Kirk of St Nicholas, black sky B&W iPhone moody shot, Aberdeen, Scotland
The Kirk of St Nicholas is arguably the most important and undervalued building in the royal burgh of Aberdeen. The present structure is mainly of 18th and 19th century date, but incorporates portions of the 12th century church and stands on the site of the 15th century building, which was one of the largest and most prestigious burgh churches in Scotland. The archaeological significance of the Kirk and its precinct has several facets: Surviving remains of upstanding structures in the transepts dating from the 12th century are of major significance to the study of Scottish mediaeval parish and burgh churches. Fragments of architectural and decorative stonework from earlier church buildings are located at various places within the present structure and are worthy of further study and interpretation. Excavations within Collinson’s Aisle (North transept) in 1974 and evaluation work more recently in 2004 and 2005 have amply demonstrated that archaeological deposits dating to the period of 12th and 15th century structures remain below the present building. It is possible that evidence may also exist below ground of an even earlier church building. It is vital that all these features are protected and, should the opportunity arise, be explored further. Very little is known from archaeological evidence about the form and construction of pre-15th century Scottish burgh churches. The Kirk and Kirkyard have been used for burial for at least 900 years. Several fine monuments of the 17th century and later date survive within the Kirk and Kirkyard, while others have been discovered during recent archaeological work inside the Kirk. Many of the external memorials are in a poor state of repair and there is a need for a programme of detailed recording and conservation work. www.kirk-of-st-nicholas.org.uk/archaeological/
Kirk of St Nicholas, black sky B&W iPhone moody shot, Aberdeen, Scotland
The Kirk of St Nicholas is arguably the most important and undervalued building in the royal burgh of Aberdeen. The present structure is mainly of 18th and 19th century date, but incorporates portions of the 12th century church and stands on the site of the 15th century building, which was one of the largest and most prestigious burgh churches in Scotland. The archaeological significance of the Kirk and its precinct has several facets: Surviving remains of upstanding structures in the transepts dating from the 12th century are of major significance to the study of Scottish mediaeval parish and burgh churches. Fragments of architectural and decorative stonework from earlier church buildings are located at various places within the present structure and are worthy of further study and interpretation. Excavations within Collinson’s Aisle (North transept) in 1974 and evaluation work more recently in 2004 and 2005 have amply demonstrated that archaeological deposits dating to the period of 12th and 15th century structures remain below the present building. It is possible that evidence may also exist below ground of an even earlier church building. It is vital that all these features are protected and, should the opportunity arise, be explored further. Very little is known from archaeological evidence about the form and construction of pre-15th century Scottish burgh churches. The Kirk and Kirkyard have been used for burial for at least 900 years. Several fine monuments of the 17th century and later date survive within the Kirk and Kirkyard, while others have been discovered during recent archaeological work inside the Kirk. Many of the external memorials are in a poor state of repair and there is a need for a programme of detailed recording and conservation work. www.kirk-of-st-nicholas.org.uk/archaeological/