Greyfriars John Knox Church

Greyfriars John Knox Church, Aberdeen
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Greyfriars John Knox Church, Aberdeen

An iconic granite landmark integrated into the southeastern corner of Marischal College in Aberdeen, Greyfriars John Knox Church replaced Greyfriars Collegiate Church which had stood here since 1532 but demolished in the 1890s to make was for an extension to the College. Built in 1903, after much negotiation between the Town Council, University and Church of Scotland, the church was the work of A. Marshall Mackenzie (1848 - 1933). It is in architectural sympathy with the College which Mackenzie was rebuilding at the same time and was A-listed in 1967. An example of the 'Perpendicular Gothic' style, the massive entrance tower on the corner of Broad Street and Queen Street features soaring finials, a delicate parapet and a needle spire. The white-painted interior includes a granite pulpit and timber pews, together with many relics from the earlier church including carved timber choir stalls in the chancel, panelling and a tracery window. Beneath is a complex of halls and rooms.

The congregation merged with Queen Street Church in 2006 and the building subsequently closed. Sold in 2012, there are plans to convert it into prestigious offices.


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