History Trail
TAKE A SELF-GUIDED WALK THROUGH THE LONG AND FASCINATING HISTORY OF FULLARTON WOODS
BEGINNINGS
The origins of human activity at the site go back to the Middle Ages and beyond. The earliest documentation is from 1229 when the nearby Crosbie Kirk was part of a monastic settlement. Originally known as 'Cross Bye', the Kirk has remained disused since the roof was blown off in the storm of 25th January 1759 (during which storm, Robert Burns was born in Alloway). The cemetery continued to be used and contains some historic & interesting inscriptions.
Around 1240-1260, Alanus de Fowlerton came to Crosbie, sent by the King. He was an expert in agriculture, fishing & hunting and was tasked to supply the troops stationed in Irvine. He died in 1280 and his son Adam was granted a charter for the land from the High Steward of Scotland.
The name Fowlerton is derived from 'fowler of the town'.
Crosbie Kirk. Take the road south out of the Woods. Instead of turning right on to the Isle of Pin Road, continue on the unmade farm track until you reach Monktonhill Rd. The Kirk is at the junction and is open to the public.
CROSBIE CASTLE
Around 1344, Sir Adam of Fowlerton was granted a fuller charter by King Robert II. At some point, a substantial building was constructed. It has often been called a castle, although Historic Environment Scotland disagree. It was most likely a fortified dwelling. At some point between 1430 and 1471, George Foullertown (the spelling is not consistent!) moved to Crosbie as his residence. In 1493, there is reference to George Fullarton "of that ilk, Laird of Corsbie". The Fullartons were to live at Crosbie/Fullarton House for almost the next two centuries.
In 1693, William Fullarton married Anne Brisbane of Largs. A commemorative stone, formerly at Crosbie Castle, marked the event. This is now situated in a plinth at the back of the car park.
Crosbie Castle. Take the road south from the car park. Opposite Marr Rugby Club there is a path to the ruin on the right .
William Fullarton & Anne Brisbane marriage commemoration stone. Plinth at the rear of the car park.
FULLARTON HOUSE
In 1745, Crosbie Castle was all but demolished and the stone used to build Fullarton House, which stood on the site of the present car park. The remaining dungeon of the castle was then used as an ice house. Fullarton House originally faced inland and the old gateposts can still be viewed at the far edge of the woodland uphill from the car park.
In 1792, Fullarton House was extended and a stable block built to an Adam design. The stable block exists as private residences.
It was possibly at this time that Fullarton House was redesigned to face the sea. The two gateposts at the car park would have been built then.
The house was sold to the Marquis of Titchfield in 1805. The Marquis later became the Duke of Portland and did much to establish Troon as a port. He died in 1853 aged 87. Fullarton House was bought by Troon Council in 1928 and was later converted into flats. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1966.
The old gateposts. Topmost boundary of Fullarton Woods.
Fullarton House. Built 1745, demolished 1966. The gateposts remain and there is an information board opposite.