The Ouncelands of Cowal

The ouncelands of Cowal

 

Parish Merklands

(actual)

Merklands

(notional)

Ouncelands

(at 1d : 4m)

Ouncelands

(at 1d : 6m)

Kilfinan 183½ 200  
Kilmodan 79½ 80 1  
Inverchaolain 109½ 120  
Strathlachlan 40 40 ½  
Strachur 101m 5s* 100  
Kilmorich 72½ 80 1  
Lochgoilhead 87 90   ¾
Kilmun 60½ 60   ½
Dunoon 134 120   1
Column Totals 867 ⅞ 890
Total Cowal     10  
Glen Shira 38½ 40 ½  
Glen Aray 85 80 1  
Total 123½ 120  

 

If the above table is correct in its assumptions then Cowal was 10 ouncelands. This would mean that Kilfinan (at 2½ oz) is accurately described as the ‘Kerry’ (ceathramh or quarter) of Cowal. If each pennyland is the same as a Dalriadic ‘house’ then Cowal was 200 ‘houses’.

 

There are neither Norse farm-names nor pennylands in Kilmorich and Glen Shira. However both districts centre on Loch Fyne and there are numerous examples of both Norse farm-names and pennylands by other parts of the loch. It seems reasonable to assume that Norse political and fiscal control extended to the head of the loch even if that overlay was shallow and temporary in nature.

 

 

* Equivalent to 101⅜m

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