King Edward, Old Parish Church And Burial-ground
Burial Ground (Medieval), Church (16th Century)
Site Name King Edward, Old Parish Church And Burial-ground
Classification Burial Ground (Medieval), Church (16th Century)
Canmore ID 19240
Site Number NJ75NW 2
NGR NJ 70922 57771
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/19240
- Council Aberdeenshire
- Parish King Edward
- Former Region Grampian
- Former District Banff And Buchan
- Former County Aberdeenshire
Field Visit (22 September 1964)
The remains of the church are as described above. The walls are c.1.0m thick, the west gable and parts of the north and south walls stand to their original heights. The coat of arms of Robert Keith was not seen. No information was found regarding the two symbol stone fragments found in the churchyard.
Visited by OS (WDJ) 22 September 1964.
Desk Based Assessment (1964)
NJ75NW 2 70922 57771
(NJ 7092 5776) Church (NR) (In Ruins)
OS 6" map, Aberdeenshire, 2nd ed., (1902).
For successor and present parish church (NJ 7156 5794), see NJ75NW 40.
This is the old parish church of King Edward, in which the last service took place on 25th June 1848.
The patron saint of the Celtic Church of King Edward was St Aidan, who died about 651. 'The close proximity of the Old Parish Church to the lands of Eden suggests that the first religious cell had been on that historic site, a situation within the bend or crook of a river repeatedly found at old Celtic religious centres. In close proximity is Balchers, the town of the cross, where a cross was erected for Christian worship.'
That a church and parish had been erected at King Edward in 1124 is almost certain. The west gable and parts of the north and south walls of this church still stand. It was the 'Church of the Blessed Apostle Peter'.
The church was lengthened by Robert Keith in 1570 and his initials and coat of arms with the date are on the east gable. The south transept was added in 1619. The belfry is probably 18th century. The churchyard gateway was built in 1621 by John Urquhart of Craigston, whose arms it bears.
Two symbol stone fragments were found in the churchyard (NJ75NW 2.01).
J Godsman 1948.
Fragmentary, with 1619 belfry, 1755 Mowat bell and 1621 kirkyard gateway.
G Hay 1957.
Information from OS, c. 1964.
External Reference (4 July 1994)
NMRS REFERENCE:
King Edward Old Parish Church.
16. Grant Duff of Eden mousoleum, Old King Edward Parish Church. Alexander Reid of A & W Reid, Elgin.
Ref: Aberdeenshire Journal, 20.11.1850
-Information from Mrs. Elizabeth Beaton, 4.7.1994.
