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Kirk Wynd, PRESTONPANS, EH32 9FX

The kirk dates from 1596, and is one of the first post-Reformation kirks in Scotland. It was built at his own expense by its first minister, John Davidson, and has been altered since. The tower is original, but its roof and belfry were added later.

Part of the west tower is the only masonry of the original kirk still visible here. The different alterations can be easily distinguished by the different stones and building styles. The kirk was the parish kirk of Prestonpans and is now known as Prestongrange Kirk.

The church was built in 1596 on the ruins of a 13th century abbey. The present building dates back to 1774 but the clock tower still remains from the original 16th century church. The congregations of Preston and Grange churches became united in 1981 to form Prestongrange Parish Church which is a Category A Listed Building.

Thomas Alexander CB was an army surgeon who was responsible for great improvements in the condition of soldiers, especially in the Crimean war. He was born in Prestonpans, the son of William Alexander, flesher (butcher) and his wife Helen Kemp, and died in London. The memorial was erected in 1862. The plinth is inscribed on all four faces. This side reads, 'In memory of Thomas Alexander CB, Director General of the Military Department of the British Army. Born Prestonpans, 6th May 1812, Died 1 February 1860'. On the right, 'The improved sanitary conditions of the British army as well as the elevation in rank and consideration of its Medical Officers are mainly to his exertions, his high professional attainments and his great administrative powers were wholly devoted to the service of his country and to the cause of humanity'. On the back is a list of the places where he served; The West Indies, North America, Caffraria, Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol, and on the left, ' Throughout a long military career he laboured incessantly to elevate the condition of the soldier and during the Crimean War his indefatigable efforts as Principal Medical Officer of the Light Division to alleviate the sufferings of the troops were of inestimable value in stimulating others to follow his example'. For a fuller biography see http://warmemscot.s4.bizhat.com/warmemscot-ftopic5115.html

The original kirk, dating from 1596, was the main part of the present building, plus the jamb to the south and the west tower, but after many alterations little remains of the original masonry. Later additions include the belfry and the roof of the tower, a north jamb (not visible from this south side) and various porches. It is one of Scotland's first post-Reformation kirks. It was known as Preston Kirk until 1981 following amalgamation with the Grange United Free Church.

The kirk dates from 1596, and is one of the first post-Reformation kirks in Scotland. It was built at his own expense by its first minister, John Davidson, and has been altered since. The tower is original, but its roof and belfry were added later.

Whatever was originally on the slope down to the sea north of the kirk has been replaced by a garden, which allows the kirk to be viewed unobstructed. Unfortunately the sun only shines on it in the evening in summer, so this view would be more difficult to get at other times. The white flowers in the rockery are white Thrift and either Sea or Bladder Campion.

Whatever was originally on the slope down to the sea north of the kirk has been replaced by a garden, which allows the kirk to be viewed unobstructed. Unfortunately the sun only shines on it in the evening in summer, so this view would be more difficult to get at other times, and it suffers from the multiplicity of wires across it.

The church was built in 1596 on the ruins of a 13th century abbey. The present building dates back to 1774 but the clock tower still remains from the original 16th century church. The congregations of Preston and Grange churches became united in 1981 to form Prestongrange Parish Church which is a Category A Listed Building. In 1745, the Battle of Prestonpans, a notable Jacobite victory, was documented by a priest watching from the church tower. Some soldiers from the battle are buried in the kirkyard but, in August 2014, vandals destroyed 10 old headstones and pushed others over. The only remaining recognisable battle stone is a panel in the kirkyard wall in memory of John Stuart.