The ruins of Cross Kirk in Peebles

Image: © James Denham Taken: 19 Oct 2012

The origins of Cross Kirk go back to 1261 when a tomb was discovered at nearby St. Andrew's during building works. The tomb had the date 261AD emblazoned upon it and was believed to be the resting place of Bishop St. Nicholas. Alexander III of Scotland decided to build a church dedicated to the Most Holy Cross which became one of the great centres of pilgrimage and attracte pilgrims from all over Christendom. The church was then raised to a Triniarian Priory before being elevated to the status of monastery in 1474 and remained so until the Reformation in 1560 when the 'Red Monks' were forced to make a hasty retreat. By this time, St. Amdrew's was a ruin and the status of Parish Church was conferred on the Most Holy Cross thus becoming known as the Cross Kirk. That situation lasted until 1784 when a new church was built on the Castle Hill, which itself was replaced in 1887 by the magnificent Parish Church with the most wonderful crown topped tower, we see today, at the western end of Peebles High Street.

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