Publication Account
Date 1986
Event ID 1017292
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Publication Account
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1017292
There has long been a Chlistian foundation at Monymusk. The community of Augustinian canons that Gilchlist, earl of Mar, established here in 1170 had, several centuries earlier, been preceded by a group of Celi De, servants of God, who were ultimately of Irish inspiration.
The present church incorporates two plincipal features of the Augustinian priory church; the simple west tower of thin coursed granite with sandstone dressings, which now stands 15.5m high (originally c 18m), and the chancel arch with three shafts and cushion capitals. The original chancel was considerably longer than the present one, much of the remainder now being used as a burial enclosure. The crenellations on the tower are a poor 19th century addition.
Although much altered, the interior is light and pleasing; the Nonnan chancel arch provides a fine focus, and the wall monuments to successive Grant lairds repay study. There is some excellent modem stained glass (including an unusual depiction of the Monymusk Stone, Celi De, and Bennachie), and the Monymusk Stone itself, a Pictish symbol stone on which are carved a cross, a broken sword and a triple disc symbol.
Information from ‘Exploring Scotland’s Heritage: Grampian’, (1986).
