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St.James Orchard and Abbey
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Cambuskenneth Village, home of the first Scottish Parliament, and one of the least well known important historical site in Scotland. Cambuskenneth Village is sited on a loop of the River Forth, adjacent to the City of Stirling, Central Scotland. It is on National Cycle Route 76. There is a footbridge over the river from the City of Stirling, and the road in is off the A907 from Causewayhead to Alloa. Until 1935 the river crossing was by a rowing boat ferry and the ferrymans cottage remains today, refurbished and occupied. The bridge was opened on 23rd of October 1935, by when the once busy river traffic, both pleasure boats and cargo had ceased. Augustinian Abbey (ruins) founded in 1147, unique bell tower still stands. Open for visitors daily. Painters known as the Glasgow Boys settled here in the 1920s, and the apple orchards (now replaced by housing) were well known The name Cambuskenneth signifies the field or creek of Kenneth, after Kenneth 11, who faught a battle with the Picts on the isthmus on which the abbey was built. Cambuskenneth village owes its existence to the foundation by King David 1 of an Abbey in 1140. Cambuskenneth Abbey was known throughout Europe, and was strategically important during the Scottish wars of independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. Here Robert Bruce held the first Scottish parliaments, and it has been said that this is the least-known important historical site in Scotland. Pillaged during the Reformation, all that is left now is the impressive three-storey bell tower, and the low foundations of the nave, cloister, garth, refectory, chapter house and church. At the site of the alter is a monument-memorial erected by Queen Victoria to King James 111 and his wife Margaret, who were both interred in the Abbey precincts. During the 19th century the ferry was at its busiest in July when the berry fair was held in the village. The village was renowned for its market gardens, and gooseberries and strawberries were sold on fair days. Italian ice cream sellers and musicians added a carnival flavour to the day. With the demise of the Abbey at the Reformation, Cambuskenneth was slow to develop as a village, but the rich fertile soil was farmed and the famous apple orchards were tended with only a small number of houses being built. The first big development was the building of two rows of cottages to house the miners working the coal pit at Manor Powis. The Public Footpath still exists and crosses the farmlands to Broom Farm and onwards towards the new Eastern bypass road. To artists the village of Cambuskenneth is associated with the Glasgow Boys school of Scottish colourists. Edward Arthur Walton (1876 to 1941) acquired a studio in Cambuskenneth with Arthur Melville (1854 to 1904) attracted here by the orchards. The now growing village was able to support some industry such as a bakery, a rope factory, and a one teacher school (now the village hall), and a shop (now a private house opposite the village hall). Serious development began in the 1950s when the orchards were lost to buildings: St.James Orchard and Ferry Orchard for example. Ladysneuk Road too is now fully built up and indeed the whole village has reached capacity. The village is surrounded by green belt zoning to protect its individuality and historical importartance. The population numbers about 300, and is a good mix of all ages from new born to old age, and a wide spectrum of occupations. For some the hub of the village is the Abbey Inn, where the resident and visitor alike can have refreshment and at weekends food is also served. This community has its own website through which you can find out about local information and how your local council is working for you. To find out more please click on the link below. http://www.cambuskenneth.info
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