Gate house at Duddingston Kirk

Category

Library Item

Item no

54304

Title

Gate house at Duddingston Kirk

Artist / maker

Varga, Susan

Date

2024

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Gate houses were added to many churchyards in Scotland in the early 19th century. The hexagonal tower design at Duddingston by Robert Brown was built in 1824. This provided a lookout to protect new graves from the resurrectionists who stole fresh bodies to sell to anatomist's for medical investigation. Graves were watched for three weeks after each burial.

Duddingston Kirk is a Norman-style church overlooking Duddingston Loch that dates from the beginning of the twelfth century. From 1124 until the Reformation, the church and the surrounding lands were the property of the Abbot and monks of Kelso. In 1147, the lands were leased to a Norman knight, Dodin de Dodinestun, from which the church and village got their name. It is one of the oldest churches still in use in the East of Scotland.

Duddingston is a small village located on the south-eastern edge of Holyrood Park, about three miles from the centre of Edinburgh. It has been incorporated into the City, but retains a village atmosphere and a distinct identity. A church was established here in the 12th century by the monks of Kelso. The Sheep's Heid Inn in the village is one of the longest established in Scotland. Duddingston also has a picturesque loch with a bird sanctuary.

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Architecture > Architectural features > Astragals

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Communication > Written > Signs

Places > Edinburgh areas > Duddingston

Religion > Religious facilities > Churches

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

Transport > Infrastructure > Cobbled streets

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