Old St Peter's Church, Thurso, United Kingdom

Old St Peter's Church is a ruined parish church in Thurso. It dates to at least 1125, and at one time was the principal church for the county, administered by the Bishops of Caithness.

Early in the 16th century, the vicarage of Thorso was held by Sir John Mathesoun chancellor of Caithness, on whose demission or otherwise Queen Mary in 1547 presented Master John Craig to the benefice. Master Walter Innes, who appears in record in 1554, was vicar of Thurso in 1560, and continued to hold the vicarage between 1561 and 1566. About 1567, John Rag was minister, and in 1574, Alexander Urquhart was minister of Olrik and Thurso, and John Davidsoun was reader at Thurso. In 1641, Alexander Monro, minister at Durnoch had from King Charles I, a grant of 800 marks Scots or of eight chalders victual in augmentation of his stipend from the rents of the bishopric in the parish of Thurso and elsewhere.

Old St Peter's, still standing, was disused since 1832 when a replacement church was built for the parish. That church, St Andrew's and St Peter's, is of Gothic style and was built to a design by William Burn.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Rebecca M (3 years ago)
Beautiful hidden gem.

David Arevalillo (3 years ago)
Poco que ver

Roger Saxon (3 years ago)
This church is in the ownership of the Highland Council. The graveyard is always open but the church is locked. Key can be borrowed from the local council offices. A local preservation association holds events there and is hoping to take ownership to restore it. Look for the Facebook page and Twitter: Old St Peters Kirk Preservation Association.

Ralf-Peter Schwarz (3 years ago)
Amazing graveyard!!! Someone found his ancestors grave who died in the 1850s. If you like to step back 200 years and think about who we are now, that location would be excellent for you!!!

Steve Lesson (3 years ago)
Found by accident and open to the public, surprisingly. Fascinating little glimpse into the later history of Thurso. Sadly the town seems to place so little value on these gems. Worth the walk- a minute from the harbour.

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