Standing Building Recording

Date September 2010 - December 2010

Event ID 966113

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/966113

NB 4846 3226 A standing building survey was carried out September–December 2010 as part of an ongoing project to stabilise and conserve the now roofless remains of the medieval church of Eaglais na h-Aoidhe (St Columba’s), on behalf of Urras Eaglais na h-Aoidhe. Seven phases of building were identified, facilitated by classification of the mortars and plasters. Earliest was a 9.7m long fragment of a previously unrecognised earlier church identified within the N wall, built primarily of local coarse red sandstone and bonded in shell-lime mortar, presumably dating to the 13th or 14th centuries. This was extended at some time probably in the 14th century, creating a large parish church of simple rectangular plan divided between nave and chancel by a rood screen with loft over, lit by a rood loft light. Later, a lean-to sacristy or burial aisle was added to the S wall, and two adjacent pointed-arched doorways, both with dressings of fine sandstone, were inserted. After a series of further alterations, the aisle was removed, and a substantial chapel/burial aisle with round-headed arches was added to the W end. This work involved the first use of limestone mortar, as well as roof level detailing such as corbels, kneelers and at least one rainwater spout. After further remodelling and use of the nave, the main church roof was eventually removed with some care, the W annex converted to a stand-alone chapel, and a new area set aside for burial monuments in the former chancel in the 18th century. By the mid-19th century the building was effectively abandoned and the remaining roof lost, although the surrounding graveyard continued in use.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended). Report: CNES SMR

Funder: Historic Scotland, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and Stornoway Trust

Carol Knott and Mark Thacker, 2010