Churches
Athelstaneford Parish Kirk, Scotland
With connections to a prince, a king, a well-known songwriter, and the birth of the Saltire (Scotland’s national flag), the little parish kirk in Athelstaneford is steeped in history. So, naturally, I was delighted when I stumbled upon it during one of my “drive-around-and-see-what-we-discover” trips in Scotland. A Victory for the Picts With…
Read MoreSt Martin’s Kirk, Haddington
Very, very few 12th-century parish churches survive in Scotland today. Through wars, Reformation, and general neglect, most such buildings have sadly been lost to us. So, when I spotted an old ruin in Haddington – and realised its age – I was delighted! A Gift From Countess Ada Ada de Warenne was…
Read MoreGreyfriars Church, Edinburgh
When James I of Scotland invited several Franciscans from the Low Countries, to settle in Edinburgh, they very quickly accepted the invitation. In 1447, six friars arrived and settled at the corner of the Grassmarket and Candlemaker Row. The Friary enjoyed royal patronage and connections. Mary of Guelders stayed there in 1449, and…
Read MoreHoly Trinity Church, St Andrews
Sometimes when a day’s plans go “off-script”, the day turns out even better than expected. On a recent trip to St Andrew’s on the Scottish east coast, exactly that happened. We were planning to explore St Andrew’s Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral that day but stopped for breakfast first (one needs all the energy…
Read MoreBeauly Priory, Scottish Highlands
They came from Dijon in France – the Valliscaulians – and settled here at Beauly Priory in the Scottish Highlands. The monks belonging to the Valliscaulian Order, were quite different from the monks of other religious orders. For them, it was all about their personal salvation and less about the world at large. For…
Read MoreFinchale Priory, Northern England
Finchale Priory in County Durham, Northern England has a long and interesting history – and it is incredibly beautiful to explore. What started out as a tiny hermitage, turned into a magnificent priory and even a holiday home for monks. It is here, in the crook of the River Wear, amongst leafy trees and…
Read MoreOld St Mungo’s Church, Penicuik
Almost hidden behind the current St Mungo’s Church stands the ruins of the old, original church of the same name. It is surrounded by the most tranquil churchyard I have ever had the pleasure to explore – and I spotted a little deer on the other side of the fence too! 🥰 History…
Read MoreSt Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh
From a Leper Hospital to violent riots to today’s popular visitor attraction, St Giles’ Cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile covers it all. Steeped in rich history and magnificent architecture, St Giles’ is a must-see for every heritage tourist. In The Beginning It is believed that the site where St Giles is located…
Read MoreYork Minster Chapter House
Friday the 13th has always been deemed unlucky. Well, certainly since October 1307. On this day – Friday 13 October 1307 – all members of the Knights Templar in France were arrested and subsequently condemned to death. This was the beginning of a Europe-wide persecution of the Order of the Knights Templar. This…
Read MoreSt Mary the Virgin Church, Ponteland
Standing solidly on the bank of the River Pont in Northumberland is the ancient church of St Mary the Virgin. A church has stood here for ages, giving comfort and protection to the community. From Saxon times, through the wars with the Scots to the present day, St Mary’s has been (and still is)…
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