Bernera Island, Chapel And Burial-ground
Burial Ground (Period Unassigned), Chapel (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Bernera Island, Chapel And Burial-ground
Classification Burial Ground (Period Unassigned), Chapel (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 22656
Site Number NM73NE 1
NGR NM 7945 3918
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/22656
- Council Argyll And Bute
- Parish Lismore And Appin (Argyll And Bute)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Argyll And Bute
- Former County Argyll
NM73NE 1 7945 3918.
(NM 7946 3918) Chapel and Burial Ground (NR) (rems of)
OS 1:10,000 map, (1976)
The only visible remains are those of an enclosure about 11 metres square surrounded by a dry-stone dyke. No tombstones are to be seen. The remains of a stone and turf hut near the centre of the enclosure, and which measure about 3.7 metres in diameter, are of uncertain date, but may be contemporary with the comparatively modern house and kail-yard whose ruins stand a few metres to the SW of the enclosure. Pont's early 17th century map indicates the existence of a church or chapel in this locality (Blaeu 1662) and the burial ground is recorded by the writer of the Statistical Account (OSA 1791-9). A few loose stones scattered over the site were the only visible remains noted by OS in 1871-3 (Ordnance Survey Name Book [ONB]).
The dedication is unknown.
J Blaeu 1662; OSA 1791-9; Name Book; RCAHMS 1975, visited 1968.
When investigating the remains of this chapel, traditionally associated with St Columba (Carmichael c. 1950), Knight (1937) found the remains of a Celtic cross and, near the chapel, an upright slab with two incised crosses.
I Carmichael c. 1950; G A F Knight 1937.
The remains of the chapel lie within a small, disused burial ground. It measures about 13.7m E-W by 4.5m within a tumbled wall about 0.5m high. The wall of the burial ground is of similar construction. No gravestones are now visible and no trace of the Celtic cross or incised slab noted by Knight could be found.
Surveyed at 1:10 000.
Visited by OS (RD) 29 November 1971.