|
In the eighth century, Bede wrote of Whithorn as a shrine established
three centuries before his time: "an episcopal see, called
after S. Martin the bishop, and famous on account of the church
where he rests in body, along with many other saints. The place
belongs to the province of the Bernicians (Northumbrians) and is
commonly called The White House. It received this name because he
built the church there of stone, not a common practice among the
Britons".
Archaeologists have established that, in the fifth century, the
early Christian settlement at Whithorn had contacts with Gaul, a
sophisticated church hierarchy, and was importing fine wines and
pottery to a thriving and literate community, which was in touch
with a movement of Christian ideas and art coming from Europe and
beyond. As such, Whithorn is quite possibly Scotland's earliest
town. Later, in the middle ages, the burgh thrived as the shrine
was visited by Scottish kings and queens, from Robert the Bruce
to Mary Queen of Scots, and by thousands of pilgrims.
Our tradition of welcome is 1500 years old: come and experience
it!
Festival of Museums 2012
A chance to see the site from a different viewpoint – with bats, illuminated ruins, labyrinth and visual displays around the museum. Enjoy a stars at night talk, bat watch, illuminated Priory ruins, lantern lit labyrinth walk, and back projections of images of artefacts on the building. All this in addition to a chance to see the exhibition. Refreshments also available.
There has been a murder at the Priory – or has there? A chance to see a murder mystery play. Scenes are set around the museum and adjacent site of Whithorn Priory. There is no need to book with a team as we will assign visitors to teams. This is a light hearted, fun evening. Test your detection skill and see if you can find the culprit!
Machars Visitors Guide
 This is now the second year in which we've published the Machars Guide, except that this year. we are delighted to say, we've been joined by colleagues in the Rhins, to produce a bigger and better version, twice as long, and packed with holiday destinations, activities and places to stay from Drummore to the Isle of Whithorn. 50,000 copies will be distributed over the coming months. We hope you'll enjoy browsing the Guide, and printed copies will be available from Easter 2012; if your venue requires copies, let us know on mail@whithorn.info or if you wish to advertise with us next year, just send an email.
Download The Machars Visitors Guide (4MB) in PDF format |
