CityofEdinburghDUDDINGSTONDuddingstonKirk(magnushagdornCC-BY-SA2.0)1 MagnusHagdorn

Duddingston Kirk

Remarkable Norman stone carving decorates the arch of the original entrance, this kirk has its foundation in the early 12th century although there were additions in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Duddingston, City of Edinburgh

Opening times

Open August Thursday and Saturday 1pm to 4pm or by arrangement.

Address

Old Church Lane
Duddingston
City of Edinburgh
EH15 3PX

In the late 19th century there was restoration work and this has continued to the present day, with stained glass windows being removed, renovated and replaced in recent years.

When entering the kirkyard there is an octagonal gatehouse at the entrance, which was as a deterrent to body snatchers in the early 19th century; the Edinburgh body snatchers of the day notoriously acquired cadavers and sold them to the city medical school.

The kirk has many associations with the literary and artistic world; the much revered 19th century minister John Thomson, a notable landscape painter, was a friend of Turner. Walter Scott was an elder at Duddingston and is reported to have worked on his novel Heart of Midlothian here.

The church stands next to Holyrood Park.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of Scotland

Contact information

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