east-lothian-1924/05-094

Transcription

DUNBAR.] -- INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS IN EAST LOTHIAN -- [GARVALD & BARA.

wall for a distance of 34 1/2 feet, where it is
pierced by a fine Renaissance gateway dated
1684.
HERALDIC PANEL.-On a panel lying beside
the gateway is carved an heraldic achievement.
Beneath a heavy crest and mantling is a shield
charged with nine stars (the Baillie arms) and
below is the legend SEDES DENT FATA QUIETAS
("May the fates give a quit seat") and the
initials I B.
SUNDIAL.-Adjoining the panel is the head
of a sundial of the facet-headed type containing
12 dials.
HISTORICAL NOTE.-The initials recorded
above are no doubt those of James Baillie
entered in 1640 as heir to his father Sir Gideon
Baillie knight baronet of Lochend.1 By 1671
the property had fallen to an heiress, grand-
daughter of James Baillie,2 and in 1680 lands
and barony were in possession of John Sinclair
of Longformacus.3
1 Inquis. Spec. i. Hadd. No. 184 ; 2 Ibid,
305, 306 ; 3 Ibid, 337.

vii. S.W. 27 August 1915.

41. Old Harbour.-The old harbour which
lies to the east of its modern neighbour is a
structure dating at least from the 17th century.
In December 1655 and again in 1658 it suffered
severely from storms.1 Cromwell granted £300
towards defraying the expense of the east pier,
which was begun during the time of the Pro-
tectorate and from this is still known locally
as " Cromwell's Harbour."
1 Miller's Dunbar, p. 241.
vii. N.W. 25 May 1920.

42. Dovecot.-In a field named the "Friar's
Croft " to south of a street still known
locally as the " Friars' Vennel " at the
western end of the burgh, through which passes
the old road from Edinburgh to Berwick, is a
dovecot of unusual form (fig. 22), which is ob-
viously the only remnant of the Red or Trinity
Friars at Dunbar, being the tower, found in
many churches of friars between the choir and
nave (fig. 64). So much is suggested by the roof
raggles. It is further clear that the tusking of
the side walls has been cleared off and the
corners spliced. Close examination shows that
arched openings in the east and west sides have

29

been built up, and that there was an earlier
entrance on the south side, rising above the
present door. This would have served for
access to the cloister. The nests for pigeons
have been inserted. On plan the structure is
oblong with its major axis approximately north
and south and measuring exteriorly 27 feet 3
inches by 12 feet. The east and west walls are
skewed to receive the high pitched roofs of the
once adjoining buildings and ter-

[illustration inserted]
FIG. 64.-Tower
of Carmelite
Church as Dove-
cot, Dunbar
(No. 42).

minate some 30 feet above ground
level in a tower oblong on plan,
borne interiorly on heavy semi-
circular arches with moulded
imposts.
This house of friars was
suppressed apparently prior to
the Reformation ; a charter of
1558 granted to James Hume in
Dunbar 3 1/2 acres called " lie Freir-
croft." (R.M.S. (1580) No. 3037)

viii. N.W. 27 August 1915.

43. Dovecot, Bielside.-A late 17th century
dovecot stands on this property close top the
main street of West Barns. It is rectangular
on plan and measures 15 by 15 1/4 feet over walls
and about 25 feet in greatest height. The walls
are rubble built and have been harled ; the
flanks are crowstepped and the roof is slated.
[marginal note]
Early xtion (?) falls
at Dunbar. see Twires.
Cronilogy of Scotland,
pt. ii. p. 229.

vi. S.E. 5 January 1924.

GARVALD AND BARA.

ECCLESIASTICAL STRUCTURE.

44. Parish Church.-The parish church is
situated at the eastern extremity of the village
of Garvald. It is an oblong on plan measuring
53 feet 2 inches from east to west and 24 1/2 feet
from north to south ; modern additions pro-
ject from the north, east and west walls. At a
height of 8 1/2 feet above the ground a Norman
string-course returns along the north and west
walls. The masonry on the north wall below
this course is early cubical ashlar work. The
structure is built of the local red freestone.
From its dimensions and the presence of
Norman detail it may be inferred that the
building dates from the end of the 12th century.