Cille Bhrea, Chapel And Burial Ground

NH56SE 3 5764 6148.

(NH 57646148) Cille Bhrea {NR} Chapel {NR} (Ruin)

OS 6"map, (1938)

This was the parish church of Lemlair until that parish was united with Kiltearn after the Reformation.

Its original dedication was to Brig., one of the holy maidens of the Brigit who died in 525. It was latterly known as St. Mary's Chapel, probably a mis-translation of the original name.

The foundations are still visible in the churchyard, which is known as 'Cladh Mo-Bhrigh'

W J Watson 1904; N Macrae 1923; W J Watson 1926.

The remains of the Chapel measure 10.8 m EW by 4.4 m transversely with grass-covered walls 0.6 high and 0.7 m thick. The SE corner has been destroyed by erosion. A few grave-slabs can be seen within the chapel and immediately to the N of it, but the graveyard is unenclosed and derelict. The Name St. Brig's Chapel is still known locally.

Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Photo.

Visited by OS (N K B) 30 June 1965

Chapel (NR) (remains of)

OS 1:10,000, (1971)

This chapel was partially excavated by Dr Woodham (A A Woodham, Clava, Cunninghill Rd., Invervrie) in 1966. Finds include a stone font and part of the communion table, which are still in the chapel, and several skeletons. According to Woodham the dedication is to St Brigh, and the present remains date from about 1198 when the chapel was consecrated. There is no trace of graves in the unenclosed graveyard around the chapel, though human bones protrude from the eroding cliff face near the chapel. Woodham states that the last burial was about "100 years ago"

Visited by OS (N K B) 20 December 1976

Coastal processes are resulting in the erosion of the churchyard. The arm of a decorated, possibly a free standing, cross was found amongst the eroded material at the foot of the cliff. Human bones and iron coffin nails were also recovered from the eroding cliff face.

J Wordsworth, SSSIs, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1993

NH 576 614 An archaeological assessment was carried out to measure the extent of continued coastal erosion of both the chapel and graveyard. Skeletal remains, including one with associated coffin nails, were deposited with Historic Scotland.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

J Wordsworth 1997

NH 576 614 Coastal erosion is steadily removing the E end of the chapel and exposing human skeletal material from the graveyard on the foreshore. Historic Scotland decided that a programme of managed retreat was appropriate, and commissioned the excavation of the elements of this medieval church and graveyard which were at risk from erosion over the next couple of decades.

The fieldwork in August 1998 examined a strip along the erosion edge, excavating 50 graves. These graves were nearly all orientated E-W and 21 contained skeletal material, in varying states of preservation. Some graves also contained coffin nails, with attached mineralised wood fragments, and a number of shroud pins were also recovered. The walls of the church were also exposed and recorded, and the interior of the church investigated. In accordance with Historic Scotland policy the human skeletal material, after analysis, will be buried in the graveyard, away from the erosion edge.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

T Rees 1998

North wall and West wall remains of chapel upstanding 0.5-1.2m, remainder gone. Very serious erosion on frontage 4m cliff face. Burials eroding out. Whole set within enclosure boundary bank. Visible to East. Site subject to present day stabilisation work and clearance of scrub. 3 burial slabs visible within chapel walls and 2 outwith to North of structual remains.

CFA/MORA Coastal Assessment Survey 1998.