Bowden Village

Although Bowden is clearly referred to in various early 12th century charters by King David I relating to the settlement of a group of Tyronesian monks in the area, specific mention of the present day name is vague and history appears to have drawn a veil over the definitive origin.

Legend leaves us with a choice of interesting possibilities. Reference is made in those early documents to Bothenden, Botheldene and Boulden - names which may have been derived from St. Bothan or Bodwin which, with the passage of time, were abbreviated to Boulden and subsequently to Bowden. Again, it has been suggested that the original name of Botheldene derives from a literal translation of two old English words meaning 'the valley with the building', which could refer to the ancient Kirk or some such old building set in the valley of Bowden Burn.

Bowden Village Committee and Trustees of Bowden Common are undertaking a full restoration of the iconic Pant Well, a key feature of the village landscape. This restoration project will commence in Spring 2011, and fundraising activities are underway. To read a full conservation report on the scale of the work required, click here