Description

17th or early 18th century, largely reconstructed early 19th century. Extensive, rectangular-plan former parkland boundary wall surrounding Balgonie Castle. Semi-circular and flat coped rubble boundary walls. Square ashlar gate piers with square coping to north wall (at NO 31324, 01097 and NO 30912, 701110). Wall extends from St Drostans at the north west corner to Cardowrie Loan at the south east.

Statement of Interest

This extensive rectangular policy wall frames the sweeping landscape of the former parkland of Balgonie Castle (see separate listing) and is an important component of the historic estate setting. The policy wall is evident on mid 18th century mapping and its footprint does not appear to have changed significantly since that time. The late 18th century Statistical Accounts of Scotland refer to the castle ¿standing in an oblong square of 300 acres fenced by a stone and lime wall'. The policy wall was reconstructed in places in the early 19th century and has been breached at various locations for farm traffic, dwellings and by the A911. The rectangular plan of the wall remains largely intact and is a distinctive part of the landscape. The tower at Balgonie was built by Sir Thomas Sibbald in the 14th century. The first Earl of Leven made additions to the tower and built a park around the castle in the 17th century. The rectangular-plan Balgonie policy wall is shown on William Roy's Military Map (circa 1750) and on John Ainslie's 1775 map with the legend 'Parks'. The area around Balgonie Castle is referred to as the 'deer's park' in early 19th century literature. It is unclear whether the extent of the policy wall defines an earlier deer enclosure. A timber palisade and dyke enclosure may have been used to contain deer in an area around Balgonie from the 14th century onwards. Listed Building Record updated, 2014. Minor factual correction to 'Description' section, 2023

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q56647937

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Cumbria: Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Essex: Buildings of England Series (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
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  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback
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  Old House Care and Repair