Channelkirk Church

NT45SE 22 48152 54505

(NT 4815 5450) Allan considers that the original church of Channelkirk, which was dedicated to St Cuthbert, came into existence between the 7th and 9th centuries. (This appears to be supported by the find of a long cist in the churchyard - see NT45SE 8). It became a property of Dryburgh Abbey in the 12th century, and a church at Channelkirk was consecrated by Bishop de Bernham in 1241. In 1627, Channelkirk church is mentioned as being in the usual form of a cross; the choir was roofless. In 1653, ten thousand divots were used in repairing it; it was first roofed with slates in 1724.

The present church was built in 1817. The old structure was much smaller, and had an earthen floor; its foundations are said to be visible below the flooring of the present church. Many bones and skulls were dug up from the centre of the old structure when the present church was being built. Part of the right arm of a cross, now attached to the E gable of the present church, may have come from the earlier structure.

A Allan 1900

There is no evidence of an earlier church at this site; a few of the gravestones around the churchyard date from the 17th century.

Visited by OS (BS) 5 August 1975

NT 4813 5451 A watching brief was carried out in May 2003 during the controlled topsoil stripping of a proposed car park at Channelkirk Church (NT45SE 22). No features of archaeological interest were recorded.

Report lodged with the NMRS.

Sponsor: Rev. John M Shields.

M Johnson 2003

EXTERNAL REFERENCE:

Scottish Record Office

Channelkirk - Ruinous condition of the Kirk.

Henry Home, Minister at Channelkirk, complains that he hardly dare sit in the

kirk in case the roof falls in. He asks that money from the vacant stipend should

be used to cover the cost of repairs.

Letter from Henry Home to the Earl of Marchmont.

1707 GD 158/1162