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Kilmarnock, Dean Road, Dean Country Park, Dean Castle
Castle (Medieval)
Site Name Kilmarnock, Dean Road, Dean Country Park, Dean Castle
Classification Castle (Medieval)
Alternative Name(s) Woodlands Grove; Tower House
Canmore ID 42815
Site Number NS43NW 4
NGR NS 43684 39416
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/42815
- Council East Ayrshire
- Parish Kilmarnock
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Kilmarnock And Loudoun
- Former County Ayrshire
NS43NW 4.00 43684 39416
NS43NW 4.01 43675 39438 Dower House
NS43NW 4.02 43485 39196 Lodge
NS43NW 4.03 43701 39398 Palace Range
NS43NW 4.04 43702 39427 Gatehouse, East Range
NS43NW 4.05 43693 39431 Gatehouse, West Range
(NS 43686 39430) Dean Castle (NR) (restored)
OS 1:10000 map (1979)
Dean Castle was inhabited till about 1735 when it was burnt down. The ruins stood with the stonework mainly intact until restored in 1905, and more extensively in 1933-7. The restored parts are mainly easily noticeable, contrasting with the weathered appearance of the original. The oldest of the buildings is the high rectangular keep which stands separate from all the later additions. Opinions vary as to its age but a date in the second half of the 14th century seems reasonable. Its upper part is mostly restored.
J Hunter 1976; D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887; F Grose 1791; H Fenwick 1976
The Place or Palace: This range of buildings, which occupies the S side of the courtyard, was added in the mid-15th century, almost certainly by Robert, 1st Lord Boyd in the 1460's. Only the tower escaped severe destruction in the fire of 1735 and the rest of the Place has been restored.
The strong barmkin wall surrounding the courtyard is mostly original, although the top has been completely rebuilt. The gatehouse is entirely modern.
Visited by OS (JLD) 7 August 1956
As described, and in an excellent state of restoration. The castle and grounds are open to the public as part of a country park (see also NS43NW 28) and museum.
Visited by OS (JRL) 7 July 1982
NMRS REFERENCE
Owner: Lord Howard de Walden
Architect: Dick Peddie and MacKay, Edinburgh survey
Attic 2, Bin 10, Bag 1 Ingram and Browne, Kilmarnock 1909
Dick Peddie and MacKay, Edinburgh restoration
Attic 2, Bin 10, Bag 1 J S Richardson 1909-1929
Dr J S Richardson - restoration c.1936
EXTERNAL REFERENCE
SMT Magazine November 1934
The castle was donated to the town of Kilmarnock and now houses a museum containing an impressive collection of European arms and armour, as well as an extensive collection of early musical instruments. A visitor's centre is housed near the lodge and the 19th century villa De Walden once resided in is still in use as conference room and office. The District Council purchased the surrounding grounds in 1976 and opened it as a Country Park and rare breeds farm which is now open to the Public.
Information from Historic Scotland listing
NS43NW 4.00 43684 39416
NS43NW 4.01 43675 39438 Dower House
NS43NW 4.02 43485 39196 Lodge
NS43NW 4.03 43701 39398 Palace Range
NS43NW 4.04 43702 39427 Gatehouse, East Range
NS43NW 4.05 43693 39431 Gatehouse, West Range
Photography was carried out in 2009 on behalf of the Buildings of Scotland series.
RCAHMS (CAJS) 2009.
Photographic Record (1870 - 1880)
Photographs by H S P Taylor of Fenwick village, Ayrshire, and surrounding area collated in an album held by RCAHMS, PA 160.
Excavation (30 May 2015 - 6 September 2015)
Archaeological excavation works were undertaken at Dean Castle Country Park on behalf of East Ayrshire Leisure, Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society and the community in support of their investigations within Dean Castle Country Park. The first phase of Archaeological excavations were carried out over the weekend of 30th and 31st of May 2015 and focused on the investigation of possible structural remains thought to relate to 17th or 18th century coal mining activities which took place to the south of the castle. Two trenches were opened, excavated and recorded by volunteers under supervision from Rathmell Archaeology Ltd and the Countryside Ranger Service. Some anthropic material was recovered consistent with although none was earlier than the 19th century in date and while the possible foundation course of a wall was uncovered, insufficient evidence was uncovered to confirm it as such. The second phase of archaeological excavations were undertaken from the 5th and 6th of September 2015 and focused on the possible remains of prehistoric or medieval earthwork defences in the wooded area to the north-west of Dean Castle. A single trench and four test pits were excavated in order to assess the banks and ditch along with the summit of the spur. Some anthropic material was recovered although none could be confidently dated to earlier than the 19th century in date. From the work carried out it is likely that bank and ditch features exist in this area but their extent or date could not be confirmed by these initial works.
Information from OASIS ID: rathmell1-228623 (T Rees) 2015.
