Kirk o' Field

Kirk o' Field was a church in Edinburgh now located beneath the Old College courtyard of the University of Edinburgh. The site once contained the main church building along with houses for clergy members and gardens extending toward Cowgate, with archaeological evidence of these structures discovered in 2010.

The church was founded in the medieval period and became an important religious and educational center in Edinburgh. Parts of the site were destroyed during English raids in 1544, and in 1567 the location gained tragic notoriety when Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, died there.

The original church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and served as a teaching institution closely linked to nearby Holyrood Abbey. The site held religious and academic importance for Edinburgh's medieval community, roles reflected in its layout and remaining architectural elements.

Visitors can explore this location within the Old College courtyard of the University, where markers and information panels identify the original church site. A guided tour is recommended to better understand the archaeological findings and how the medieval structures once fitted into the urban landscape.

The site was the location of a mysterious death in 1567 that remains debated among historians, with conflicting accounts about what exactly occurred. This historical uncertainty has made it a place of continued scholarly interest that extends beyond the physical remains visible today.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

GPS coordinates: 55.94560,-3.18110

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:20