World War II followed which must have seen a slow down in local work. Upon the outbreak of war, many of the county’s housing construction projects were shelved indefinitely.
Craters to the North of Crossbasket were subject to local rumours that the Nazi German Luftwaffe had tried to bomb the Castle on their route to Glasgow, but this was later found false, the craters being nothing more than old lime pits, near Greenhall woodland.
1943 – Some evidence is uncovered showing non-related tenants of Crossbasket with several families including a Mr. J Hamilton and his wife. This arrangement may only have been temporary during the war years and is likely connected to the care work that Elizabeth Little was doing.
It is alleged that during WW2, Polish soldiers created a hard landscaping area on the former grass tennis courts, the flat site in front of the Castle. The landscaping included a circular area of concrete paths surrounding the sundial with trees planted to compliment the flower beds between the paths. The arrangement was still there in April 2015, before any landscaping in the front gardens commences. Looking at 1945 aerial photos, I could not see this detail that year, so I can only conclude that the celtic cross path design was formed post 1945 and my suspicion is that it was done in the 60’s or 70’s. The aerial photo, although low resolution, also confirms the existence of the ornate rose gardens on the hillside. The religious connection of a cross ties it to later Crossbasket dates.
Whilst on the subject of war, there is a permanent memorial to the first WW1 in the grounds of Crossbasket. To the north, amongst the woodland, please do not be afraid if you come across this sight. At first glance it resembles a grave or something a cult would construct. However, it is merely a memorial to a gent who died in the first world war. Poppies may be found at the site, I trust to be left with respect for those who fought and maintained our freedom.
From “The History of Crossbasket Castle” by Paul Veverka (c) 2015
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Paul I marvel at your knowledge and willingness to share- you are just great (any hints how to find info about Rutherglen?) just an afterthought lol main reason for post is every time I read your info I’m blown away by content, thanks