Bonkyl Church facts for kids
Bonkyl Church is a historic church in Scotland. It's also called Buncle or Bunkle. In Scottish Gaelic, its name means 'the hill foot of the church'. This church is part of the Church of Scotland. You can find it about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of Duns. It's in the old area called Berwickshire. The small village of Preston is about 2 miles (3 km) to the southwest.
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A Look at Bonkyl Church's History
There has been a church at Bonkyl for a very long time. Records show a religious building here since the early 1100s. Before 1275, it was part of the vicarage (an area looked after by a vicar) of Dunkeld.
Who Owned Bonkyl Church?
The first known owner of the church was Sir Alexander de Bonkyl. In 1304, his daughter Margaret took over its care. After Margaret passed away, the Bonkyl estate and church went to her son, Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyl.
During the Second War of Scottish Independence, this area was fought over. A knight named Thomas Ughtred was involved in these battles. Later, the Douglas family, who were Earls of Angus and related to the Stewarts, took care of the church. Finally, in 1877, the Earl of Home became its owner.
Changes to the Parish
Bonkyl Church was its own parish (a church district) until 1621. Then, it joined with the nearby parish of Preston. In 1958, the churches of Reston also joined them. Later, in 1973, Chirnside church became part of the group. The church building you see today is very important. It is listed as a Category B listed building, meaning it has special historical interest.
The Old Church Building
The very old church at Bonkyl eventually fell into ruin. It was taken down in 1820. That's when the current church was built. All that remains of the original church is a special part called a Norman apse. An apse is a curved, vaulted arch. This one was later used as a burial place for the Homes of Billie family. It is believed to be the oldest of its kind in Scotland. It was built in the early 1100s. This ancient apse is now a protected site called a scheduled monument.
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See also
- Bonkyll Castle
- List of places in East Lothian
- List of places in Edinburgh
- List of places in Midlothian
- List of places in West Lothian
- List of places in Scotland
