Old West Kirk, Historic church building in Greenock, Scotland.
Old West Kirk is a church building in Greenock constructed in 1591, equipped with tall Gothic-style windows and intricately carved stone work. The interior contains wooden furnishings and ornamental details that display Scottish craftsmanship.
The building was constructed in 1591 as the first Presbyterian church following the Scottish Reformation. In 1928 it was moved stone by stone to its present location on the Esplanade to make room for shipyard expansion.
The church displays stained glass windows designed by renowned artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones. These works shape the interior space and reflect the artistic richness that visitors notice when entering.
The church is accessible to visitors, particularly when cruise ships arrive in Greenock, with guided tours available. Those planning a visit should check current opening times in advance, as these may vary depending on the season.
The shipbuilder Harland and Wolff funded the complete relocation of the building to its new location in the 1920s. This extraordinary move was a remarkable feat of engineering at the time and remains a rare achievement in British architectural history.
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