So, you may well be familiar with the Cult estate to the West of Whitburn. Of the 18th century land Improvements made there by William Wardrop. A great deal of the estate was later subject to heavy mining and is now partially developed with housing. Yet, the Cult House still stands proudly, even after it was gutted by Fire in 2019. But, there Once was another Cult House and farm. That of West Cult, which is long gone nowadays.
West Cult Farm
The Cult Estate to the West side of Whitburn had several farms upon it. But the main house they were run from was Cult House which would eventually become East Cult Farm.
Where was West Cult?
Although the house is gone, the site of where it Once stood can be easily found. But, its sad that the thing that marks its place, is the pile of rubbish that lies dumped there today. The Road that runs Eastward back towards East Cult farm where Cult house stands is Blocked off. Heavy Concrete Blocks have been placed over the road to prevent further mess being made by Fly Tippers.
Follow the Old Dumback road opposite Polkemmet Country Park, where the Old telephone exchange stands, up towards Cult House. You’ll come to the split in the road. To the left, the road to East Cult and to the right, the road to Greenrigg farm. It was right here on the North side of the Junction that the Farm house of West Cult once stood at the top of the road. Looking Authoritively back down the Hill towards Dumback.
Who lived there?
Although the Cult estate was Centred around and run from Cult House at East Cult, it had several farms upon it. Farms Like Righouse, Cultrig Cultsykefoot and Cultrig Bents were amongst these. But just next door, to the West was West Cult. Records from the Mid to Late 19th century show the farm was occupied and managed by the Weir Family.
What Happened to it?
What do you know?
Here at the West Lothian History Hub, we want to bring you as thorough an Investigation as we can Into West Lothians Colourful and Extensive History. The Ultimate Archive of the Countys past where anyone may go and find out whatever they want to know. But we need your help. To make the history hub not only an amazing trove of Knowledge that people can benefit from. But also the hub where others can share their own local knowledge of its past.
It’s easy enough to search records and maps for a general History of the farm. But, the real History lies within the memories of everyday people like yourselves. Do you remember West Cult before it was demolished? Or maybe you are aware of something we havent covered here. Please let us know in the comments below or drop us a message in the Contact Form in the link below.