Where are we?
A few minutes walk from Haddington town centre is the remarkably restored, very fine 14th century church of St Mary. Of cathedral proportions, it lies beside the beautiful River Tyne Riverside Walk and near to the medieval Nungate Bridge. Wide, sunny and grassy banks and the adjacent St Mary's Pleasance Garden make wonderful picnic settings. There are several eateries not far away.
What will a visitor experience? What should you try to see?
If we are closed (Check the St Mary’s website http://www.stmaryskirk.co.uk ) take 20 minutes to look round the outside of the building. Please be wary of uneven paths and steps.
Note that that the grounds, including the burial ground (graveyard), are cared for by East Lothian Council. They are not the responsibility of the church. The monumental stones are regularly tested for stability and some have had to be dismantled and laid flat for safety. A register of the graves is available inside the church.
Wonder at the fact that from 1549 up until the early 1970s the whole of the east end of this cross-shaped church, including the transepts which stick out to the sides and the choir which sticks out eastwards, was a roofless ruin and it was possible to look right through from side to side. It was ruined during The Siege of Haddington. You can read about this battle and the restoration of the building on panels inside the church or on our website.
Admire the bullet holes and cannon damage that is still evident on the outside.
Study the stonework. Look at the quirky stone carvings. Can you see “Green Men”? Look for the Arma Christi, “Compressed Crucifixion”, engraved stone panel, between the West Doors, with cross, nails, and crown of thorns.
Look for the Grave of John Brown - The central one of the three tall obelisks just outside the west door. He was an 18th century Minister of another Haddington church and was author of the "Self-interpreting Bible".
When we are open (Check the St Mary’s website http://www.stmaryskirk.co.uk ):
Entry is via the West Door or by the step-free North (side) Door. (Ring the bell on the North Door for assisted entry.)
Inside we have a numbered trail to follow at your own pace – with focus points, drawing your attention to interesting historical facts - some quite quirky. It might take about an hour and a half but you can break out if you can only afford a shorter time.
We have a dedicated team of volunteers to give a warm welcome. Some of our Welcomers come from other churches in Haddington and the surrounding towns & villages whilst others have no church connection at all.
Group tours can be booked by emailing to events@stmaryskirk.co.uk .
