Cranshaws
We have no information regarding the origin of the church of Cranshaws. Mention is made of it in the year 1296, but it undoubtedly existed a considerable time before that. Robert de Strivelin, the parson of the church of Cranshaws, swore fealty to Edward I in 1296 and, as a result, had his rights restored. The church contained an altar dedicated to St. Ninian, to whom, in all probability, the church itself was also dedicated.
Alexander Swinton, a member of a noted Border family, was minister of Cranshaws from 1592 to 1595. During his time, an incident occurred, the memory of which is said to be preserved by a mural tablet in Cranshaws Parish Church. It is said that one of the Stewart kings—most likely James VI, given the time frame—visited Tester and rode across the hills to Cranshaws, attending a service in the church. During the service, the minister, possibly disconcerted by the royal presence, omitted the usual prayer for His Majesty. According to the story, the King ordered the placement of the tablet bearing the royal arms opposite the pulpit to ensure that the minister and his successors would remember their duty in this regard. The tablet was later relocated to a similar position in the existing church when the old one was taken down.*
Only a small fragment of the old church remains, consisting of the foundations and part of the east wall. The church was of a long, oblong shape, with a vestry at the west end. There were two doors on the south side, each with flagged entries. A portion of the roughly-built remains (left by the heritors to demonstrate the substantiality of the original walls when compelled to erect a new kirk) reveals an even older wall beneath. When the floor was cleared out, a large number of crania were found placed together beneath the surface. Among them were two crania of extraordinary proportions, accompanied by gigantic thigh bones. Additionally, five oyster shells, some coffin handles, and slips of zinc or lead for enclosing window glass were uncovered.†
The old burial ground, now in disuse, surrounds the old church and is in a sadly dilapidated condition. Tombstones lie scattered in the utmost confusion and disorder.
On a very small, thick stone are these words along the top:
"Alexander Foord 1665."
On the face of the stone, on one side, are neatly carved an hourglass and a handbell, the latter likely symbolizing the office of sexton.
Another small stone is inscribed as follows:
"Here lyes John Dodd who departed this life Decembr 9, 1717."
A similar stone bears the words:
"Here lyeth John Hog died Nov. 1681 & John Hog he died in August 1680 £ Thomas Hog 1686."
A small stone, much broken and lying flat on the ground, has these words inscribed on a small oval panel:
"Here lyes the corps of Janet Fortune who died Jan ye 8, 1728, age 12 years."
A large, handsome stone, whose inscription is now illegible, features some beautiful and highly ornamental carvings, including a death’s head, crossbones, an hourglass, and a spade.
*The Swinton of that Ilk.
†Dr. Hardy — History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club.
The present church is situated a considerable distance from the ancient building. It was erected in 1739. Half a century ago, it was described as being in probably worse repair than any Established Church in the south of Scotland. In fact, both the church and the manse were said to be in a far worse state than most hunting stables in the county.*
In the north interior wall of the church, a mural tablet is inserted, on which are sculptured the arms of the Royal House of Stuart. The interesting tradition concerning this has already been mentioned. The church, both in its exterior and interior, is exceedingly plain.
In the modern churchyard, there is nothing of significant historical interest; the stones, about a dozen in total, are comparatively modern.
New Statistical Account.
Ministers of Cranshaws Since 1572:
Matthew Liddell — 1572 to 1585.
Alexander Swyntoun, M.A. — 1593 to 1595.
John Hepburne, M.A. — 1596 to 1611.
Mungo Daliell, M.A. — 1615 to 1652.
John Foord — 1655 to 1674.
John Suinton, M.A. — 1674 to 1706.
John Campbel, M.A. — 1706 to 1759.
Richard Scot — 1759 to 1761.
Ralph Drummond — 1762 to 1784.
George Drummond — 1785 to 1792.
Alexander Johnston — 1792 to 1800.
David Tod, M.A. — 1801 to 1813.
James Hope Sibbald — 1813 to 1853.
William Menzies Hutton, M.A. — 1853 to 1876.
James Forbes — 1876 to 1879.
R. Bridges Smith (present incumbent) — 1879.
SOURCE: The Churches And Churchyards Of Berwickshire By James Robson 1893, updated 2025 Nathan Zipfel