St Michael's Kirk (Inveresk)
The St Michael's Kirk , also St Michael's Church or Parish Church of St Michael , is a church building of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in the Scottish town of Inveresk in the East Lothian Council Area . In 1971 the building was included in the Scottish Monuments List in the highest category A.
history
Two previous structures are known at the site of today's church. A wooden church from the 6th century goes back to the Irish nun Modwenna . Around 1128 the Scottish King David I subordinated the complex to the Dunfermline Abbey . A medieval stone church was built. Cannon positions can be seen on contemporary images of the building. These could have been installed there as a result of use by Oliver Cromwell's troops or those of the Scottish pretender Bonnie Prince Charlie . George Wishart and John Knox visited the church during the 16th century . After the building fabric had deteriorated significantly at the beginning of the 19th century and the building became increasingly too small for the growing community, it was decided to build a new building at the same location.
Today's St Michael's Kirk was built between 1803 and 1805 to a design by the architect Robert Nisbet . William Sibbald was responsible for planning the bell tower . It was created in 1805. A major overhaul of the church was carried out in 1893. At the same time an organ was installed. The total cost was around £ 4,000. In 1988 the interior was restored.
description
St Michael's Kirk is located on a hill on the western edge of Inveresk. Due to its elevated position, it can be easily recognized over several miles and is a landmark. The church building consists of a rectangular, three-story Georgian-style building with a pointed bell tower on the south side. This is divided horizontally into five sections, separated by cornices , of which the three lower sections are square and the remaining sections are octagonal . It is designed with partially blind arched windows and in the third section with Ionic pilasters and triangular gables. The fourth section closes with a frieze . Lukarnen are embedded in the seated stone helmet . The high arched portal with a window is located on the ground floor . It is flanked by Ionic pilasters with a triangular pediment. A single arched window is located above it.
Originally the entrance portal was on the north side, three axes wide. It was designed with Tuscan columns and was partially closed with masonry during the renovation work in the 1890s and converted into a window. Rectangular extensions with internal staircases protrude on the east and west sides. They were also created in this construction phase and are set apart from the gray stone of the church building through the use of yellow sandstone . The building closes with a slate hipped roof .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b c d Listed Building - Entry . In: Historic Scotland .
- ↑ Information from the parish
- ↑ a b Entry on St Michael's Kirk in Canmore, the database of Historic Environment Scotland (English)
Web links
- Network presence of the parish
- Entry on St Michael's Kirk in Canmore, Historic Environment Scotland database
- Scotland's Churches Trust information
Coordinates: 55 ° 56 '13.7 " N , 3 ° 3' 4.6" W.