The Plan ([Fig. 501]) shows what parts of the monastic edifices can now be seen above ground. These consist of the south wall and gable of the south transept, and one pier with respond and arch between the south transept and its east aisle; the handsome door (see [Fig. 500]) which led from the nave into the cloisters; the entrance to the chapter house from the cloisters; a long ancient wall which formed the wall of the south aisle of the nave; and some portions of the west end of the nave and the south-western tower.
In the architectural notes which accompany an account of the abbey in the publication of the Archæological Association of Ayr and Wigton,[38] Mr. Galloway gives an account of the result of certain diggings and explorations carried out by him.
From these it was ascertained that traces of the outline of the rest of the church could be distinguished, as shown on the Plan. It was thus found that “in its original state Kilwinning was a cross church, 225 feet in extreme length internally, 64 to 65 feet in breadth at the nave, and 98 feet from north to south of the transepts. The nave had north and south aisles throughout its entire length, the transepts had eastern aisles only, and there was a small chancel about 30 feet in breadth, without aisles.” The church was terminated at the west end with two square towers, which projected slightly beyond the walls of the nave. The mode of construction of these towers formed a rather exceptional feature in Scottish church architecture. The towers were not carried down with solid walls to the foundation according to a usual plan (as at Elgin, Aberdeen, &c.), but rested on two sides on arches which opened into the nave and aisles, and thus formed a continuation of the aisles of the nave. Of these arches only that which opened into the south aisle remains, together with the pier and respond which supported it. The arch ([Fig. 502]) is acutely pointed and the springing is high, thus giving it a kind of horse shoe shape. The foundations of some other parts of the south
Fig. 501.—Kilwinning Abbey. Plan.
Fig. 502.—Kilwinning Abbey. West End: Exterior.