St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church





The St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church was established as a result of the union of St Nicholas Parish Church and Buccleuch (Parish) Church in 1980. The union confirmed that the united congregation would use the buildings of St Nicholas Church known locally as “the Auld Kirk”. The history of the St Nicholas Church in Dalkeith is in many ways the history of the town itself. *It is thought that a chapel to the Christian martyr St Nicholas stood on the site of the current Church since the early 12th Century. It is known that the Church gained collegiate status in 1406 and was extensively rebuilt by 1420. The architectural outline of the 1420 building conforms to that of the present day in many respects with the notable exception of the steeple which was erected much later.

A few other significant dates in the Church’s history are:

1565 - Robert Wilson became the first minister of the reformed church in Dalkeith;,

1590 - the erection of the wall sealing off the Apse;

1592 - Dalkeith Church established as a parish by Parliament;

1650 - Cromwell’s troops and horses were stabled within the Church building;

1660 -over the next 180 years, lofts were constructed in the Church and were used by the various trades within Dalkeith such as Bakers, Fleshers, Dyers, Weavers, Skinners, Tailors, Shoemakers, Colliers, Hammermen and Gardeners. The Hammermen's Banner is still displayed in the church. See the picture in the Photo Gallery;

1770 - the Apse roof collapses as a result of neglect;

1851 - Church closed for extensive restoration and worship takes place in new West Church;

1854 - St Nicholas Church reopens and West Church becomes a Parish Church;

1879 - Buccleuch Street Church built;

1888 – Present Steeple and vestry erected after the fire of 1885;

1936 – Restoration of the chancel including current pulpit.

2006 - The Apse was leased by the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland to the St Nicholas Apse Trust who took over responsibility for its upkeep.


*Six Centuries - In and Around The Church of St Nicholas by Donald Ferguson.

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