On Saturday 15 April, 20 members of the society took part in the extremely popular annual visit to historic churches. We began by visiting Durisdeer Church were we were fortunate to be given a warm welcome and a guided tour. Durisdeer Church dates to the late 17th century and was built by the Duke of Queensberry. After being told of the history of the kirk we were led to the north wing, the Queensberry mausoleum and saw the fine white marble monument to the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry. Scott Main, treasurer of the Society then recounted the events of the Covenantors in the area at the Martyrs Grave. We then had tea and cakes before continuing on our journey to New Abbey.
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The Martyrs Grave |
Durisdeer Marbles |
boarding the ferry |
Threave Castle |
New Abbey, in Kirkubrightshire, is home to both an 18th Century corn mill and Sweetheart Abbey. After visiting the mill we had lunch at a local hotel before heading on to the Abbey. Sweetheart Abbey is one of the most beautiful monastic ruins in Scotland, It was founded in the 13th Century by Devorguila, Lady of Galloway, wife of John Balliol of Bernard Castle and mother to the future king of Scotland. The Abbey, built in 1273 was the last pre-Reformation Cistercian foundation in Scotland. The party took the opportunity to have a thorough investigation of the red standstone structure.
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New Abbey Mill |
The Abbey naive |
Sweetheart Abbey |
Our final destination was Threave castle which lies on an islet in the river Dee in Kirkubrightshire, 3 miles west of Castle Douglas. Crossing to the castle proved to be a considerable feat as the river could only be crossed by boat, which could only take 4 passengers at a time. When finally the party was all assembled on the island Ed Archer explained that the castle was built by the 3rd Earl of Douglas in 1360-70. It consists of a tower four storeys high, enclosed by an outer wall with round towers. Ed had been involved in the excavation of the castle some 25 years previously and gave a detailed account of its history. Once the whole party had seen the castle interior the group dispersed and headed back home.