Lasswade Old Parish Church and Churchyard – a ruined medieval church above the village

Lasswade Old Parish Church and Churchyard is the remnant of a medieval parish church and its old burial ground in Lasswade, Midlothian, Scotland. It sits on the hillside above the village, a few miles from Edinburgh, and is among the oldest traces of Christian worship in the Esk valley.

What is this place?

The parish church dates to the 13th century, although little of it survives today. Local church histories say it was consecrated in 1240 by David de Bernham, Bishop of St Andrews, which would place it among the earlier consecrated churches in Scotland. The same sources note that early records are thin, and dates given for the beginnings of Christian worship at Lasswade vary.

The Canmore record also lists older carved medieval stones, including cross fragments dated to the 10th or 11th century, found reused in the ruins. This hints that the site was a place of worship before the stone church was built.

What happened to the church?

The church was abandoned in 1793, and much of the ruin collapsed in 1866. The Ordnance Survey Name Book of 1852–53 describes the tower as still standing complete, with its bell still rung to call worshippers, while the rest of the building had been converted into burial vaults. The same entry records that the churchyard, though enclosed, had not been used for burials for many years.

The present parish church is a Georgian building of 1830 on the opposite bank of the river, originally built for the United Secession Church.

Three churchyards on one hillside

On the slope above the village lie three neighbouring Lasswade churchyards. The oldest is the 13th-century burial ground beside the old church. Walking between them shows how gravestones and burial customs changed over the centuries.

Who is buried here?

The best-known person buried in the old churchyard is William Drummond of Hawthornden, a 17th-century Scottish poet. His grave is the main reason many visitors come.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lasswade Old Parish Church? In Lasswade, Midlothian, on the hill above the village, near Bonnyrigg and south of Edinburgh. Coordinates: about 55.883 N, 3.118 W.

Is the church still in use? No. The old church is a ruin, and the parish uses the later 1830 building across the river.

How old is the church? It dates to the 13th century. Carved stone fragments point to even older 10th–11th century Christian traces at the site.

Who is buried here? Among others, the poet William Drummond of Hawthornden.

Is it worth visiting? Yes, if you enjoy medieval Scottish history, old graveyards and quiet places away from the main tourist routes. A visit is usually short and combines well with exploring the Edinburgh area and the Esk valley.

Tips for visitors

This is a historic burial ground, so keep noise down and show respect for the graves. Old headstones can be unstable, so do not lean on them or climb on collapsed sections of wall. Wear sturdy shoes, as the approach climbs the hillside and the ground can be uneven or wet.