Kilcalmonell Cemetery – From Medieval Gravestones to Clan McAlister Legacy

Kilcalmonell Cemetery is located in the village of Clachan, Kintyre. This ancient burial ground, part of the Kilcalmonell Parish Church, offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past, from medieval times to the modern era.

Historical Significance

The Kilcalmonell Parish Church, around which the cemetery is situated, dates back to around 1760, replacing an earlier church on the same site. The church was enlarged in 1828, remodeled in 1878, and the interior was refurnished in 1900, with a porch added in 1952. The surrounding burial ground is a scheduled monument, indicating its historical and archaeological importance.

Early Christian and Medieval Stones

The cemetery is renowned for its collection of early Christian and medieval gravestones. Among these, notable examples include:

• Stone A: A 1.70m long early Christian stone, identified by T.P. White in 1875.
• Stone B: A 1.32m long stone, also early Christian.
• Stone C: An undecorated medieval cross, which may also date from the early Christian period.
• Medieval West Highland Slabs: Several of these slabs are found throughout the cemetery, indicating the long history of the site as a place of burial and worship.

Clan McAlister Connections

Kilcalmonell Cemetery holds significant connections to the Clan McAlister. Several clan chiefs are buried here, including Colin McAlister, who was killed in action during World War I. The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of the clan’s enduring legacy and the sacrifices made by its members.

Witchcraft and Folklore

The Kilcalmonell area is also connected to the darker chapters of Scottish history, including witchcraft trials. The Survey of Scottish Witchcraft mentions cases from the Kintyre region, illustrating the fear and superstition that gripped Scotland during the early modern period. These historical records add an eerie dimension to the already fascinating history of the cemetery.

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Sources:

1. “Kilcalmonell Cemetery.” Clan McAlister of America. Kilcalmonell Cemetery
2. “Kilcalmonell Parish Church.” Scotland’s Churches Trust. Kilcalmonell Parish Church
3. “Clachan, Kilcalmonell and Kilberry Parish Church and Burial-ground.” Canmore. Canmore
4. “Survey of Scottish Witchcraft.” University of Edinburgh. Survey of Scottish Witchcraft