Interesting facts.

Kingswells, a village and suburb of Aberdeen, Scotland, boasts a rich history and numerous intriguing aspects. Here some interesting facts about Kingswells:

  1. Historical Origins: Kingswells has existed as a village for centuries, with its history intertwined with Aberdeen’s freedom lands and march stones, some dating back to King Robert the Bruce in 1319.  
  2. Name Origin: The name “Kingswells” is believed to derive from the presence of wells that were historically associated with royalty or significant figures.
  3. Kingswells House: Built in 1666, Kingswells House is a notable 17th-century manor that was restored in 1854 after a period of ruin.  
  4. Architectural Features: The house features a semi-circular entrance porch corbelled to square at attic level, a corner turret, and a center rear addition, with interior modifications made in 1855.  
  5. Quaker Connection: In the 17th century, Kingswells House served as a Quaker meeting house, reflecting the area’s religious diversity.  
  6. Friends’ Burial Ground: Located near Kingswells House, this burial ground is the final resting place for several Quaker families, including members of the Jaffray family.  
  7. Jaffray Family: The Jaffrays of Kingswells were prominent Quakers in the 16th and 17th centuries, contributing significantly to the local religious community.  
  8. Cloghill House: Another historic building in the area, Cloghill House, is recognized for its architectural significance.  
  9. Consumption Dykes: North of Home Farm, remnants of consumption dykes—stone walls built to clear fields of stones—can be found, indicating historical agricultural practices.  
  10. Agricultural Heritage: Historically, Kingswells was an agricultural community, with farms like Mains of Kingswells (now Home Farm) depicted on historic OS maps.  
  11. Oil Industry Boom: The village expanded significantly in the 1980s due to the North Sea oil boom, leading to the development of modern housing and amenities.  
  12. Modern Amenities: Today, Kingswells offers various facilities, including a primary school, convenience store, doctor’s surgery, veterinary surgery, and two community halls.  
  13. Business Complex: A nearby business complex features a hotel, Starbucks, and a luxury gym, catering to residents and visitors.  
  14. Transportation: The village is served by regular bus services, including McGill’s service 14 to Aberdeen City Centre and Stagecoach Bluebird services 5 and 6 to Westhill and Aberdeen.  
  15. Park and Ride: Kingswells has a park and ride facility, enhancing connectivity to Aberdeen and surrounding areas.  
  16. AWPR Access: The village has easy access to the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR), facilitating travel to Bridge of Don and Dyce.  
  17. Educational Facilities: While Kingswells lacks a secondary school, school buses provide transport to nearby secondary schools like Bucksburn Academy.  
  18. Kingswells Website: Kingswells was one of the first communities in Aberdeen to have a dedicated website, it was featured on Grampian TV in 2000. It maintains an informative website to keep residents updated on local news and events.  
  19. Historic Maps: Historic OS maps depict the layout and development of Kingswells, including significant buildings and agricultural lands.  
  20. Architectural Restoration: The restoration of Kingswells House in 1854 preserved its historical architecture while incorporating 19th-century additions.  
  21. Listed Building: Kingswells House is designated as a Category B listed building, recognizing its historical and architectural importance.  
  22. Walled Garden: An oblique aerial photograph from 1948 shows Kingswells House and its walled garden, highlighting the estate’s historical landscape.  
  23. Home Farm: Formerly known as Mains of Kingswells, Home Farm is a historic farmstead depicted on 19th-century maps.  
  24. Wind Pump: A wind pump associated with Kingswells House is noted in historical records, indicating early water management practices.  
  25. Architectural Drawings: Measured and drawn by Fenton Wyness between 1920-26, 1/8-inch plans and elevations of Kingswells House are stored at 45 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen.  
  26. Ordnance Survey Records: The Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division holds records related to Kingswells House, including index cards from 1958.

 

Address

Wellside Ave, Kingswells

AB15 8EF Aberdeen

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