St Mungo's Old Church

St Mungo's Old Church dates back to the 14th century, however it replaced a much older church. What remains today is mainly from the 1754 rebuild. The churchyard holds a vast array of interesting memorial stones, some fragments of which date back to between the 10th and 12th century.

It was while plotting a circular walk in the area, that I noticed the remains of St Mungo's Church marked on the OS Map near the parking area. When we arrived, I was delighted to be met with an ancient looking kirkyard. I couldn't resist investigating further.

The parish was originally known as Abermilk, but was also historically known as Castlemilk and Nutholm. As you enter the churchyard through the large gateposts, you can see what remains of the 1754 church.

The original church stood on the other side of the River Annan and is thought to date from around 1120. That church was confirmed by Robert de Bruce in 1174 to the Bishop of Glasgow. The church was a mensal kirk, meaning any funds raised by the church or it's land was used to support the Bishop of Glasgow.

It is believed to have been named after St Mungo, after the patron saint of Glasgow sometime in the 1600s.

Mungo also known as Kentigern, was born in Fife in the 6th century, after his mother was cast out of her home in East Lothian by her father.

It was in Fife that Mungo was raised by Saint Serf, who was ministering to the picts in Fife at the time. Mungo went on to perform his missionary duties on the banks of the River Clyde in what we now know as Glasgow.

Mungo's Episcopal seat was in nearby Hoddom for quite some years, however he eventually returned to Glasgow where he gained a large following.

What remain of the church today, is the east end gable wall and the ruinous north and south walls. There are two blocked off windows and a door on the south wall which has a lintel dating back to 1754.

Sometime in the 1800s, the church was converted into a private family burial enclosure, that now houses memorials largely for the Jardine's.

There is approximately 188 headstones in the church yard of St Mungo's. The majority are from the 17th to 19th century, but it is worth having a good look around for some earlier interesting stones.

It is worth exploring the overgrown parts of the churchyard, as there are some old and interesting memorials to be found. Some of the headstones are decorated with heraldry and emblems of death.

The parking for the churchyard is on the opposite side of the road, which is next to a modern extension of the churchyard.

From the parking area head north west up the road for a short distance and you will find the old gateposts on the left.

St Mungo's Old Church is a Scheduled Monument with Historic Environment Scotland.