Cleland House, 'wallace's Cave'
Cave (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Cleland House, 'wallace's Cave'
Classification Cave (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 45645
Site Number NS75NE 5
NGR NS 7833 5765
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/45645
- Council North Lanarkshire
- Parish Bothwell (Motherwell)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Motherwell
- Former County Lanarkshire
NS75NE 5 7833 5765.
(NS 7833 5765) Wallace's Cave (NR)
OS 6" map (1910)
In the middle of the steep rock upon which the house of Cleland stands, is a large natural cave which has been partly improved by art, capable of holding 40-50 men, and of difficult access. The entry was secured by a door and an iron gate. The fireplace and part of chimney and floor still remain. The tradition is that it was used as a place of concealment in the troublesome times of the country as far back as Sir William Wallace, perhaps by the hero himself.
Statistical Account (OSA) 1795; Imperial Gazetteer
The remains of this cave are located in the centre of a cliff-face, making approach quite arduous. Rock-falls have reduced it simply to its back wall and a narrow ledge for its floor. It cannot now be described as a cave. No information, other than the traditional association with Sir William Wallace, was obtained relating to this cave.
Visited by OS (JLD) 11 September 1953