A Gothic hall church, tower and twentieth-century chancel stand among older parish memorials and Covenanting associations.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1822–24; enlarged 1930
- Architect / designer
- James Thomson; 1930 work by Jeffrey Waddell and Young
- Type
- Gothic parish church, churchyard and memorials
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB40538)
- OS grid reference
- NS 77910 10181
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The 1820s church has a three-bay body and tower, with later chancel and transepts extending the plan. The churchyard retains the earlier worship site and a prominent obelisk.
Its story
James Thomson’s church replaced an older building on the same sacred ground. Jeffrey Waddell and Young enlarged it in 1930, while memorials preserve earlier local and Covenanting history.
Why it is included
Continuing worship, layered churchyard archaeology and two distinct architectural campaigns make it central to the burgh’s religious history.
What to notice
- Gothic tower facing the approach.
- 1930 chancel and transept additions.
- Provost Hamilton’s obelisk among older memorials.
Reading the surroundings
The presbytery advertises Sunday worship. Respect services, funerals, graves and any local opening arrangements.
Timeline
- 1816 The Hamilton obelisk was erected within the older burial ground.
- 1822–24 James Thomson’s Gothic parish church was built.
- 1930 Jeffrey Waddell and Young added the chancel and transepts.
- 2026 Upper Nithsdale worship continues in the building.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Not every older grave or fragment has a secure attribution, so this entry avoids assigning unverified names to individual stones.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: St Bride's Parish Church and Churchyard, LB40538 — Designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- South West Presbytery: Upper Nithsdale — Current congregation identity and Sunday worship information.
Location
OS grid reference NS 77910 10181 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference and the second source confirms the Place relationship, history or current identity. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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