serf, and may be built on the site of an early church founded by him. The church dates from

The Killing Time The Killing Time was a period of conflict in Scottish history between the Presbyterian Covenanter movement, based largely in the south west of the country, and the government forces of Kings Charles II and James VII. The period, roughl ...

, when the rebel

Covenanter Covenanters ( gd, Cùmhnantaich) were members of a 17th-century Scottish religious and political movement, who supported a Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and the primacy of its leaders in religious affairs. The name is derived from ''Covenan ...

s were persecuted for their faith, and was a centre of Covenanter activity. John M'Millan, the controversial preacher and first post-Revolution minister of the

United Societies United may refer to: Places * United, Pennsylvania, an unincorporated community * United, West Virginia, an unincorporated community Arts and entertainment Films * ''United'' (2003 film), a Norwegian film * ''United'' (2011 film), a BBC Two ...

, is buried in the kirkyard. The kirk is Category A listed. A ferry once operated across the Clyde at Dalserf, although this has long since been superseded by the nearby Garrion Bridge.

Dalserf railway station Dalserf railway station served the village of Dalserf in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the Coalburn branch of the Caledonian Railway line. History Overview Passing under the line immediately to the northwest, a curved deviation in the road ...

once served the village.

References

External links

Dalserf Parish Church WebsiteDalserf Parish Church ListingVideo footage of the Dalserf hog-backed stone

Video footage of Dalserf Kirk
Villages in South Lanarkshire {{SouthLanarkshire-geo-stub

See also

References

External links