Archaeology Notes

Event ID 700065

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/700065

NS36NE 5 38261 68936

(NS 3826 6893) St Fillan's Church (NR) (rems of) (NAT)

OS 6" map (1968).

See also NS36NE 2.

Kilallan parish church, which was dedicated to St Fillan- ie Faelan of Cluain Moescna in Meath, but of whom nothing authentic seems to be known (W J Watson 1926) - was among the churches given to the monastery of Paisley (on the latter's foundation - about 1169). It was last used in 1771, the parish having been united with Houston in 1760. The walls are fairly entire, though without gables. The masonry shows that they are of considerable age, if indeed not of the Norman period. All the openings are of 17th century work and the doorway at the W end of the S wall is dated 1635. The openings were probably altered about that time and the pre-Reformation character changed to suit Presbyterian ideas. The plan resembles many ancient churches in its long proportions and in having the N and S doors opposite each other (D MacGibbon and T Ross 1897). Lyle notes that the Barochan Aisle, where several of the Flemings of Barachan are buried, was later added to the rear of the church. He also adds that the church wall contained a 10th-11th century stone (but gives no details), and has a sculptured fragment incised with a mitre and staff. The font from the church is now built into the churchyard wall (OSA 1791). The church bell hang in a tree at Barochan House (NS 414 686); it was recast in 1844, but the original inscription "CAROLVS HOG ME FECIT 1618" has no doubt been copies (J M Mackinlay 1895). The

burial ground surrounding the church was still in use in 1856 (Name Book 1856). A 13th century tombstone was dug up in it in 1962.

OPS 1851; A Hallifax-Crawford 1962; W W Lyle 1975.

A large bronze Byzantine coin of 6th century AD date, a bronze hinged clasp and a Medieval pewter crucifix were found in the ruins of the church. They are in the possession of D A Cunningham. (See also NS36NE 2).

DES 1976

When seen in 1955, the walls of St Fillan's Church were in good condition; they appeared to have been renovated recently.

Visited by OS (JD) 26 July 1955 .