Ruthven, Old Parish Church And Burial-ground

St Carol's Church, Ruthven, medieval; belfry 17th century. On a small promontory in boggy land above the Cairnie Burn, only a gable with belfry and north side wall survives of St Carol's, with recess containing effigy of Sir Thomas Gordon of

Ruthven in full knight's armour. It sits in the tiny village of Ruthven which straggles along the burn bank.

Taken from "Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press http://www.rias.org.uk

NJ54NW 4 50606 46904

(NJ 5060 4690) St Carol's Church (NR)

(Remains of)

OS 6" map, Aberdeenshire, 2nd ed., (1902)

There is some doubt as to whether the dedication is to St Caral or St Cyril. The old bell, bearing the date 1643, is known as the 'Wow of Rivan'. The sculptured figure in armour, in one of the walls is said to be one of the Gordon's of Ruthven and appears to be 16th century.

A Jervise 1875-9.

Ruthven Kirk was about 66ft long and 30ft broad the foundations still being visible. It was ruinous in 1686 but was probably repaired, since services were held at Ruthven until about 1721.

J Pirie 1906.

NJ 5061 4691. The entire SW gable including the bell and belfry remains. Incorporated in the graveyard wall is a 13.4m length of the NW wall, 0.9m thick and 1.7m average height. In a recess in this wall is the sculptured figure mentioned by Jervise (1875-9).

Revised at 1/2500.

Visited by OS (NKB), 4 February 1964.