It is amongst the oldest of Stirling settlements originating in Pre-Roman times and servicing the ford marked by the Causewayhead Road.

The area that is now the Cornton and on the opposite bank, the Raploch, were the only available patches of agricultural land prior to draining programs of later eras.

Wallace´s Battle of Stirling Bridge took place on and around the site of the present housing estate and although there is no clear marker anywhere to inform the adventurous visitor, the dominant position of the Abbey Craig indicates the natural route to the battle scene.

The prison, built in 1975, is located north of the housing area, close to the River Forth.

The nurse of Mary, Queen of Scots, Jean Sinclair, was granted lands at Cornton as a reward for her services.