These two ruined churches are situated within a mile of one another on
the level ground near the sea, which forms the basin of the river Ayr,
near its mouth.
[Illustration: FIG. 706.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. Plan.]
Prestwick is an ancient town, which had a parish church; while Monkton
derived its name from the residence of a body of monks from Paisley.
Both St. Nicholas’ and St. Cuthbert’s were originally churches of
Prestwick, and were distinguished as Prestwick de Burgo and Prestwick
Monachorum. Both these churches were bestowed on Paisley Abbey, in 1163,
by Walter, son of the Great Steward of Scotland, and endowed with
valuable lands.
[Illustration: FIG. 707.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. View from South-East.]
Prestwick Church is mentioned in the Paisley Chartulary, in 1212, as a
chapel; Monkton continued as a rectory till the Reformation, and the two
parishes were united in the beginning of the seventeenth century. Till
1837 both churches were used for public worship.[108]
[Illustration: FIG. 708.--St. Cuthbert’s Church. South Doorway.]
The Church of St. Cuthbert (Fig. 706), at Monkton, has originally been
a simple oblong chamber, 46 feet in length by about 20 feet in width
internally. The walls of this part of the structure are undoubtedly
ancient, but they have been considerably altered, and a north wing has
been added after the Reformation. The belfry (Fig. 707) erected at that
period still exists on the east gable.
[Illustration: FIG. 709.--St. Nicholas’ Church. Plan.]
[Illustration: FIG. 710.--St. Nicholas’ Church. View from South-East.]
The only portion of the building which proves its antiquity is the
doorway in the south wall (Fig. 708). It has a round arch, but the
mouldings are of thirteenth century forms. There has been a nook shaft
on each side with bell-shaped caps, and an inner order with a large
roll. This fragment is precious as one of the few ancient features
which have escaped obliteration in this part of the country.
St. Nicholas’ stands on a mound close to Prestwick Railway Station, and
is surrounded by an ancient burying-ground. The church (Fig. 709) is a
simple oblong, 44 feet long by 20 feet wide within the walls. It is a
very plain structure, and has evidently been altered, having
square-headed windows (Fig. 710) inserted so as to render it suitable
for Presbyterian service. The only noticeable features are the
buttresses at the east end. There are two of these, one at each side and
a small one in the centre, which are massive and present the appearance
of early work. Doubtless they and the walls are old, but have been
altered. There has been a plain belfry on the east gable, now reduced to
a portion of the base. There are three small buttresses at the west end,
but they are of a slighter character than those at the east end.