ARCHAEOLOGISTS discovered the remains of a “lost” 18th century walled garden buried in the grounds of one of Scotland’s most spectacular stately homes.
Heritage experts from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) spotted the architectural remains while workers were installing drains under the Fountain Court in front of Ayrshire’s Culzean Castle.
It is thought the enclosure was once an enclosed kitchen garden with fruit trees, which appears on a map dating from 1755, but was demolished more than 200 years ago.
NTS believe it was undertaken by Sir John Kennedy of Culzean, 2nd Baronet, in 1733 when he extended a walled garden on the east side of the castle. However, the kitchen garden was moved away from the house to open up views, with a new walled garden built to the south-east in 1786.
In the mid 19th century the area below the terraces was used as a bowling green before the large, ornate fountain was installed in 1876. The area has since come to be known as Fountain Court.
Prior to the 16th century it is likely this area was a narrow glen that formed a defensive barrier to the ridge upon which the medieval castle stood.
Derek Alexander, head of archaeological services for the NTS said: “It is so exciting to see part of the original walled garden. Although it was marked on the estate map, until now we never knew any of it survived below the immaculate turf of the Fountain Court.”
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