Considering its age, could this be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh? This is The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. Often called the Kirk below the Castle of Edinburgh, it holds a special place in the city’s story.
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert is named for St Cuthbert. He was a religious figure known for his wisdom. He helped spread Christianity in Northern England and Southern Scotland.
Let’s dive into the history of The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. While some believe it’s the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh, others debate this. A monk named Symeon of Durham wrote about a church in Edwin’s Burgh in 854. Some think he meant St Cuthbert’s. Others believe he was talking about St Giles’ Cathedral.
Despite the uncertainty, a church dedicated to St Cuthbert has likely stood here since the 8th century. It may have started as the main church for a large area. This area stretched west to the River Almond and south to the Pentland Hills. Some say Malcolm III and Queen Margaret founded The Parish Church of St Cuthbert.
In 1127 their youngest son David I granted the land beneath Edinburgh Castle to The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. This document is the oldest in the Scottish Records Office. Around 1128 King David gave the church and its land to Holyrood Abbey.
The current building was designed by Hippolyte J Blanc. He was also involved in work at Edinburgh Castle and John Knox House. During construction workers found signs of earlier churches. Some were damaged by English armies in 1385 and 1544. Oliver Cromwell stationed troops here in 1650. His troops greatly damaged the church. The Parish Church of St Cuthbert has seen its share of trouble.
The church has a mix of architectural styles because it has been modified over the years. You can see Italian Renaissance and Baroque influences. There are also hints of Byzantine and contemporary details.
At the east end is an alabaster frieze. It is based on Da Vinci’s Last Supper. The font design was influenced by Jacopo della Quercia’s font in Siena Cathedral. The pulpit designed by Hippolyte Blanc came from San Ambrogio in Verona. The three Apse windows show the Nativity, Crucifixion and Resurrection.
A Tiffany glass panel shows David before he fought Goliath. A mural of Christ in Glory is above the communion table. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are depicted on the ceiling of the Chancel. The Nor’ Loch Room has stained glass showing scenes from St Cuthbert’s life.
The Memorial Chapel is at the opposite end of the church. It sits in what was part of an earlier church. This was the base of a tower built in 1775. Its steeple was added in 1789. The chapel commemorates the men of St Cuthbert’s who died in World War I. Agatha Christie married her second husband Max Mallowan here in 1930.
St Cuthbert’s churchyard was founded around 1560. This was on the site of an earlier Franciscan priory. It holds around 750 headstones. Some are among the oldest in Edinburgh. People buried here include Robert Pont and John Napier.
Today The Parish Church of St Cuthbert remains a place of worship. It has an active congregation. The church also has an outreach program. This program works with Edinburgh’s homeless. It is also a venue for concerts and shows during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Full of history and art, The Parish Church of St Cuthbert provides a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past. From its possible origins as the oldest Christian site to its current role in the community. The Parish Church of St Cuthbert continues to be a vital part of the city.