The name of Whithorn is a venerable one in Scottish annals. Here, according to tradition, St. Ninian, in the beginning of the fifth century, planted the first seeds of Christianity in Scotland. It is disputed whether his first oratory, called Candida Casa, was established, after the manner of the early hermits, on a small isle or peninsula at the point of the promontory which lies between the bays of Luce and Wigton, about three miles south from Whithorn, or on the spot where the monastery afterwards arose. There are the ruins of a small chapel[165] on “The Isle,” and although that structure evidently belongs to a much later time, it is surmised by Mr. Muir and others that it is probably the successor of St. Ninian’s first foundation.
It has been mentioned in the Introduction[166] that other indications exist in this region in the form of ancient sculptured stones, which point to its early Christianisation, and that after a great school of religious instruction had been established here, it gradually died out, and became practically extinct. But under David I. a new religious fervour arose, and the diocese of Candida Casa was established between 1124 and 1130. This part of Galloway having been long under the sway of Northumbria, the bishop remained under the jurisdiction of the see of York till 1472, when the archbishopric of St. Andrews was constituted; and, in 1491, when Glasgow was made a metropolitan see, the Bishop of Galloway became Vicar-General.
The priory of Whithorn was founded in the time of David I. by his friend Fergus, Lord of Galloway. It was colonised by Premonstratensian Canons, and became the chief church of the diocese of Galloway.
The sanctity of St. Ninian’s shrine was universally recognised, and it was constantly visited by thousands of pilgrims, many of them the most distinguished persons in the land. King Robert Bruce made the pilgrimage to Whithorn in 1329, not long before his death. Other royal personages also visited the ancient seat. James IV. paid annual visits, and sometimes went twice in the year. From the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer we learn that he made the pilgrimage in state, accompanied by a large retinue, including his minstrels. The priory naturally became wealthy, and the church and other buildings were of great extent.
Fig. 876.—Whithorn Priory. Plan of Nave.
In 1587 the property was, by Act of Parliament, annexed to the Crown; and in 1606 it was granted by James VI. to the Bishop of Galloway. It became transferred, in 1641, to the College of Glasgow, and finally, in 1689, it reverted to the Crown.
All the documents which might throw light on the history of the monastery have, unfortunately, been lost. They are supposed to have either been destroyed or carried abroad by the canons at the Reformation. Some distinguished men held the office of prior, amongst whom were Gavin Dunbar, who was prior in 1514, and afterwards tutor to James V., and Archbishop of Glasgow; and James Beaton, who also subsequently became Archbishop of Glasgow and St. Andrews.[167]
Of the extensive buildings of the monastery there remained standing, in 1684, according to Symson, only the steeple and the body of the great church; all the remainder was in ruins, or had been carried away. The