Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

Description

Sir J Ninian Comper. 1899-1907. 5-bay, near-cruciform with low crenellated tower; nave, chancel and S aisle complete. Important Gothic Revival Episcopal church on E-W orientation. Squared and coursed polychrome granite rubble. Gothic traceried windows with hoodmoulds. Set in prominent site and raised location overlooking main road in Braemar village.

W (ENTRANCE) ELEVATION: gabled elevation with large 5-light intersecting traceried window, diagonal offset buttresses, louvred opening above window, cross shaped finial at gable head. Low, flat roofed, crenellated porch to left.

S ELEVATION: aisle with intersecting traceried window to each elevation.

E ELEVATION: gabled elevation with large 5-light traceried window, divided by trefoil headed transom, with quatrefoil. Single louvred lancet above. Cross shaped finial at apex.

N ELEVATION: large blind arch below tower, harled surround, hood moulded rose window above.

Grey slate, cast iron rainwater goods, hoppers carry mark of the Mar Estate.

Elaborate cast iron gate arch and lamp, dated 1894, by McFarlane and Co, Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.

INTERIOR: particularly fine interior scheme. Episcopal decoration with timber furnishings and Gothic/medieval detailing throughout. Rendered walls with exposed ashlar dressings. Timber barrel vaulted ceiling to nave with pair of castellated tie-beams, similar in S Aisle. Stone ribbed vaulting to tower, decorative cradle vaulted timber roof to chancel. Timber floor with stone central aisle, single wooden seats. Ornate, dark stained oak, Gothic vaulted rood-screen with armorial panels, surmounted by painted and gilded crucifix, flanked by statues of the Virgin and St John. Turnpike stair leads from vestry, giving access to pulpit set in the wall, and rood-loft above. Carved timber stalls with decorative bench ends. Stone altar with railings but missing reredos and hangings. Aumbry set in wall to left, piscina to right. Simple gothic font, oak lectern with octagonal base and revolving two-sided desk.

Statement of Special Interest

No longer in ecclesiastical use, still owned by Episcopal Diocese of Aberdeen (2005). This church is a remarkable example of a late Gothic Revival church, very much in the English style, although making use of local materials, the granite stonework giving a marked polychromatic effect. Although a relatively uncomplicated structure the architect has displayed an assured knowledge of Gothic form and proportion, which is clearly reflected in the composition of the building and many of its internal features. The external appearance of the church, and its internal scheme, taken together, combine to form a rare survival of Comper's work in a substantially unaltered state.

John Ninian Comper was a nationally important exponent of the Gothic Revival and was responsible for churches throughout the UK. He was also an expert in stained glass. This church is considered to be one of the finest example of his work and shows an expert knowledge of the components and proportions of the different phases of Gothic style, as well as a ready ability to blend them into a consonant whole. His symbol, a strawberry, is a frequent motif.

The church was built to house congregation of tourists from England during summer season; it replaced a timber church by Pirie and Clyne (1880). The south aisle was used for services during winter months when the congregation was far smaller. The building cost £8,000, paid for by Eliza Schofield, or raised through donations from congregation and 'friends'. The first meteorological station in the village was at the top of the tower.

Currently in poor state of repair, some furnishings missing, pointing failing in places, severe damp penetration.

References

Bibliography

About Listed Buildings

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

We list buildings which are found to be of special architectural or historic interest using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Listed building records provide an indication of the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building which has been identified by its statutory address. The description and additional information provided are supplementary and have no legal weight.

These records are not definitive historical accounts or a complete description of the building(s). If part of a building is not described it does not mean it is not listed. The format of the listed building record has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

The legal part of the listing is the address/name of site which is known as the statutory address. Other than the name or address of a listed building, further details are provided for information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a consequence of inaccuracies in the information provided. Addresses and building names may have changed since the date of listing. Even if a number or name is missing from a listing address it will still be listed. Listing covers both the exterior and the interior and any object or structure fixed to the building. Listing also applies to buildings or structures not physically attached but which are part of the curtilage (or land) of the listed building as long as they were erected before 1 July 1948.

While Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings, the planning authority is responsible for determining what is covered by the listing, including what is listed through curtilage. However, for listed buildings designated or for listings amended from 1 October 2015, legal exclusions to the listing may apply.

If part of a building is not listed, it will say that it is excluded in the statutory address and in the statement of special interest in the listed building record. The statement will use the word 'excluding' and quote the relevant section of the 1997 Act. Some earlier listed building records may use the word 'excluding', but if the Act is not quoted, the record has not been revised to reflect subsequent legislation.

Listed building consent is required for changes to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The relevant planning authority is the point of contact for applications for listed building consent.

Find out more about listing and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.