St Cuthbert's Kirk is thought to be the oldest site of worship in Edinburgh. Although the present building only dates from 1894, the current church is the seventh building on this spot since St Cuthbert first came to Edinburgh around 1300 years ago.
The oldest
gravestone is that of Rev Robert Pont, who died in 1606. By 1738,
grave robbing was a frequent occurrence (and continued for another
100 years until the law changed to allow the donation of bodies to
medical science) so walls were made higher, nightly patrols were made
and burials began to be recorded.
The kirk is open to
the public April to September 10-4 (Mon-Saturday) where, amongst many
other treasures, you can see a Tiffany stained glass window, the
ornate apse and frieze of the Last Supper. Agatha Christie married
her second husband Max Mallowan in the side chapel here in 1930.
Visitors are actively encouraged and the friendly volunteers are
happy to answer questions.
(While you're here,
you might want to visit neighbouring St John' the Evangelist
Church – although next to each other, they are in different
postcode areas).
A path in the
kirkyard leads to Princes Street Gardens West.
5 Lothian Rd,
Edinburgh EH1 2EP
0131 229 1142
friends@st-cuthberts.net
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