Kilmory Knap Chapel facts for kids
Kilmory Knap Chapel is a very old Christian chapel built in the 1200s. You can find it in a tiny village called Kilmory, which is part of Knapdale in Argyll and Bute. This area is on the west coast of Scotland.
Contents
Discovering Kilmory Knap Chapel
Kilmory Knap Chapel is located on the Ellary Estate, right next to Loch Sween. It sits across the water from another historic site, Keills Chapel. For a long time, the chapel didn't have a roof and was used as a place for burials.
A Home for Ancient Stones
In 1934, the chapel got a new roof. This was done to protect a special collection of ancient stones. These include early Christian cross slabs and many graveslabs from the late Middle Ages. There are also tall standing crosses, which are typical of the West Highlands from the 1300s to the 1500s.
The Clan Macmillan Connection
This chapel is a very important historical place for Clan Macmillan (of Knap). Inside the church, you can see Macmillan's Cross. This is a beautifully carved stone from the medieval period. It shows the Chief of the clan with his hunting dogs. Both 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 Mystery of the Knights Templar
Some historians, like Simon Brighton, believe Kilmory Knap Chapel might have a connection to the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar were a famous group of Christian knights from the Middle Ages. Simon Brighton suggests that this area might have offered a safe place for Templars who were trying to escape danger in France many centuries ago.
External Links
- Historic Environment Scotland: Visitor guide
