Duddingston Kirk, Parish church in Duddingston Village, Edinburgh, Scotland
Description
Duddingston Kirk is a stone building with a square tower and a round-topped doorway carved with Scottish-Norman details. The structure runs along an east-west axis and contains stained glass windows that fill its interior with colored light.
History
Construction began in 1124 when a Norman knight built it on land granted by King David I of Scotland to Kelso Abbey. In 1631, an extension called the Prestonfield Aisle was added, enlarging the original structure.
Culture
The church carries the name of the Norman knight Dodin who established it, and this name remains part of the local community's identity. Visitors can observe people gathering for worship or quiet reflection, showing how this place continues to hold meaning for those who live nearby.
Practical
The kirkyard and church are open daily for visitors to explore at their own pace without time pressure. Secure bicycle parking is available on the grounds, and the site is accessible for people with different mobility needs.
Did you know?
An octagonal gatehouse stands at the kirkyard entrance, built in the early 1800s to stop body snatchers from stealing newly buried remains. This unusual building is a reminder of a dark chapter in medical history when grave robbers were in high demand.
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