Seton Collegiate Church

A quick drive down the road to Seton today to visit the Collegiate Church. This Historic Scotland site is not open all year round and I missed it last year. With the final SAP cutover next weekend this was my last chance to visit this year.

A parish church was consecrated here in 1242 by the Bishop of St. Andrews. The Setons, whose castle was near the church, rebuilt it in the 15th and 16th century.

Dedicated to St. Mary and the Holy Cross, Seton Collegiate Church was founded in 1470 by the 1st Lord Seton. He was permitted by Pope Paul II to raise Seton parish church to the status of college for a community of priests. One provost and six canons lived here, praying for the salvation of the lord and his family.

In 1544 English troops damaged the church and it was attacked again during the turbulent mid-17th century. The Setons were Jacobites and lost their lands after the 1715 Rising. The building was looted and ceased to be a place of worship. In 1878 the Earl of Wemyss, the new owner of the church, restored the building as a family burial place.

Some more shots here, if you have time.