Geograph - photograph every grid square

The C13th chapel of St Mary's Kilmary, or Lady Kirk, is thought to be the chancel or choir of the original parish church of Rothesay which was built on the site of the former "Cathedral of the Isles" which once stood near this spot.
Around 1200 Bute was a single parish with its church at the monastery of St Blane's (q.v.) however by the late C14th a second parish had been created centred on St Mary's (of which this chapel is thought to be a remnant).
St Mary's is first mentioned in 1321 as the burial place of Alan, bishop of Sodor & Man; his successor (Bishop Gilbert) was also buried here, leading to the supposition that this had become the cathedral church.
The main part of St Mary's was demolished in 1692 after the dramatic changes in the Scottish church of the preceding years.
This little chapel is all that remains and it too was in a parlous state with no roof and derelict for many years, but it has been subsequently rescued and re-roofed.
It contains a number of interesting tombs and other gravestones, and makes a very interesting comparison site to the ruins of St Blane's in the south of the island. (See Link )

Links:
HES (not very informative): Link
Canmore: Link - this includes a number of interesting photos including many taken before the chapel was re-roofed, showing its dilapidated condition.
Britain Express website: Link

Created: Wed, 20 Jul 2022, Updated: Wed, 18 Jan 2023