Ancrum Old Parish Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ancrum Old Parish Church |
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| Ancrum Parish Church | |
Ruins of Old Ancrum Kirk
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| 55°30′59″N 2°36′03″W / 55.516252°N 2.600734°W | |
| Location | Ancrum |
| Country | Scotland |
| Denomination | Church of Scotland |
| History | |
| Status | Ruins |
| Founded | 1136 |
| Founder(s) | David I of Scotland |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Years built | 1762 |
| Closed | 1890 |
The Ancrum Old Parish Church is an old church building located near the village of Ancrum in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It sits about half a mile north-west of the village, along the B4600 road. The village of Ancrum is about four miles north-west of Jedburgh.
The churchyard around the old church is still used as a burial ground for local people. The remains of the old church are important, so they are protected as a Category B listed building. This means they are a special historical site.
Contents
History of Ancrum Church
Early Beginnings
The story of Ancrum Church began a very long time ago, in 1136. At that time, David I of Scotland helped to set up a religious community there. This early church was part of a larger church area called the Archdeanery of Teviotdale. It was connected to the main church in Glasgow.
Changes After the Reformation
This situation continued until 1560, a time known as the Reformation. During the Reformation, many churches in Scotland changed their beliefs and practices. Ancrum Church also changed and became known as Ancrum Parish Church, following the new faith.
Building a New Church
The original church buildings were replaced in 1762. A new church was built, and it included some parts from the very old church. Later, in 1832, the church was repaired to keep it in good condition.
The church was sometimes called "The Livingston Church." This was to remember a very important minister named the Rev. John Livingston (1603–1672). He was one of the most famous religious leaders at Ancrum. In 1660, Rev. Livingston was part of a group that went to the Netherlands. They met with King Charles II to arrange his return to Scotland to become king.
In 1684, another nearby area called Longnewton joined with the Ancrum parish. This meant the Ancrum church served a larger community.
The Church Closes
The old church was used until 1890. In that year, a brand new parish church was opened in the village of Ancrum. This new church was designed by architects named Hardy & Wight. The new church even has an old Dutch bell from 1618! After the new church opened, the old Ancrum Old Parish Church was no longer used for services.
Other Churches in Ancrum
There was also another church in Ancrum called the John Knox Free Church. It was open for people to worship from 1859 until 1933.
Ancrum Church Today
Today, the area of Ancrum is not a separate church parish anymore. It is now part of a bigger group called the United Parish of Ale and Teviot. This larger parish includes Ancrum, along with Lilliesleaf, Crailing, and Eckford. The minister for this united parish is the Reverend Frank Campbell.
What Does Ancrum Mean?
The name Ancrum comes from an old Gaelic phrase, 'alne cromb'. This means 'the bend in the Ale', referring to the local river.
See also
