A substantial classical manse replaced or absorbed an eighteenth-century predecessor and still explains the close architectural relationship between Kirkgate and the parish church.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1847, possibly incorporating a manse rebuilt in 1757; altered 1874
- Architect / designer
- James Stevenson of Berwick-upon-Tweed for the 1874 alterations; earlier designers unknown
- Type
- Classical former manse with later domestic and service additions
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB178)
- OS grid reference
- NT 86864 56213
Architecture and continuing use
The two-storey three-bay front is built in tooled cream sandstone and centred on a pilastered doorway with dentilled cornice. Tripartite ground-floor windows, parapeted eaves and a lower side wing create a composed domestic elevation; later garage and rear ranges record continued adaptation.
Its story
Sources record a manse rebuilt in 1757 and a “new built” house associated with 1847, suggesting possible incorporation rather than a wholly simple replacement. James Stevenson designed improvements in 1874. The house ceased to serve as the manse and survived extensive fire damage in the 1990s.
Why it is included
It illustrates clerical domestic architecture and the uncertain, layered way older houses can persist within later rebuilding.
What to notice
- The pilastered entrance with fanlight and dentilled cornice.
- Tripartite ground-floor windows beneath the restrained parapet.
- The visual connection with Chirnside Parish Church.
Reading the surroundings
Treat the house, drives and grounds as private. Observe from lawful public routes without blocking access or intruding on occupants.
Timeline
- 1757 An earlier manse was recorded as rebuilt.
- 1847 The principal classical house was constructed or substantially recast.
- 1874 James Stevenson designed documented improvements.
- 1990s Extensive fire damage was followed by survival of significant architectural detail.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
The extent of fabric retained from the 1757 building is unproven, and present use is not established by the checked sources.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: The Old Manse, Chirnside, LB178 — Current designation status, statutory identity, official mapped point, date, fabric and significance.
- Scotland's Churches Trust: Chirnside Parish Church — Church history, principal surviving features and present identity as a Church of Scotland place of worship.
- Trove: The Old Manse — National collection entry corroborating the designation identity, mapped location and related archive material.
- National Library of Scotland: georeferenced historic maps — Historic-map comparison for the building, street pattern and surrounding settlement; map dates and layers should be checked individually.
Location
OS grid reference NT 86864 56213 · Location confidence: High for the current HES designation point; public text separately qualifies component extent, terrain and access. · 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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