Cruggleton Church is in Galloway southwest
Scotland, 34 miles southeast of Stranraer, 64
miles southwest of Dumfries, next to the B7063 road.
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This is is one of many interesting
attractions on the Whithorn peninsular (the
Machars). The drive around is about 45 miles, a
full day if visiting all the attractions.
This small 1100s church is in a wooded copse
in the middle of a field, about 100 yards from
the main road, where there is a car park.
The church dates to 1125 - 1150, claimed to
be one of the most complete Romanesque churches
in Galloway.
Cruggleton Church was built by Fergus, 1st
Lord of Galloway, to serve as a private chapel
for his Cruggleton Castle close by.
Cruggleton
Castle is now a ruin, with little left
standing.
1890 - the 3rd Marquess of Bute restored the
church.
The church nave measures 35ft by 20ft, with
a chancel 21ft by 15ft.
The nave and chancel are devided by a
Romanesque arch.
The church is rarely open, with a key kept
at the nearby farmhouse.
You can also walk over the fields towards
the coast to visit the remains of Cruggleton
Castle, sitting on top of the rocks.
The coastal path from Garlieston
port village also leads south to the castle,
about a 3 mile walk.
Galloway House
and Estate are 3 miles north of the church by
Garlieston village. You can see the house from
the road when driving into Garlieston from the
west.
The house was built in the 1740s for Lord
Garlies, sixth Earl of Galloway. The walled
garden was built by French prisoners during the
Napoleonic Wars.
1930 - the house was sold to Lady Forteviot,
widow of John Dewar, of the Dewar's Whisky
family.
Today - the house is private, but the
gardens can be visited, and there are holiday
cottages on the estate. More information at the
website:
gallowayhousegardens.co.uk
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