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9.4.4 Wider Religious Landscapes

The influence of religion on the landscapes and built environment of South East Scotland was not restricted to the actual sites of churches and monasteries. For example, a number of pilgrim routes ran through the region, both to local shrines such as Loretto and to shrines further north such as St Andrews. The region has produced several significant insights into pilgrim activity. Excavations beside Whitekirk Tithe Barn have revealed the remains of what are thought to be fifteenth-century pilgrim houses, which presumably provided accommodation for visitors to the nearby holy well and church. The region has also produced finds associated with the production of pilgrim badges, with a medieval mould for casting pilgrim badges being found at St Andrew’s Church in North Berwick (National Museum of Scotland, H.BG 237). Further interdisciplinary research into pilgrimage in the region would be desirable.

Grey stone seal with engraving on black background
Part of a stone mould for casting pilgrim badges found in the old churchyard of St Andrew’s Church in North Berwick © NMS

Written evidence indicates that South East Scotland had numerous medieval holy wells. Some of these sites, such as Our Lady’s Well at Stow), are the focal point for modern ritual activity. However, the vast majority of holy wells in South East-Scotland have received limited modern attention from researchers and religious groups. In comparison to some regions, such as the Highlands, the study of holy wells in South East Scotland has been relatively neglected. Study of these wider religious landscapes could provide helpful insights both regarding ritual activity and linking into an understanding of wider social networks within the region.

White pewter ampulla with engravings and handles either side, black background
Pewter ampulla with lugs, on one side, a male figure with book and pastoral staff, on the other, an altar with candlesticks and cross, from Craigmillar Farm Steading, Edinburgh © NMS

Wider Religious Landscapes Research Questions

  • What types of pilgrim activities were taking place at cult centres such as Loretto?
  • Where did pilgrim routes run in South East Scotland (both to cult sites within the region and to more distant pilgrim centres)?
  • What was pilgrim accommodation like?
  • To what extent can we discern popular ritual activity at sites such as wells?
  • What can we discover about the routes of religious processions? To what extent did processional routes impact the layout of settlements?

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