Anwoth Kirk
By Gatehouse of Fleet
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All images are © 400photos.uk
All images are © 400photos.uk
The ruined church and graveyard just to the west of Gatehouse of Fleet in
Dumfries & Galloway.
Those familiar with movie locations will know Anwoth Kirk from its part in the 1973 film “The Wicker Man““, along with the Old Schoolhouse across the road, today available as a holiday home. Sleep well.
Built around 1626 it's the location of a Covenanter grave, that of John Bell of Whiteside, killed in 1685.
The minister here around 1638 and a strong Covenanter supporter was Rev. Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) known as a free-thinker in his youth but who later became a Professor of Divinity at St Andrews as well as a Scottish Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
He was an independent theologian (his books were ordered to be burned) and when he died he was awaiting trial for treason due to his - for those times - differing views on Christianity. He's buried at St Andrews Cathedral. A life well lived.
There's a recently restored monument to him on the hill between here and Gatehouse of Fleet which we'll add to the site at some point in the future, all being well.
Part of this old church was re-used in the construction of the new church in 1826 just along the road.
Just to the east is Cardoness Castle.
Those familiar with movie locations will know Anwoth Kirk from its part in the 1973 film “The Wicker Man““, along with the Old Schoolhouse across the road, today available as a holiday home. Sleep well.
Built around 1626 it's the location of a Covenanter grave, that of John Bell of Whiteside, killed in 1685.
The minister here around 1638 and a strong Covenanter supporter was Rev. Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) known as a free-thinker in his youth but who later became a Professor of Divinity at St Andrews as well as a Scottish Commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
He was an independent theologian (his books were ordered to be burned) and when he died he was awaiting trial for treason due to his - for those times - differing views on Christianity. He's buried at St Andrews Cathedral. A life well lived.
There's a recently restored monument to him on the hill between here and Gatehouse of Fleet which we'll add to the site at some point in the future, all being well.
Part of this old church was re-used in the construction of the new church in 1826 just along the road.
Just to the east is Cardoness Castle.
