Archaeology Notes

Event ID 713866

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/713866

NT29SE 5 2709 9133.

(NT 2709 9133) Abbots Hall (NR) (Site of) (NT 2709 9132) Yew Tree (NAT) OS 6"map, (1920)

One of the abbots of Dunfermline is said to have built a residence near the present parish church (NT 2738 9134) and the lands called Abbotshall are believed to have derived their name from this.

There was a house called Abbotshall belonging to the monastery in 1536 and "a house built of stone called Abbotshall" (by some believed to be Rossend Castle - NT28NW 23, q.v.) is mentioned about 1542. Its site is said to be marked by a large yew tree.

In about 1710, Abbotshall is described as a large and fine new house, built on the site of the abbot's house, and in ruins by about 1800.

R Sabbald 1803; NSA (written by Rev J Murray - 1836) 1845; A H Millar 1895; Reg Magni Sig Reg Scot 1984.

There is no trace of Abbotshall but the yew tree survives. The whole area has been developed as a housing estate, but clearly a substantial mansion house existed here since a number of stone walls and arched gateways have been retained.

Visited by OS (J P) 20 June 1974.