Benholm Old Church

This site has a long history of religious use. Little is known of the early churches; the first substantial building was erected in the 13th century. The current church is built on a promontory, bordered by a stream; a site typical of early churches.  Benholm has had a parish church here since at least 1242. The current church was built in 1832 after the medieval structure was demolished, with the help of gunpowder.

The medieval church was dedicated to St Marnoch, and when visited in the late 18th century was described as an 'old, irregular Gothick building'. The former choir at the east end was used for many years for burials, likely to be lairds and their families, who until 1800 could be buried within the church. The Statistical Account refers to 'relics of superstition', which had obviously survived from the Reformation, when such artefacts were outlawed.

There are a number of memorials from the earlier church now housed in the 19th century rebuild, including an ornately-carved late medieval aumbry. Fragments of the medieval building's foundations survive in the fabric of the new building.

JD 2011