Corstorphine Old Parish, which is a Grade One listed building, sits in its old grave yard. For those who venture out from the City there is always a warm welcome from our guide on duty when the Church is open. He or she can walk visitors around the Church if requested ( no charge), answer questions or provide them with a written guide that they can use at their own pace. There are copies in most European languages. The Church was founded in 1429 and developed from an earlier Chapel.
The Church is an example of its time, simple but beautiful with satined glass windows. It is more than that. Tombs of Sir John Forrester, the founder of the Church and Lord Chamberlin to King James the First and his wife. Also his son, also Sir John and his wife. Evidence of vandalism by Oliver Cromwell’s troops. Billeted here they used the effigy of another Forrester to sharpen their swords. Graves of priests and templars, and mason's marks can also be found. The Church experienced the turmoil of the Reformation and at one time the Gallery acted as the Session Prison, where a woman accused of witchcraft hung herself on the bell rope rather than face th horrors of a witch trial.
Records of the old Kirk Session on display give an interesting insight to the way of life and morals in older times.
For those interested in medieval architecture the Church is a perfect example and well worth a study.
The Church maintains the old tradition of lighting a lamp from the east gable wall each night to guide travellers through the marches , as in times gone by.
At the end of exploring the Church , it provides a lovely ambience for those who wish to sit in peace.