Dunrod

Muir (1861) reports an old baptismal font in the burial ground at Dunrod, one of "very characteristic specimens of pure Norman date". McLachlan (1876) narrates his visit to this location: "we arrive at the churchyard of Dunrod [...] it contains nothing worthy of note, excepting the remains of the old Pre-Reformation Church, and a portion of the baptismal font." It is described and illustrated in Walker (1887) as an example of a Scottish baptismal font from a Norman date. The basin is square, with a circular well and central bottom drain, and presents the ordinary appearance of a cushion-shaped Norman capital, with the lower ring moulding cut into the shape of a rope. The base is a broad truncated cone pedestal with a small bead and cavetto moulding worked on the upper edge. The holes to fit the cover are still intact. Walker (ibid.) reported the font in excellent shape ca. 1887, even though it had been in the churchyard, exposed to the elements, for many years. The entry for this site in CANMORE [https://canmore.org.uk/event/726888] [accessed 12 February 2025] informs: "Dunrod church, now ruinous, was dedicated to St Mary and St Brioc, and attached to Holyrood Abbey. On plan, the ruins are of the simple Norman type, with a nave and chancel [...] The interior of the ruined church is filled with modern tombstones and vegetation. Its elaborate Romanesque font is in Kirkcudbright Museum."