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Whithorn

The Pend Whithorn


Whithorn ManseWhithorn is referred to as the 'Cradle of Christianity' as St Ninnian brought Christianity to Scotland here, he was the first apostle to the Pictish people founding a Candida Casa or White House at Whithorn around 397 AD he was interred at Whithorn in the 5th century and even then Whithorn was seen as an important place, archaeological finds of glass and pottery from Gaul are documented, suggesting trade and an exchange of ideas from an early time, towards the Medieval ages Whithorn became a significant place of pilgrimage. Whithorn became a Royal Burgh 1511 AD.

Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre website The Whithorn Trust

The Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre and cafe is the starting point for the visitor who wishes to learn about the oldest church in Scotland, and the community which grew up around it. Whithorn has an internationally important collection of Christian stones, reflecting the early period at which Ninian founded his church.

Pick up a leaflet and follow Whithorn's history trail as it takes you around the village, around the Priory and interesting buildings, the large village is laid out in a medieval pattern, visit the museum, the Iron Age round house; a replica of another found locally at the Black Loch of Myrton. And enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes. The Central cafe has a long family Italian tradition going back to 1933 and their homemade Italian ice creams are a must.

Pic The Pend

The Pend is the gatehouse to the priory. The coat of arms on the Pend House symbolises both the monastery's wealth and its connections - it is the Royal Arms of the Stuart kings of Scotland, and demonstrated to those coming on pilgrimage that the Prior was under powerful patronage and that they were entering his domain. In fact, James IV was one Royal pilgrim who came on pilgrimage each year, probably in penance for his role in his father's death, and the late medieval sculpture at the Pend belongs to his reign.

Adjacent to the Pend is a plaque to Jack Brent, a Spanish Civil War Hero.

Many important poets and artists have also come from Whithorn including the Poetress of Galloway, Jeanie Donnan. Alistair Reid author of the poem Whithorn Manse, plaque opposite the museam on Bruce Street .

There is also a small plaque infront of the library as it was used as Summerisle library in the film The Wicker Man. The library itself is designed in Arts and Crafts style and opened in 1911, there is also a clip in the film of children outside it chanting, 'we carry death out of the village'.

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Priory Whithorn

 

 

 

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Laigh Isle, Isle of Whithorn
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