Teampull na Trionaid facts for kids

The ruins of Teampull na Trionaid

Teampull na Trionaid (which means "Trinity Church") is a ruined church from the 1200s. It was once a home for Augustinian nuns, a group of religious women. People believe it was connected to the Iona Nunnery. You can find these ruins in Carinish, on North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

History of Teampull na Trionaid

Who Built This Ancient Church?

An old record called the Red Book of Clanranald tells us about the church's beginnings. It says that a woman named Beathag built Teampall Chairinis in Uist. Beathag was a daughter of Somerled and a "Black Nun," which means she was an Augustinian nun.

Historian Bill Lawson notes that Beathag was a leader (called a prioress) at Iona around the year 1203. At that time, the islands were still ruled by the Norse people. However, many Norse families had already become Christian.

Later Changes and Rebuilding

Later, in the 1300s, a woman named Amie mac Ruari is said to have rebuilt the church. This happened after her divorce from John of Islay, Lord of the Isles.

In 1389, Godfrey, who was the son of John of Islay and Amie Mac Ruari, confirmed a gift of land. This land, called Sancta Trinita in Chairinis, was given to the Abbey of Inchaffray. Godfrey's great-aunt, Christina, had made this gift at least two generations earlier.

Why the Church Became a Ruin

During the Scottish Reformation, which was a time of big religious changes, many churches faced problems. Families of priests and powerful local leaders tried to claim church lands for themselves. Because of these events, the nunnery eventually fell into ruins.

A Battle Near the Ruins

In 1601, a famous fight known as the Battle of Carinish took place near the nunnery ruins. This battle was between the warriors of Clan MacDonald of Sleat and Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan.

Was It a Place of Learning?

Bill Lawson also mentions an interesting belief about Teampull na Trionaid. Some people say that in its early days, the Teampull was a place of learning. It might even have been one of the very first universities!

Lost Carved Stones

In 1867, T.S. Muir was told a story by an old man named Macpherson. Macpherson remembered seeing stones carved with angels, armed men, and animals when he was a boy. These stones might have looked like the carvings on a tomb in St. Clement's Church in Roghadal on the Isle of Harris. However, these stones have now disappeared.

Alexander Carmichael thought the stones might have been taken away and used for sharpening tools. He also said there used to be a special stone figure on the east end of the church. This figure was of a three-headed giant, probably representing the Trinity, but it is also long gone. One stone, carved like a human head, has been saved. You can see it today in the museum of Taigh Chearsabhagh in Loch nam Madadh.

A Mysterious Story

In 1907, Rev. Kenneth MacLeod shared a strange story. He wrote that in the early 1800s, the people of North Uist found an unknown body washed ashore. They respectfully buried it in the Teampull na Trionaid. But that evening, a mysterious boat arrived. Three people from the boat went to the church, opened the grave, took the body, and then disappeared into the sea forever.

Current Status

Today, the ruins of Teampull na Trionaid are protected as a scheduled monument. This means they are an important historical site and are preserved for the future.

References

• Rotary Club of Stornoway (1995) The Outer Hebrides Handbook and Guide. Machynlleth. Kittiwake. ISBN: 0-9511003-5-1