The Orchards of Kilwinning and the Three Towns

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shaunpauldowse
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The Orchards of Kilwinning and the Three Towns

Post by shaunpauldowse »

Hi there,

I'm Shaun Dowse, and I'm finishing off a dissertation which seeks to propose new pathways, lighting, conservation work, and restoration of the post-reformation churchyard at Kilwinning Old Parish. I'm also proposing a re-created monastic food/medicine herb garden at the SW of the site.

As part of my research, I'm looking to trace information and stories from generations who remember kicking about the old orchards around this part of North Ayrshire, and hope to track down some cultivars of fruit trees and plants which might have been brought here in the late-mediaeval period.

The earliest detailed map is the OS 1st edition Six-inch map of 1855, which shows several locations of orchards around Kilwinning.

I'm also trying to track down any images or photographs of the Abbey, and the grounds which surround it. The entrance to the Old Parish Church used to look beautiful, but is badly neglected now. I also know that there was a wildflower poppy meadow where the flats of Doocot Lane are now.
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