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

  SM8775_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013420)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the fragmentary remains of a late medieval tower, which stands on a rocky promontory projecting into the River Clyde. A former watercourse has scarped the slopes of the existing river-loop. On the approach side (NE), the promontory has been defended by an earthwork consisting of an outer ditch, a bank and an inner ditch.

Only the lowest portion of the tower survives with the ruined walls surviving to an average height of 2m. The outer facings of the walls have been much robbed and average about 2m in thickness. The springing of a vault on the internal NW wall is clearly visible and the bases of three internal-splayed windows survive. A gap in the walling on the SE may indicate a former entrance. In plan, masonry and architectural description, this structure is best comparable with a 15th - 16th century tower.

Tradition associates the site with James V and it is possible that the ruined walls that survive belong to the later medieval period. Nonetheless, this rocky promontory could well have been occupied by timber structures prior to this time. Wandel parish seems to have been divided into two portions from an early period.

The smaller, known as 'Quendal', belonged to the see of Glasgow about 1116 whilst the larger portion pertained to William Hertsheuede, sheriff of Lanark in 1225. It is doubtful whether the see of Glasgow would have established a caput within this area but the family who took their name from Hartside (the name of a nearby farm) may well have established an earthwork and timber castle at the 'Bower of Wandel'.

The area to be scheduled is irregular in shape, with maximum dimensions of 95m SW-NE and 65m transversely to include the remains of the tower, the earthworks, and an area around it, which has the potential for associated archaeology: as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as the remains of a late-medieval tower house, which may possibly occupy the site of an earlier timber and earthwork castle. As such it may help provide an understanding of the Flemish and Anglo-Norman settlement of Upper Clydesdale. The archaeology of this monument has the potential to greatly increase our knowledge about the defences, domestic life and function of such monuments.

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.