Kilmaurs, Tour
Tower House (Medieval)
Site Name Kilmaurs, Tour
Classification Tower House (Medieval)
Canmore ID 42945
Site Number NS44SW 15
NGR NS 4140 4068
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/42945
- Council East Ayrshire
- Parish Kilmaurs (Kilmarnock And Loudoun)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Kilmarnock And Loudoun
- Former County Ayrshire
NMRS REFERENCE:
NS44SW 15 4140 4068 Tour
(NS 4140 4068) Tower (NR) (remains of)
OS 6" map (1968)
This ruined rectangular tower (called "Tour" on earlier editions of OS plan) stands near Kilmaurs church (NS44SW 7) and is considered to have been the residence of the clergy. There is a dubious reference to it as having existed in the 12th century.
D McNaught 1912; J Paterson 1852; Statistical Account (OSA) 1792
Architectural detail on the remains of the tower suggests a possible early 16th century date. There is no evidence to support the 12th century date suggested above.
Visited by OS (JLD) 22 June 1956
Only a fragment of the NW wall of the tower now remains, 1.3m high. The remaining foundations are covered by fallen masonry.
Visited by OS (EGC) 12 February 1962
This tower must have been entirely demolished some time between 1962 and 1967 when the present owners came. A garden rockery has been constructed on the site, using tower debris, but no foundations appear to have been incorporated. Nearby is a small turfed mound which probably covers further debris.
Visited by OS (JRL) 24 August 1982
