Building record MAB20519 - NEWHILLS OLD PARISH CHURCH
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Summary
Remains of the old parish church, built in the 17th century, designed by George Davidson of Pettens, a burgess of Aberdeen, who towards the end of his life mortified his estates of Newhills (700 acres) to support a church and minister.
Protected Status/Designation
- Listed Building (B) 15653
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NJ 8716 0947 (49m by 68m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NJ80NE |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire City |
| Civil Parish | Newhills |
Type and Period (14)
- GRAVE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- GRAVE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- GRAVE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- CHURCH (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- CHAPEL (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- Gallery (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- Memorial (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- PLAQUE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- CHURCHYARD (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- Graveyard (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- WATCH HOUSE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- GATE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- GRAVESTONE (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
- BELL (Post Medieval to 20th Century - 1561 AD to 1999 AD)
Full Description
Remains of the old parish church, built in the 17th century, designed by George Davidson of Pettens, a burgess of Aberdeen, who towards the end of his life mortified his estates of Newhills (700 acres) to support a church and minister. Originally a chapel of ease, building began in 1662 and was completed in 1663. It held fewer than 100 parishioners but as the population grew, the church was extended to an L shape on the east. Upper galleries were also added and could be entered by a staircase located on the outside of the church. In 1663, there was a memorial to Davidson in the church and which was listed as repaired by the minister in 1680. In addition, there was a memorial pew dedicated to Davidson that was left in the church. In 1666 it became the parish church of the newly established parish of Newhills, created out of Old Machar Parish. The Town Council and bailies of Aberdeen presented ministers for serving the church with the revenue to help with the maintenance of the church. It continued in use until a new church was built in 1830 (NJ80NE0089), when the old church was partially dismantled. It is shown as in ruins on the OS 1st edition map. The church was long, narrow and rectangular in plan, measuring 20m by 7.5m. The west gable survives to full height; it has a central doorway with large rectangular window above. On the apex is the base for a bellcote. A portion of the north wall has been entirely removed. The south elevation remains to the wallhead. On the inside is a plaque with an inscription giving an historical account of the church. Bell of 1778. The old churchyard is a rubble-built enclosure with a watch house at the gate built of pinned boulder rubble. A few 19th century stones remain. The graveyard has since been extended to east and south - see also NJ80NE0109. It contains eight Commonwealth war graves, of the First and Second World Wars.
JERVISE, A, 1879, EPITAPHS & INSCRIPTIONS,VOL 2, p.285-6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB889.
RITCHIE, J, 1912, PSAS 46(1911-12) 285-302, p.290-1 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1516.
BABTIE GROUP, 2004, ABERDEEN WESTERN PERIPHERAL ROUTE: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED STUDY & WALKOVER SURVEY. VOL 1: TEXT, VOL 2 GAZETTEER, Site 284, photo (Bibliographic reference). SAB3745.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ACY;
- HES Listed Building Number: 15653;
- NMR Card Number: NJ80NE12;
- NRHE Numlink: 19308;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ80NE0011;
External Links (2)
- https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB15653 (Historic Environment Scotland Portal Link)
- https://www.trove.scot/place/19308 (trove.scot link)
Sources/Archives (3)
- --- SAB1516 Bibliographic reference: RITCHIE, J. 1912. PSAS 46(1911-12) 285-302. p.290-1.
- --- SAB3745 Bibliographic reference: BABTIE GROUP. 2004. ABERDEEN WESTERN PERIPHERAL ROUTE: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED STUDY & WALKOVER SURVEY. VOL 1: TEXT, VOL 2 GAZETTEER. Site 284, photo.
- --- SAB889 Bibliographic reference: JERVISE, A. 1879. EPITAPHS & INSCRIPTIONS,VOL 2. N. p.285-6.
Finds (1)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Jun 3 2025 10:51AM
