St. Mary's kirkyard Banff, general background

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St. Mary's kirkyard Banff, general background

Location

Site bounded by High Shore, Carmelite Street, Church Street and footpath at N.
Banff, Banffshire

OS Map Reference

NJ 690 640

Description

A fascinating surviving burial ground of medieval origin in the heart of a town. It exhibits an almost theatrical assemblage of memorial art. It is enclosed by low rubble wall with railings and containing late 16th century Banff aisle, burial enclosures and tombstones. See external link for a complete list of inscriptions.
The old Kirk : The old kirk of Banff was erected in 1471 and demolished in 1797, the partially reconstructed 16th - century "Banff
Aisle" is all that remains. A low canted aisle with geometric traceried window and stone slab roof. Contains memorial tablet
dated 1580 recording erection of aisle. Also table tomb of Sir Walter Olgilvy of Dunlugas (and Banff), died 1558 and his wife Alison Hume died 1557.
Tombstones : There are approximately 220 table-top and recumbent tombstones of which 48 are significantly decorated, with many hundreds of upright stones dating from the 16th - to the 19th - century. There are amongst others, a fine
recumbent figure tomb of George Baird of Auchmedden, an exceptionally well executed pyramidal tomb with a white statuary marble tablet carved in relief, and a superb 1698 Renaissance style memorial complete with Corinthian columns and trumpeting angels.

Related Information

Scheduled ancient monument. Scheduled 11 April 1997. Scheduled Ancient Monument No 6645.

Era

Various

Information Source

The Historic Kirkyards of Aberdeenshire A Survey Report, Aberdeenshire Council 1998
Aberdeenshire Sites and Monuments Record www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/archaeology/smr/
RCAHMS http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/
ANNALS OF BANFF INDEX TO THE OLD CEMETERY
http://gen.deltanz.net/gen/banff/banffindex.html

Related Artefacts

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External Links

Unavailable Data

  • Date
  • Iconography
  • Creator
  • Photographer

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