Torthorwald Church

Today's the day ……………………….. to come upon

We were actually on our way to Lockerbie to pick up some setts (but that's another story!) when we drove through the little Dumfriesshire village of Torthorwald.

I couldn't help noticing this lovely little church and so I went to investigate.  It seems that a church was founded here in the mid 13th century by Trinitarian or Red Friars from Fail Monastery near Tarbolton, Ayrshire.  This one was eventually built in 1872.  On the entrance gates is a memorial to one Dr John G Paton, a son of Torthorwald, and a pioneer missionary to the New Hebrides Islands  of the South Pacific.

Just down the road is another interesting building (see extra) - Torthorwald Castle.  It was originally an earth and timber motte-and-bailey fortification dating from the 12th century. By the 14th century it had been restyled into an enclosure castle and work had started on the large tower that you can see in the picture. It ceased to be used as a residence in the 17th century.

So, like many of the little places around here, there has been a lot going on for a very long time.  It's always interesting to find out more ……………………...