Description

The monument consists of the remains of Wast-Town church, also known as the Kirk of the Blessed Virgin of Inchmartine.

In 1351 the church of Errol and its annexed chapel of Inchmartin were confirmed to the uses of the Abbey of Coupar by Pope Clement VI. Only the nave of a subsequent, modified, sixteenth-century church survives. The chancel (which was apparently the same width as the nave) has been demolished and the pointed chancel arch blocked up, rendering the building suitable for presbyterian worship.

The exterior face of the church is constructed of dressed sandstone masonry with rubble used on the interior. The building measures 14.8m E-W by 6.85m N-S over walls 1m thick. The W gable is surmounted by a gabled belfry, beneath which is a slit window. Both entrances are toward the W end: the N is square-headed and the S is segmental-headed.

There are two square-headed windows with bead moulding on the S wall, and one on the N with a cusped pointed head. Several small openings, possibly put-log holes, pierce the W end, suggesting a vanished loft. The area to be scheduled is rectangular, extending 2m from the exterior walls of the church and measuring a maximum of 18.8m E-W by 10.85m N-S, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of a pre-Reformation church which demonstrates how buildings could be adapted to serve changing ritual practice. In addition it provides evidence and has the potential to provide further evidence, through excavation, which may contribute to our knowledge of Medieval ecclesiastical architecture, material culture, parish organisation and settlement evolution during the period of its construction and use.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 22 NW 21.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland