A Short History and Tour
of
Prestonkirk Parish Church
Prestonkirk Parish Church
Introduction
This grassy hill beside the River Tyne on which the present church stands has been a place of worship since at least the twelfth century. Indeed, its origins may go back far into the Dark Ages, to the time of St Baldred of the Bass, whose name is associated with an ancient well beside the river close to this church and to a whirl, or pool, in the river itself.
Today, nothing survives from St Baldred's time, and just a very precious fragment from the medieval church. The growing prosperity of the area in King George III's reign in the late eighteenth century, following the revolution in framing techniques, saw a new kirk built - and extended.
Follow the links below for more information about Prestonkirk
Text © Chris Tabraham, formerly Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments, Historic Scotland
Page last updated 28th May, 2012
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