St Bridget's Kirk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Bridget's Kirk |
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| General information | |
| Town or city | Dalgety Bay, Fife |
| Country | Scotland |
St. Bridget's Kirk is a very old church ruin. It is located near Dalgety Bay in Fife, Scotland. This medieval church dates back to at least 1178. It was changed in the 1600s for Protestant church services. The building has been a ruin since the 1800s.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's Story
This church was once part of the old village of Dalgety. Today, the ruins are the only part of that village left. The church was definitely around by March 11, 1178. That's when Pope Alexander III asked for the "Church at Dalgetty" to be officially started.
Early Years and Changes
Later, the church became connected to the nearby Inchcolm Abbey. In 1244, David de Bernham, who was the Bishop of St. Andrews, officially opened the church.
A Minister's Stand
In 1641, a minister named Rev. Andrew Donaldson came to St. Bridget's. He helped build a school there. Rev. Donaldson did not agree with King Charles I's ideas about how the church should be run. The King wanted a system called Episcopalianism. Rev. Donaldson believed in Presbyterianism, where the church is run by elders.
Because of his beliefs, he was removed from his job. But he refused to leave! Soldiers, sent by Archbishop James Sharp, had to force him out. Rev. Donaldson was even put in prison. However, things changed in the country's politics. He was eventually allowed to return to his church duties.
Becoming a Ruin
St. Bridget's Church was changed quite a bit in the 1600s. But by the early 1800s, it was no longer safe. The roof fell off in 1830. A new church was then built about half a mile away from the old one.
St. Bridget's Kirk Today
Today, the ruins of St. Bridget's Kirk are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. You can still see the loft inside the church. The piscina, which is a special basin used for washing during services, is still in good condition.
Special Areas Inside
The church has three different sections next to the main room:
- The large Dunfermline Aisle is on the west side. It was built around 1610. This area holds a burial vault for the Earls of Dunfermline. Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline is buried here.
- The Fordell Aisle is to the north. It was added in the late 1500s.
- The smaller Inglis Aisle is next to it. This part dates from the early 1600s.
The Churchyard
Every year in June, an outdoor church service is held at the ruins. Many old, carved gravestones are still in the churchyard. Some of these stones are from as early as 1665. There's also a small "keep" built into the churchyard wall. This was a place where church beadles (officials) could guard against body-snatchers. These were people who would try to dig up bodies from graves.
