Lothian - Historic Churches

Canongate Kirk is a late-17th-century church on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, established when James VII decided to convert the old Abbey Church of Holyrood Abbey into a royal chapel and home to the Order of the Thistle. The kirk is known for its unusual Dutch-style gable frontage, and the large number of historical figures buried in the kirkyard, including economist Adam Smith.
153 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH8 8BN

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St Michael's, Linlithgow, is one of the largest and finest medieval churches in Scotland, built in the 15th century and restored several times since. The church retains its original south porch with an oriel window.
The Peel, Kirkgate, Linlithgow, Lothian, Scotland, EH49 7AL

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A 15th-century church that once served as a collegiate chapel. The original church at Dunglass was founded sometime prior to 1423 as the Chapel of St Mary. Sometime around 1443-4, it was refounded with a college of canons by Sir Alexander Hume (sometimes spelled as 'Home'), and the charter was confirmed by James II in 1450-51.
Cockburnspath, Lothian, Scotland

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Greyfriars is one of the oldest buildings outside Edinburgh's Old Town. It was here in 1638 that the National Covenant was signed, and also here in 1679 that over 1200 Covenanters were imprisoned. Look for the family memorial of Sir Walter Scott (though the author is not buried here) and a memorial to architect Robert Adam. Outside the kirk is a monument to Greyfriar's Bobby, the 19th-century Skye terrier who stayed by his master's grave for 14 years.
Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH1 2QQ

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Heritage Highlight: Site of the National Covenant signing in 1638

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St Mary's Church in Haddington is known as 'The Lamp of Lothian', a testament to the architectural and spiritual significance of this, the largest parish church in Scotland. The current church dates to the 14th century and replaces an earlier building destroyed when Haddington was sacked and burned by the English in 1356.
Sidegate, Haddington, Lothian, Scotland, EH41 4BZ

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Heritage Highlight: The Lauderdale Aisle, with a superb Maitland family memorial.

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The Lauderdale Aisle is the former sacristy of the great medieval church of Haddington St Mary's. The parish church of Haddington was one of the largest and finest churches erected in Scotland during the late 14th century, equalling Edinburgh's St Giles in size and easily the equal of most Scottish cathedrals.
St Mary's Church, Sidegate, Haddington, Lothian, Scotland

Attraction Type: Church - Monument
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Old St Andrew's Church in North Berwick is a ruined 17th-century church with a striking west tower, noted as the burial place of John Blackadder, a Covenanter martyr.
Kirk Ports, North Berwick, Lothian, Scotland

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Also known as St Matthew's Collegiate Church, but more commonly simply called Rosslyn Chapel. The chapel was founded by Sir William St Clair, the last Prince of Orkney and lord of Rosslyn Castle in 1446. It was heavily damaged in 1592 and restored in 1861. The main feature of this extraordinary building is the intricate and elaborate carvings that seem to adorn every surface. There is simply no medieval building in Britain like Rosslyn.
Chapel Loan, Roslin, Lothian, Scotland, EH25 9PU

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Seton Collegiate church has its roots in the 12th century when it served as the parish church for the local village. In 1434 Lady Catherine Seton built a side-chapel to house the tomb of her late husband, Lord John Seton. Aside from Lord Seton's tomb, the chapel contained a private altar.
A198, Longniddry, Lothian, Scotland, EH32 0PG

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Heritage Highlight: Late Gothic architecture of the choir

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Not a cathedral in the traditional sense of the word, St Giles is the High Kirk of Edinburgh. This wonderful medieval church dates to the 12th century and boasts a crown spire dated to 1495. John Knox served as a minister here, and the church has hosted the Scottish Parliament.
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland, EH1 1RE

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