Architecture Notes

Event ID 663559

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/663559

Description:

Irregular-plan burial ground containing mainly 18th and 19th

century stone monuments and fragment of former Kirkconnel

church. Also contains burial place of "Fair Helen of

Kirkconnel Lea". and of Adam Fleming, her lover, whose stone

is pointed out (a second stone is said to be that of "Fair

Helen"). Enclosed mainly by 19th century iron fence with

plain gateway. Some table-tombs; many 18th century

headstones with good artisan sculpture; good aedicular

monument within Maxwell of Springkell enclosure to W of

church.

CHURCH: E gable and foreshortened N and S walls of E end of

church survive to near full height; building closed at W by

high wall, probably to convert church fragment to burial

enclosure. Rubble-built with ashlar dressings and rusticated

quoins. Forestair on N wall; loft door and E loft window

with moulded jambs. Originally vaulted at ground.

Notes:

Both Adam Fleming and "Fair Helen's" stones are Guardianship Monuments. Kirkconnel parish was annexed to Kirkpatrick Fleming. Old Statistical Account, 1794, vol XIII, p.274 ff. gives a comparatively early account of the "Fair Helen" tradition, and include a version of the ballad.

GRAVESLABS: To Adam Fleming and 'Fair Helen' Scheduled 20 November 2002 No 90191.

References:

Groome, GAZETTEER, n.d. (2nd ed). Vol IV pp. 417-8. RCAHM,

INVENTORY, 1920 nos. 367 and 373.

Information from Historic Scotland

Listed 1971, De-listed 2008.

Scheduled Ancient Monument.