Cumbernauld Park

The lands of Cumbernauld Park are close to the old Cumbernauld village; in the park we have a rich history dating back to the 11th century, with the ruins of 2 castles, and the still standing Cumbernauld House. The first castle was a Motte a Norman-French word meaning a mound, it was constructed by digging a ditch, usually of circular form and heaping the contents into the space in the centre, forming a mound of earth. The top of this mound was flattened and a timber palisade erected round the edge; in the centre was a tower, or hall, also of timber. Sometimes a natural mound was chosen and improved by adding to its height and scarping its sides. To this structure was sometimes attached a base court, called a Bailey; also made by digging a ditch around it and constructing a palisade. The idea was a Norman one, primarily introduced into England by William’s troops in 1066 and came into Scotland by means of the Norman adventurers into Scotland. Such a castle was quickly and easily built and very economic of materials. The remains of the Cumbernauld motte may still be seen some 360 metres (about 400 yards) northeast of Cumbernauld House besides the pathway that runs along the lip of the Red Burn glen.

Cumbernauld House in Cumbernauld Park		Margaret Anne
	Cumbernauld Park
Cumbernauld Dove Cote in Winter		Cumbernauld Dove Cote

The second castle was constructed by the Flemings at the end of the 14th century; this castle was made of stone, and was in the form of a tower. Such a tower would be of the kind we know as the “L-plan” a substantial rectangular block, having a wing projecting at the end of one of the long sides, so that it looked in plan like the letter “L”, hence this type description. To it, would be attached a small court of stone or timber containing subsidiary buildings. As time went by, and the power and influence of the family grew, the castle was enlarged by the addition of other stone structures, one of which would have been a large hall for festal occasions. Mary Queen of Scots was staying at the castle when the main hall collapsed due to a fire. The site chosen for this castle is where Cumbernauld House stands today, and although the original tower has disappeared, blocks of what may have been its masonry may be picked out among the stones used to construct the new house; its remains were obviously pulled down for this purpose. Also in the grounds of the park is the Dove Cote built in the 16th century.

Lady		Tancy
	Lady and Lucy
Jenna		Tara