Description

Roughly L-shaped graveyard; entrance gate at NE corner with bod chancel arch adjacent S, and bod (see separate listing) integral with wall to W.

ST MARY'S CHANCEL ARCH: late mediaeval ruin comprising segmental-headed chancel arch in random rubble fragment of former chapel; rubble fragments to W and E denoting position of nave and (narrower) chancel.

GRAVEYARD: variety of enclosures with rubble walls and decorative cast-iron railings. Classical monument (currently in pieces 1996) to

S of chancel arch in memory of Garriock family; stepped base supporting central funereal urn with battered memorial stones flanking, and shallow pediment above; cast-iron obelisk stanchions to chain-link enclosure.

GRAVEYARD WALL: battered random rubble wall with triangular cope, recently rebuilt in places, harled section at SE corner.

Statement of Interest

The proximity of the old church and graveyard to the sea is a reminder of the fact that historically nearly all communication between settlements was by sea. They form a historically and visually interesting focus at the end of the vista E from Haa of Sand (see separate listing). Replaced in the later 18th century by the church at Semblister, the late mediaeval date of the chapel pre-dates the popular tradition that the chapel was built by survivors from an Armada shipwreck.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata IDs Q2554366 Q56623688

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Cork: City and County (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Ireland)
• 
  A Buying and Owning a Listed Building: A Brief Guide
• 
  Gwent/Monmouthshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of Wales)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)