Archaeology Notes

Event ID 709677

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/709677

NT16NE 18.00 18301 67655

NT16NE 18.01 18318 67610 Churchyard

NT16NE 18.02 18299 67668 War Memorial

(Name: NT 18301 67655) Church (NR) (site of)

OS 1:1250 map (1973)

Currie, originally Kinleith, parish church, which was dedicated to St Kentigern (St Mungo) is first mentioned in 1296. The present church (at NT 1829 6764) was built in 1785; the choir of its predecessor stands some yards E, measuring 31' x 23' and standing 9' high. It has been used as a burial place, and also as the parish school. Repairs have obliterated nearly all traces of ancient work, but the exterior of the S wall shows a door and window built up, but showing pre-15th c details. Underneath the pathway W of the choir are traces of masonry, showing that the N and S walls are continued in that direction, indicative of transepts.

A Reid 1906; RCAHMS 1929, visited 1920; I B Cowan 1967; H Scott 1915; G Hay 1957

A silver ring, 1 1/8" in diameter, now in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland (NMAS), apparently either part of the stalk of a crucifix or of an altar candlestick, was found when digging the foundations of the present church. It is inscribed "Jesu Fili Dei miserere mei" in Saxon lettering.

Fullarton 1842

NT 1831 6764: The remains of the old church are incorporated in the David Stewart Memorial Session House of Currie Kirk, built about 1950. Practically all trace of antiquity has been obliterated but the original stonework can be seen in the lower courses of the new building, particularly in the W wall.

Two 13th c calvary cross-slabs, found in 1898 close to the old church are preserved in the N wall of the interior of the present church. A 13th century gravestone found at the same time now forms a window sill in the session house.

Visited by OS (JTT) 20 August 1965

The foundations of the medieval church have been exposed, and calvary crosses etc which have been found are stacked on the E side of the modern church. Built into the foundation is a large stone with early Norman detail. A bronze pin and a bronze coin or communion token were found in 1973.

Information from J Howdle, Curriehill Rd, Currie, 10 July 1973.