Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM90266_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600014786)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the substantial remains of the former parish church of Dalgety and its surrounding graveyard.

Dedicated to St Bridget, the church was granted to the Priory (later Abbey) of Inchcolm by king William the Lion, and reconsecrated in 1244. It remained in use until 1830. The pre-Reformation building, of simple rectangular plan, is still discernible among the many post-Reformation alterations and additions. At the E end of the building, a stone forestair survives which once gave access to the timber gallery inserted to provide additional seating following the Reformation. The remains of aisles built out from the nave and chancel with burial vaults below and seating above are also visible. Of particular note is the grand aisle built at the W end of the church in the early 17th century for the Earl of Dunfermline, Chancellor of the Kingdom. This is a two-storey structure which includes a large 'laird's loft' with a fireplace. Built against the outer W wall of the graveyard is a watch house of more modern date.

The area to be scheduled is an irregular polygon on plan, with maximum dimensions of 34m N-S by 46m E-W to include the church, graveyard and watch house. The boundaries of the scheduled area are defined by the graveyard wall which is to be included in this scheduling. The area is marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as the substantial remains of a parish church with a documented history spanning some 800 years. Of particular note is the post- Reformation Douglas Aisle. The building and the surrounding grave yard have the potential to add to our knowledge and understanding of ecclesiastical architecture and religious practices over an extended period of time. The importance of the monument is demonstrated by its status as a property in state care.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.