Kilmory Knap Chapel facts for kids
Kilmory Knap Chapel is a very old Christian chapel from the 1200s. It's found in a tiny village called Kilmory. This special place is in Knapdale, Argyll and Bute, on the west coast of Scotland.
The chapel is on the Ellary Estate, right next to a sea loch called Loch Sween. It's across the water from another old chapel, Keills Chapel. For a long time, the chapel didn't have a roof. People used it as a place to bury their loved ones.
In 1934, the chapel got a new roof. This was done to protect many important old stone carvings. These include early Christian cross slabs, medieval grave slabs, and tall standing crosses. These carvings are from the 1300s to the 1500s.
Kilmory Knap Chapel: A Historic Scottish Site
Kilmory Knap Chapel is a very important historical spot for the Clan Macmillan (of Knap). Inside the chapel, you can see Macmillan's Cross. This cross is a beautifully carved piece of medieval art. It shows the Chief of the clan with his hunting dogs.
The chapel and the cross are looked after by Historic Scotland. They are considered a scheduled monument, which means they are protected by the government because of their historical importance.
The Knights Templar Connection
Some historians, like Simon Brighton, think Kilmory Knap Chapel might have a link to the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar were a famous group of Christian knights from the Middle Ages. They were known for protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land.
Simon Brighton suggests that this area might have been a safe place for Templars. They might have come here to escape danger after they were persecuted in France. This idea adds a bit of mystery to the chapel's long history.
