Fig. 710.—St. Nicholas’ Church. View from South-East.
The only portion of the building which proves its antiquity is the doorway in the south wall ([Fig. 708]). It has a round arch, but the mouldings are of thirteenth century forms. There has been a nook shaft on each side with bell-shaped caps, and an inner order with a large roll. This fragment is precious as one of the few ancient features which have escaped obliteration in this part of the country.
St. Nicholas’ stands on a mound close to Prestwick Railway Station, and is surrounded by an ancient burying-ground. The church ([Fig. 709]) is a simple oblong, 44 feet long by 20 feet wide within the walls. It is a very plain structure, and has evidently been altered, having square-headed windows ([Fig. 710]) inserted so as to render it suitable for Presbyterian service. The only noticeable features are the buttresses at the east end. There are two of these, one at each side and a small one in the centre, which are massive and present the appearance of early work. Doubtless they and the walls are old, but have been altered. There has been a plain belfry on the east gable, now reduced to a portion of the base. There are three small buttresses at the west end, but they are of a slighter character than those at the east end.
LUFFNESS MONASTERY, Haddingtonshire.
Fig. 711.—Luffness Monastery. Plan.
The monastery of the Redfriars at Luffness is believed to have been founded by Patrick, Earl of Dunbar, in 1286. The remains of the church, which consist for the most part of foundations, are situated in the private grounds of Luffness House, not far from the junction of the Peffer Burn with Aberlady Bay, and about half a mile from the village of Aberlady. The church ([Fig. 711]) has consisted of nave and choir, without aisles, the choir being internally 49 feet and the nave 42 feet in length, and both about 19 feet 6 inches wide. Both show the bases of buttresses at the east and west ends, and there seems to have been a wall between the nave and choir, which possibly sustained the rood loft. In the north wall of the choir and near the east end ([Fig. 712]) are the remains of an arched recess, which contains a much worn effigy, supposed to be that of the founder.
