The Power of the Word

There has been a church in Eddleston since the early 12th century but no visible traces of the medieval structure survive. In fact until our survey no part of the existing fabric of the church appeared to be older than the 19th century. However, we now believe the Elibank vault next to the east end may incorporate part of the 17th to 18th century church.

 

Eddleston Kirk

There has been a church in Eddleston since at least the 12th century, when it was first recorded as being part of the lands under the control of Glasgow Cathedral.

The present church dates only to the 19th century and it has long been assumed that no traces of earlier buildings now survive on the site.

However, we have discovered that the Elibank Vault which stands at the east end of the present building may in fact incorporate part of the 17th - 18th century church!

Recording the graveyard. Every memorial has been given a unique number so that it can be located on the overall plan. This is the west face of monument no 56, the gravestone of John Kyle, who was the tenant farmer at Burnhead at the time of his death in 1749. This face shows various well-known symbols of mortality, including the winged soul, hourglass, skull and crossed bones.

The graveyard survey

The decay of Scotland’s carved stones and the conservation of historic graveyards are presently matters of national concern.

As part of our project, we are therefore carrying out a complete survey of the graveyard. Every memorial is recorded in detail.

There are several interesting gravestones dating from the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Not surprisingly, in a rural parish, most commemorate local lairds, farmers and tenants - often providing fascinating links to the farms that we are investigating in the course of our project.