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A brief history of Cardenden

by Ross McKay 17 March
  • Tell us your stories of the history of Cardenden.

Cardenden is a former mining town set in the heart of Fife's Ore Valley, 4 miles north-west of Kirkcaldy. The town has a history of just over 150 years, having grown around the arrival of the railway in 1848 to become one of the largest mining communities in Scotland.

The areas of Auchterderran, Bowhill, Cardenden and Dundonald - known locally as 'ABCD' make up today's community, which has a population of almost 3,000 including a primary school, and junior football club Dundonald Bluebell. Cardenden was the site of Scotland's last duel in 1826, and was home to poet Joe Corrie. It is also the birthplace of both crime writer Ian Rankin, and his famous character Inspector Rebus.

Here are just a few key dates in the history of the town.

16th Century - Carden Tower built by the Mertyne family of Medhope

1826 - Scotland's last duel fought on 2nd August between David Landale, a Kirkcaldy merchant and George Morgan, a Kirkcaldy banker in a field at Cardenbarns. Morgan was killed in the duel

1858 - Cardenden station opens

1895 - Sinking of Bowhill pit

1931 - Cardenden-born John Thomson killed while playing for Celtic against Rangers at Ibrox. Over 30,000 attend his funeral in the town.

1938 - Dundonald Bluebell junior football club formed

Now it's your turn!

That's the briefest of brief summaries, and hardly covers the most important dates. But this is where you come in. There's lots of interest in local history and lots of local knowledge out there - so why not share it here? To add to the time-line, all you have to do is click on the edit button.

Or perhaps you'd like to start your own article about another aspect of Cardenden history? You can do that, too. There must also be a wealth of wonderful photographs of old Cardenden - maybe even some video of more recent events - and those are more than welcome here.

Post it all here, and let's see if we can really chronicle the history of Cardenden in a way we can all share!


Add a comment

18 April | 6:28:07

Robert Martin says

The history of Cardenden really starts with Auchterderran church which celebrates its 950th year of history this year. There is a lot more than can be accommodated in one site or page but I am working on a time capsule for the church hall foundations and hope to have a better idea soon.

26 June | 3:22:32

William Miller says

A wee bit more of the history of St Fothad (Fothadh 2) and his link with Hurkyndorath (now Auchterderran) can be found in the pages of the website of Lodge St Fothad's Auchterderran No 1059 which is also celebrating an anniversary this year, the Lodge's Centenary is being celebrated with special events such as the Burns Supper, Ladies' Dinner Dance, Lodge Re-dedication Ceremony and Dinner and finally a Divine Service to be held in Auchterderran St Fothad's Parish Church in September.

30 August | 9:41:44

david Thomson says

Could you tell me when the old railway station closed down?

I remember the family that lived there and the creepy man that run the signal box up at the old whinnie pond.

I am now 43, I remember in the late 70s the station becoming derelict and playing in it as a kid.

There was also the old waiting room on the other side of the track.

22 September | 6:32:40

sheena marr says

When did the Auchterderran Cycle Club start up?

My mum & dad were both members - my dad Alex (Pye) Harley was killed in 1948 at the age of 28 years, on the Black Road at kelty, trying to beat his own record.

The wheelers used to hold a dance each year in the institute which was a great event & wheelers came from all over to attend.

Think the club disbanded in the 1970's. Would like to find out more. Sheena (Harley) Marr.

18 February | 8:50:27

elaine gilfillan says

Anyone know anything about a mill on the site of St fothads church , the church was just over 100 years old when it was demolished and appaqrently a working mill had been there before any info gratefully received .

14 May | 6:26:52

William Miller says

The mill was latterly owned and operated by Jim Pyper and was operating until the early 1950s It was originally a water mill and the mill lade was on the other side of the road, fed by an off-shoot of the Den Burn. There was also a cottage occupied by the man who operated the sluice. Members of the Cardenden Local History Group will be able to provide more info.

When the road was upgraded the operation of the mill was changed to electricity and I believe it was about this time that the Pyper family got involved with it.

When I was a young boy I remember accompanying my uncle to the mill at weekends and enjoying the now non-PC sport of shooting mice and rats with an air-rifle.

14 May | 6:47:09

William Miller says

Here's an old photo of Auchterderran Church with Carden Mill buildings behind it.

25 May | 1:03:16

DAVID FLEMING says

when did the football team gammie rangers play in cardenden.any information would be helpful.

      david fleming.

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