Canisbay Parish Church facts for kids
Canisbay Parish Church is a very old church in Canisbay, Scotland. It was built a long time ago, in the early 1600s. This makes it the most northern church on mainland Britain! It's also a special building called a Category A listed building, which means it's very important historically. The church is surrounded by a large cemetery, split into two parts: old and new.
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Canisbay Parish Church: A Historic Scottish Building
What Makes This Church Special?
Canisbay Parish Church is found in the small village of Canisbay, in the very north of Scotland. It is a Church of Scotland building. Being built in the 1600s, it has seen many centuries pass by. Its location makes it unique as the most northern church on the British mainland. The church is also recognized as a "Category A listed building." This means it's a building of great national importance. It has special historical or architectural value.
Exploring the Church Building
The church has several interesting parts. It features a square bell tower, which is where the church bells would be. There is also a main area called the nave, where people sit during services. An extra room, called a porch, was added to the church in 1891. This was part of a bigger project to extend and improve the building. The church is surrounded by a large cemetery. This cemetery is divided into two sections: an older part and a newer part.
A Glimpse into the Past: History and Discoveries
The church building you see today was rebuilt in the 17th century. This means it has stood for hundreds of years. During some work in the cemetery, an old wall fell down. When this happened, very old remains were discovered. These finds give us clues about the history of the area.
A famous person named Jan De Groot is buried in the Canisbay cemetery. He was the person who founded the nearby village of John o' Groats. His tombstone is actually inside the church building. Many tourists visit the church during the summer months to see his tombstone.
Royal Connections: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Between 1959 and 2001, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother often attended services at Canisbay Parish Church. She was the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. She would usually visit the church in late summer each year. This was when she stayed at the nearby Castle of Mey, which she owned. Her regular visits made the church even more special.
Want to Learn More?
If you are interested in learning more about Canisbay, there is a book called Lest We Forget: The Parish of Canisbay. It was published in 1996. This book shares many memories from people who lived in Canisbay. It helps future generations understand what made Canisbay a very special place to live.
