Ayton Church
The church of Ayton is believed to date back to a period no later than the close—and more probably the middle—of the twelfth century. It was granted by the Scottish King Edgar to St. Cuthbert's monks and subsequently became the property of the priory of Coldingham, to which it served as a subordinate cell until the Reformation. The church was dedicated to St. Dionysius.
In the year 1380, the church was the site of a significant historical event when John of Gaunt met the Scottish commissioners appointed by King Robert II to arrange for a renewal of the truce between the two countries. A similar meeting was held in the church in 1384. On 30th September 1497, a truce between England and Scotland, intended to last for seven years, was signed in the church of Ayton on behalf of King James by Andrew Forman and others.
Among the earlier chaplains connected with this church—possibly the first—was Robertus Parsona Capellae de Ayton, whose tenure of office occurred sometime between 1166 and 1232.
The original church building stood in the churchyard and was constructed in the form of a St. John's cross. The foundations of parts of its walls, including the nave, the eastern wall of the chancel, and a substantial portion of the south transept, made of square hewn sandstone, remained intact and were incorporated into the successor of the original church. Today, the entire structure is roofless, forming a picturesque ruin.
The old belfry remains nearly complete, clad in a thick mantle of ivy, while portions of the side walls are relatively intact. The south transept of the original church has been used for many years as the private burial vault of the Fordyce family, former proprietors of Ayton Castle. The window in this part of the church is noteworthy, as it showcases a blend of Saxon and Norman architectural styles, evident in its circular arch and massive mullions. This style was introduced to Scotland during the twelfth century. However, questions remain regarding the antiquity of this portion of the building.
Following a detailed examination of the site a few years ago, Mr. Ferguson observed:
"If the adjunct called the south transept was not a late addition to the church, the window was likely a later insertion in the transept. While the window is round-headed, its dimensions are significantly larger than the typical Norman style. It is divided into three lights by mullions crossed by a transom bar. The tracery, which is still intact, is of a highly ungainly character, resembling the debased work of the seventeenth or eighteenth centuries rather than any medieval style. The fact that it features bar tracery conclusively indicates that it is much later than the Norman period. There is a strong suspicion that it may have been one of the 'improvements' mentioned in the Old Statistical Account as having been made to the church shortly before the account was written."
The east wall of the church, which was nearly intact about fifty years ago, has since been removed, making it impossible to determine the dimensions of that part of the structure. The nave was approximately 75 feet long and 20 feet 6 inches wide, though none of its original features are now visible. The belfry tower on the north side is believed to have been a later addition.*
Near the village of Ayton is a holy well, still in use, dedicated to St. Ebba.
One communion cup of considerable antiquity is engraved:
"This cup originally given by Magdallan Rule of Peelwalls to the Church of Ayton in 1677. Renewed and enlarged in 1780."
Another cup bears the inscription:
"The Parish Church of Ayton 1780."
The present church is a handsome structure, erected in 1865 in the Gothic style of architecture. It is cruciform, featuring a complete transept, an apse, and a cloister. The church includes a beautiful rose window and an elegant spire that rises to a height of 130 feet.
The churchyard is large and contains many tombstones of varying forms and sizes, some dating back 250 years. An exceedingly small stone bears the date 1648.
A large horizontal stone carries the following inscription:
"Patrick Home of Bastilridge deceased in the year 1657, aged 48.
Here lies William Home of Bastelrige, his son, who deceased August 3, 1693, aged 54."
A large stone bears these beautiful lines:
"Though distant climes divide us here below,
Though far apart we moulder into dust,
Hope says, and gently dries the tears of woe,
You all shall meet to mingle with the blest."
A neat little stone is inscribed as follows, notable for its peculiar mixture of small and capital letters:
"Here Lies The Body Of George Brun Who Died This Life July One 1729 And Of Margaret Hog His Spouse Who Died November 8, 1725."
The following words appear on a very small stone:
"Here lies the corps of Gelbert Hoog who departed this life December the 28th day 1736, his age 80 years. Illen Allanshaw who died December the 20th day 1724."
A large aisle, surrounded by a strong wall, contains the tombs of the ancestors of the Hoods of Stoneridge. Within the interior, a tablet is inscribed:
"Olim Sic Erat.
This aisle was built and the tombstones repaired by John Hood of Stoneridge, A.D. 1830."
The inscription on one of the repaired stones reads:
"Here lies the corpse of Thomas Hwde, born 1648, departed this life 1697.
His father, James Hwde, sold the land of Hoodsland in Aymouth Parish, which belonged to his predecessor."
There is also a large family burying ground for the Inneses of Ayton Castle, which has recently been sold by the family. This ground is enclosed by a high and massive iron railing.
The Fordyce family, former proprietors of Ayton Castle, have a private burial vault formed within the south transept of the original church. A marble tablet inside is inscribed:
"In memory of the Right Hon'ble John Fordyce, M.P., of Ayton. Many years Receiver-General for Scotland and Commissioner of Woods and Forests under the Right Hon'ble William Pitt. He died in London, 1st July 1809.
Also of Katherine, his wife, daughter of Sir William Maxwell, 3rd Bart, of Monreith. She died 6th March 1815."
The list of ministers of Ayton since 1585 is as follows:
Robert Hislop (1585–1586)
John Home (1586–1601)
William Hog (1601–1616)
Alexander Home (1617–1626)
George Home, M.A. (1627–1650)
Alexander Gibsone, M.A. (1652, a few months)
William Hume (1653–1664)
John Bethune, M.A. (1667–1689)
George Hume, M.A. (1694–1706)
Thomas Anderson (1712–1751)
Patrick Hepburn (1753–1772)
George Home (1773–1816)
Abraham Home (assistant and successor, 1799–1814)
George Tough (assistant and successor, 1814–1842)
Daniel Cameron (1843–1882)
J.J. Marshall Lang Aiken, B.D. (present incumbent, 1882–)
There is a United Presbyterian Church in Ayton, originally built in 1776 and rebuilt in 1872. It is an elegant Gothic structure with a tall spire. The present minister is William Wilson, who has served since 1869.
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel