Kilninver, St Bean's Church

NM82SW 20 8265 2178.

(NM 8265 2178) St Bean's Church (NR) (Site of)

OS 1:10,000 map, (1976)

The medieval church of the parish of Kilninver, which first comes on record in the middle of the 13th century and was dedicated to St Bean, was situated on a hill-top about 200 metres NE of the present church. The parish was united with that of Kilmelford, possibly before the reformation.

The site of the medieval church is now marked by a small disused burial ground, the earliest stone bearing a legible inscription being dated 1721. There are also a number of other 18th century stones. The burial ground may formerly have extended a little further to the north where what seem to be tombstones can be seen beyond the 19th century enclosure wall. This is consistent with a report of 1783 which states that "the churchyard has never been enclosed - the dead are buried in the open fields". This report also described the church as being "in the very worst repair, situated on an eminence exposed much to the storm, and when the wind blows, the minister cannot be heard, though the church be very small".

RCAHMS 1975, visited April 1970.

NM 827 223 A watching brief was carried out between May and September 2000 on a water pipeline installation along the roadside and through fields close to the location of known cist burial and burial cairn (NMRS NM82SW 17 and NM82SW 20 ). No finds of archaeological significance were made.

Report to be lodged with the NMRS.

Sponsor: West of Scotland Water.

G Mudie 2001l