Old St Peter's Church

Thurso, United Kingdom

Old St Peter's Church is a ruined parish church in Thurso. It dates to at least 1125, and at one time was the principal church for the county, administered by the Bishops of Caithness.

Early in the 16th century, the vicarage of Thorso was held by Sir John Mathesoun chancellor of Caithness, on whose demission or otherwise Queen Mary in 1547 presented Master John Craig to the benefice. Master Walter Innes, who appears in record in 1554, was vicar of Thurso in 1560, and continued to hold the vicarage between 1561 and 1566. About 1567, John Rag was minister, and in 1574, Alexander Urquhart was minister of Olrik and Thurso, and John Davidsoun was reader at Thurso. In 1641, Alexander Monro, minister at Durnoch had from King Charles I, a grant of 800 marks Scots or of eight chalders victual in augmentation of his stipend from the rents of the bishopric in the parish of Thurso and elsewhere.

Old St Peter's, still standing, was disused since 1832 when a replacement church was built for the parish. That church, St Andrew's and St Peter's, is of Gothic style and was built to a design by William Burn.

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Details

Founded: before 1125
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Luis Godinho Ramos (10 months ago)
Very welcoming lady at the gate, ready for any questions about the site.
Subtext Fan (11 months ago)
This is an old derelict church tucked away amongst modern houses. We found it by accident and it was a very peaceful and fascinating place. Sure, you can’t go inside, it is falling apart after all, but walking around it, reading the old gravestones, it’s a very pleasant experience. We were the only ones there, too which is not surprising since it was afternoon on a weekday out of ‘tourist’ season. If you’re in Thurso it’s worth a visit!
Paul Petyt (11 months ago)
Old St. Peter's Church in Thurso is a hidden gem steeped in history and charm. Its ancient walls whisper tales of centuries past, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland's rich heritage. The peaceful atmosphere and architectural beauty make it a tranquil spot for reflection and exploration. A must-visit for history buffs and those seeking a serene retreat in the heart of Thurso.
Debra Doser (11 months ago)
This is a very old church, and it really looks like it has been left to simply fall apart. That makes me sad for the age of the church of 1220. One of the oldest, I believe, in town. I think there is some renovation work beginning, and if you have time in the evening for a walk, I highly recommend checking it out.
Glenys Goldsmith (2 years ago)
Open to all to visit, the local volunteers do their best to share their knowledge and to encourage support for the upkeep of the site. You can't enter the church itself due to the poor condition of the stonework. There are many interesting headstones to look for.
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