Location
St.Cyrus beach The yard is located approximately 1/3 of a mile
along a path within the nature reserve at St.Cyrus
St Cyrus
OS Map Reference
NO 745 639
Description
Reputed to be the site of a 13th - century kirk, there was said to be no visible signs of its position within the yard though a four-sided structure is present to the rear of the site bearing a carved stone lintel and chamfer-edged doorway. This enclosure, is said to be a burial ground. Built into a corner of the kirkyard is a small old watch-house with a good secure door and a small watch window.
There are approximately 10 recumbent tombstones, of which 3 are particularly well-decorated. There are several burial enclosures of particular note: - The Stratton of Kirkside enclosure,complete with original railings, contains a huge polished pink sarcophagus, a memorial with a bronze portrait by John Steell and a shattered 17th - century sarcophagus.The most visually commanding structure is the Graham of Morphie Aisle. Rebuilt in the 19th -century of a crow-stepped form, it sports a good armorial panel over the doorway.
The three carved figures, shown in one of the photographs, although presumably representing biblical characters, are a little reminiscent of the genii cucullati (hooded gods) figures of Romano Celtic Europe/Britain in pose if not in hoodies.
Related Information
There is a very interesting collection of gravestones in a wonderful setting. The walks around the area make it a worthwhile visit.
Era
Various
Information Source
The Historic Kirkyards of Aberdeenshire A Survey Report, Aberdeenshire Council 1998
Categories
Photographer
- Martin Sim
Unavailable Data
- Date
- Related Artefacts
- Iconography
- Creator
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