Barclay Church, Edinburgh
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Tollcross, close to King's Theatre
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Church Overview
This church is architect Frederick T Pilkington's greatest achievement, called the Barclay Church after Mary Barclay whose legacy paid for its building. The church was designed in 1864 and makes the best use of a restricted site, soaring upwards with tiered galleries giving space not available at ground level. The church originally had seating for 1,200. The vertical emphasis comes from clustered gables and a 230-ft spire which is a well-known landmark. Pilkington used stone to great effect: the large roughly cut blocks of stone of the arches contrast with delicate carved foliage in the column capitals.
Spectacular heart-shaped theatrical interior with two tiers of galleries and a painted ceiling. The vibrant colours give an overall effect of richness and the eye is drawn upwards to the roof: a dramatic fusion of king- and queen-post construction. Organ originally by Hope-Jones, reconstructed by Lewis, the case is by Sydney Mitchell.
Services
Sundays 11.00am and 6.30pm
Opening Arrangements
Open by arrangement
Disclaimer
The information about churches in Scotland's Churches Scheme has been provided by the congregations or taken from the Historic Scotland list and published sources, in particular, the Buildings of Scotland volumes and the RIAS Illustrated Architectural Guides. The information is not authoritative; please contact us to let us know of any errors or omissions.
