Abercorn Kirk
Address: Abercorn, South Queensferry EH30 9SL
Abercorn Kirk is a small church located in the village of Abercorn in West Lothian, just outside of South Queensferry. The name Abercorn comes from Cumbric, a form of old English, which means ‘Mouth of the Corn’, probably referring to the Cornie Burn, a nearby stream. A 7th century monastery once stood on the site, which was the seat of the Bishop Trumwine of Abercorn, the only ever Bishop of the Northumbrian see of the Picts. Some ancient burial monuments are on display in the small museum inside the kirkyard gates, including fragments of Northumbrian crosses and Viking hog-back burial stones.
The current church building dates from the 11th century with a south door added in the following century. Several burial aisles and memorials were built from the 1600s, and private aisles were created for three prominent families in the area. The church interior was remodelled in 1893, although some earlier works remain. Such as the Hopetoun Loft a private box with an ornate ceiling, built in 1707 for the residents of nearby Hopetoun House. Abercorn Church is open daily to visitors, with services every Sunday.
5 things to do at Abercorn Kirk
- Walk around the building and take in the architecture and decoration.
- Explore the church interior.
- Look out for the Hopetoun Loft.
- View the collection on display in the Abercorn Museum, just inside the kirkyard gates.
- Take a walk around the kirkyard and view the interesting gravestones and memorials.
