Introduction
This afternoon, I am posting information and images on the historic village of Cumbernauld as distinct from the adjacent new town of same name. The village is located in the county of North Lanarkshire and some 14 miles N.E.of Glasgow.
Onomatology
The name is derived from the Gaelic comar nan allt which translates as ‘meeting of the waters’. This reflects the water courses which today are known as Luggie Water, Red Burn and Moss Water.
Origins
The village has medieval origins, as manifested in the long main street with castle at one end and church at other end. To the south side of the main street are ‘land riggs’ (long vegetable gardens). However, the Roman period, Antonine Wall (2nd century AD) runs close by and a fort identified. Like other ex-fort sites along the line of the Wall a community may have developed after the Romans departed.
Industries and Occupations
Historically, weaving was very important, employing 560 persons by the mid 1800s.
Until the advent of the 1950s new town, some 50 farms were in operation in the area producing crops and livestock products.
Limestone mines were worked during the 1790s.
In the 1840s Netherwood Colliery ( coal mine) was an employer of both men and boys. In 1935 a coal mine was sunk at Dullatur by the Cadzow Coal Company.
Ironstone was mined near Netherwood for use in the Carron Ironworks.
Local clay deposits were used to produce fireclay bricks and tiles in both Cumbernauld and nearby Castlecary.
Buildings and land features
Cumbernauld Old Parish Church (Kirk)
Presbyterian worship is practised here now but the church has its origins in a Roman Catholic Chapel. This was built by the then powerful Comyn family in the late 12th or early 13th century. Over the succeeding centuries the church building has been repaired, restored and enlarged. Adjacent to the church is an extensive burial ground.
Langriggs
This is a Scots term for narrow strips of land, divided by hedges. This system was used by villagers for production of vegetables, fruit and livestock products, mainly for home consumption.
Bell Tower
Image immediately below shows the Bell Tower in the Wynd (narrow lane) which dates from 1743. This tower was originally associated with the United Free Kirk. The Kirk (church) building was once used as a Burgher Meeting House and is now a Community Hall.
Cumbernauld House
A mansion designed by leading Scots architect, William Adam which was completed in 1746 for Lord John Fleming, 6th Earl of Wigton. It is not symmetrical because the intended matching pavilions on right side of house were not completed due to lack of funds.
The House is built on site of former medieval castle which was severely damaged during the civil wars of the 17th century. Foundations of the castle are still visible in the grounds surrounding the House.
The House remained under control of a succession of private owners until sold to Cumbernauld Development Corporation, a public body, in 1955. It has since been converted to private apartments.
Today, the House is surrounded by parkland which is open to the public.
Images
Wynd with Bell Tower
Black Bull Pub in Main Street.
Main Street.
Main Street.
Artist’s impression of old Land Riggs.
Land Riggs today
Land Riggs today
Wynd with Bell Tower
Bell in Bell Tower.
Cumbernauld Old Parish Church
Burial Ground
Cumbernauld House Park
Cumbernauld House
Visiting Cumbernauld
The village can be reached by car, bus or rail. There is also a small airport for light aircraft.
Information for the tourist
The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a wide range of information for the visitor. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.