Kirkmadrine Stones

Kirkmadrine Stones
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Kirkmadrine Stones

A collection of early Christian stones dating from the 5th century AD., the Kirkmadrine Stones can be found in the porch of Kirkmadrine Church, a 19th-century mortuary chapel located 1½ miles (2.5 km) southwest of Sandhead in Dumfries and Galloway. Thought to be dedicated to bishop-priests, the stones are amongst the oldest Christian monuments in Scotland. The oldest are known as the pillar stones because when they were found in the 19th century two were being used as gate-posts and a third as a stile within the kirkyard wall. One of these stones bears a Latin inscription which translates as 'Here lie the holy and chief priests Ides, Uiventius and Mavorius'. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better