When this church ceased to be used for service, the roof and woodwork were sold, and some of the panelling, including the back of the pulpit, which is carved with shields, is preserved in a farmhouse in the vicinity.
ST. CUTHBERT’S, Monkton; AND ST. NICHOLAS’, Prestwick, Ayrshire.
These two ruined churches are situated within a mile of one another on the level ground near the sea, which forms the basin of the river Ayr, near its mouth.
Fig. 706.—St. Cuthbert’s Church. Plan.
Prestwick is an ancient town, which had a parish church; while Monkton derived its name from the residence of a body of monks from Paisley. Both St. Nicholas’ and St. Cuthbert’s were originally churches of Prestwick, and were distinguished as Prestwick de Burgo and Prestwick Monachorum. Both these churches were bestowed on Paisley Abbey, in 1163, by Walter, son of the Great Steward of Scotland, and endowed with valuable lands.
Fig. 707.—St. Cuthbert’s Church. View from South-East.