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Summary

Description

Dated 1767, but possibly late 18th century (see Notes). Single-span, segmental-arched bridge over Black Cart with octagonal terminal piers. Ashlar. String course; coped parapet. E elevation with central rectangular decorative datestone, inscribed GARTHLAND BRIDGE, 1767. Broad abutments splay to octagonal terminal piers.

Statement of Special Interest

This is a fine example of a late 18th century bridge, built to provide access over the Black Cart River. The octagonal piers are an interesting feature and correspond to similar piers on the Calder Bridge, to the West of Lochwinnoch (see separate listing). The bridge is a significant feature in the landscape and adds to the interest of the wider estate.

The bridge is not depicted on the estate map of circa 1785 and is noted on the John Ainslie map of 1800 as a New Bridge. It is likely that the datestone, which is in a contrasting material, predates the bridge and was originally from another structure.

Castle Semple Estate has a long history, originally associated with the Semple family who built the first Castle Semple and the collegiate church (scheduled monument, 2011) around 1504. In 1727, the Semples sold the estate to a sugar plantation owner, William McDowell. McDowell began a range of land improvements to the estate, which form the basis of the current estate, including building a new Castle Semple House and landscaping the grounds. The 2nd William MacDowell continued the improvements to the estate in the latter half of the 18th century, including erecting a Temple at the deer park in Kenmuir Hill (see separate listing). The Estate was sold in 1814 to a Major John Harvey who continued to improve the landscape. The family finances declined during the course of the 19th century and the estate was sold in 1908. After this, the house was converted to apartments and the land broken up into small holdings. The House was damaged by fire in 1924 and the central portion of it demolished in the 1960s. The central section of the estate is currently a Regional Park.

Previously listed as also being in Kilbarchan Parish.

List description updated, 2012. Category changed from A to B, 2012.

References

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