Kilkerran Churchyard And Cemetary
Burial Ground (Medieval), Cemetery (19th Century), Churchyard (Medieval), Cross Slab(S) (Early Medieval), Gravestone(S) (17th Century), War Memorial (20th Century)
Site Name Kilkerran Churchyard And Cemetary
Classification Burial Ground (Medieval), Cemetery (19th Century), Churchyard (Medieval), Cross Slab(S) (Early Medieval), Gravestone(S) (17th Century), War Memorial (20th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Kilkerran Road; Calen Maceachern's Cross; Cristin's Cross; Boundary Walls; Entrance Gates; Gatepier; War Memorial Cross Of Sacrifice
Canmore ID 38713
Site Number NR71NW 2.01
NGR NR 72792 19354
NGR Description Centred NR 72792 19354
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/38713
- Council Argyll And Bute
- Parish Campbeltown
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Argyll And Bute
- Former County Argyll
NR71NW 2.01 centred 72792 19354
See also NR71NW 4 and NR71NW 5
Location formerly entered as NR 7283 1946.
NR 728 193. A number of cross-slabs, headstones, and other carved stones, dating from the Early Christian Period to the 18th century (described by the RCAHMS {1971}) lie within Kilkerran Cemetery. The Early Christian stone, re-erected on a concrete base, measure 0.74m high by 0.08m to 0.13 m thick and tapers in width from 0.31m at the top to 0.15m. There are crosses incised on both front and back.
(See also NR71NW 4 and NR71NW 5).
RCAHMS 1971.
Part of a substantial cemetery comprising a series of areas enclosed by random rubble walls, with old churchyard to NE, bounded by later cemetery to S and E, with early 20th century addition on hillside to SW. Old graveyard: c entral path flanked by enclosures, random rubble walls with ashlar copes and variety of decorative cast-iron railings, some with inscriptions on marble plaques. Enclosure to Lamb family with dwarf wall and iron grated roof. Further enclosures stretching along crest of hill to E, including; Random rubble coped enclosure to MacEacharn monument, high wall to rear with sandstone panel dated 1715 at centre flanked by fluted pilasters and with winged cherubs head superimposed on frieze. Stewart family enclosure, dated 1878, deep ashlar cope to dwarf wall surmounted by Gothick cast-iron railing, memorial at rear comprising 3 round-arched marble panels with inscriptions, frieze and cornice above surmounted by curvilinear pediment with floreate carving to pediment and flanking urns (left urn missing). Enclosure to MacFarlane family immediately comprising random rubble dwarf wall with ashlar cope and wrought-iron railing. Classical pedimented memorial at rear with architraved marble panels. To W, 19th century Celtic cross to Campbell of Kildalloig with foliate and animal carvings, and ashlar coped enclosure. To N, Strichen's Tomb (also known as the Mystery Tomb) ashlar block construction, corniced square base, barrel-vaulted interior accessed by round-arched opening with keystone, elongated pyramid over base with bolection-moulded frames to blank panels on each face.
Variety of gravestones, recumbent slabs and enclosures mainly from 17th century onwards around site of former kirk (remains no longer visible) including small headstones depicting figures, tools, animals, and classical motifs. Random rubble enclosure (without railings) comprising dwarf wall with ashlar cope, table slab at centre commemorating Rev James Boes. Polished grey granite memorial slab dated 1904 to James Macalister Hall of Tangy and Killean, mounted on corniced pedestal of stugged grey granite with sandstone ashlar dressings, cast-iron railings to enclosure. The church dedicated to St Ciaran is first recorded shortly before the middle of the 13th century, the medieval parish apparently embracing the eastern portion of the peninsula lying between Campbeltown Loch and Balnabraid Glen, together with Davaar Island. After the reformation, the parishes of Kilmichael, Kilchousland and Kilkivan were joined in 1617 to Kilkerran, the united parish afterwards being named Kinloch (or Lochhead), and subsequently Campbeltown. Ruins of the medieval church were still visible in the 1870's. The quality and historical interest of the stones in Kilkerran Cemetery reflects the important ancient history and more recent prosperity of this part of Argyll.( Historic Scotland)
Field Visit (14 March 1963)
This stone is situated at NR 7283 1946, beside that described on NR71NW 5.
Visited by OS (RDL) 14 March 1963.
Reference (2001)
(1) Slab 0.74m high and tapering downwards from 0.31m. Face (a) bears an outline ringed cross with small round sunken armpits. The shaft, in false relief within a margin, has a lower transom and opens into a plain butt. On face (b) is an outline cross with small round armpits. The foot is open and the ends of the side-arms are linked to those of face (a).
I Fisher 2001.
