Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM5436_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011337)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the ground floor of a tower, originally part of the defences of the 13th-century castle of Auchterhouse which consisted of a central keep with enclosing walls protected by strong towers. The lower storey of the old keep has been incorporated in a 17th/18th century mansion and the enclosing walls have been

demolished.

The monument is called Wallace Tower, after Sir William Wallace who visited in 1303. The rectangular chamber has had a barrel vault running from E-W, the springing of which can be seen along the N wall. The tower measures 13m N-S by 13m E-W over walls 2.8m thick. The walls are constructed in random coursed rubble, both the N and W walls standing to a height of c.3.7m, but the S and most of the E wall reduced to under 1.5m. Sections of masonry projecting S and W from the W wall indicate where the enclosing walls abutted against the tower. The entrance with part of a moulded doorcase is in the W wall adjoining the N wall, and to its S is a small square opening. A rectangular well lies in the SE corner. A small rectangular window with a large interior round-headed opening and splayed jambs pierces the N wall. Faint traces of a large opening can be seen in the E wall.

The area to be scheduled is rectilinear, extending 1m from the exterior walls of the tower, and measuring a maximum of 14m N-S by 14m E-W, but excluding a modern heating fuel tank, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has been part of a substantial fortified structure dating from the thirteenth century. As such it provides evidence and has the potential to provide further evidence, through excavation, for defensive architecture, the structure of Medieval society, domestic occupation and material culture during the period of its construction and use.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.