Scheduled MonumentsScotlandArdchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones
Medieval · Priory, burial ground and carved stones

Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones

Scotland
HES SM13644
Period
Medieval
Site type
Priory, burial ground and carved stones
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Ardchattan Priory is a medieval Benedictine monastery founded in the early thirteenth century on the Ardchattan peninsula in Argyllshire, serving as an important religious centre for the region. The priory complex, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was established through the patronage of the MacDougall lords and remained influential throughout the medieval period until its dissolution during the Scottish Reformation. The site retains fragmentary remains of the monastic buildings alongside a burial ground which continued in use beyond the priory's ecclesiastical functions, reflecting the continued significance of the location as a burial place for local families. Carved stones discovered at the site provide evidence of medieval sculptural tradition and monumental practice, including grave markers and architectural fragments that illustrate both the artistic standards of the monastery and the burial customs of medieval Argyllshire.

Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13644. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones?

Ardchattan Priory is a medieval Benedictine monastery founded in the early thirteenth century on the Ardchattan peninsula in Argyllshire, serving as an important religious centre for the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13644.

What period does Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones date from?

Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a priory, burial ground and carved stones. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones?

Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM13644.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barguillean Farm,dun 250m SSW of (6.4 km), Duntanachan,cairn SW of (6.7 km), Duntanachan,dun 515m W of (6.8 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Ardchattan Priory, priory, burial ground and carved stones