Stow St Mary of Wedale
7 minute walk from Stow station · Edinburgh and South East · Free entry
The religious history of St Mary of Wedale began in the medieval era. The name itself stems from an Old English term signifying a consecrated area. Legends suggest a connection to King Arthur, who supposedly established the first chapel here following a successful battle. This historical church served as a rare place of sanctuary for those seeking protection during the Middle Ages. For visitors today, a dedicated walkway leads toward the remains of an early chapel and a nearby well that was ceremonially rededicated in 2000.
Successive buildings have occupied the area, including a thirteenth-century church constructed near a bishop’s palace. A later red stone structure from the fifteenth century was eventually replaced by the current church, which opened during the late nineteenth century. This building sits upon an elevated hill overlooking a river valley and features a prominent spire. Its interior contains a single transept and specific decorative elements such as multicoloured glass windows depicting biblical narratives. The site continues to serve as an active place of worship.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Church
- Good for
- Churches, abbeys & cathedrals, Scenic viewpoints, Walking
- Characteristics
- Medieval, Victorian
- Admission
- Free
- Region
- Edinburgh and South East
Stations within walking distance
- Stow station — 7 min walk, 0.5 km