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St Kentigern's Church, Lanark (Hyndford Road) facts for kids

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St Kentigern's Church
St Kentigern's Church (ruins) - geograph.org.uk - 945894.jpg
The ruins of the church, as seen from the entrance to the cemetery. (2005)
Type Church
Location Hyndford Road
Lanark, South Lanarkshire
United Kingdom
Official name: St Kentigern's Church, Lanark
Designated 28 April 1920
Reference no. SM1144
Listed Building – Category B
Official name: Churchyard and burial aisles at St Kentigern’s Church, excluding scheduled monument SM1144, Lanark
Designated 7 May 1980
Reference no. LB37028
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St Kentigern's Church is a very old church in Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Even though it's mostly in ruins today, it's still a really important historical place. Because of its history, it's protected as a "scheduled monument." This means it's a nationally important archaeological site or historic building.

The churchyard and some old burial areas around the church are also protected. They are called a "Category B listed building," which means they are important for their special architectural or historic interest. This church used to be the main church for the town of Lanark many years ago.

A Look Back in Time

How the Church Started

People believe that St Kentigern's Church was first built by a saint named St Kentigern. He was a very important religious figure in Scotland. It's thought he founded the church just before he passed away in the year 603 AD. That's over 1400 years ago!

Early Records and Royal Connections

While the church might have started much earlier, the first written proof of its existence dates back to 1150 AD. This was when King David I of Scotland gave the church to a group of monks at the monastery of Dryburgh. This shows how important the church was, even to kings. Later, in 1228, Pope Gregory VIII himself took the church under his special protection. This was a big deal and showed the church's importance to the wider Christian world.

A Famous Visitor

St Kentigern's Church has seen many people come and go over the centuries. One very famous person who is known to have visited or attended the church was William Wallace. He was a Scottish knight who became a leader during the Wars of Scottish Independence. Imagine him walking through the same doors!

The Church Today

Today, St Kentigern's Church is mostly in ruins. Even though some repair work has been done recently to help preserve it, you can still see its ancient stone walls and imagine what it looked like long ago. It stands as a reminder of Lanark's long and interesting history.

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