Kirkoswald nr. Ayr / Kirk Oswald / Kirkossald

The entry for this church in RCAHMS. (1983a) The archaeological sites and monuments of North Carrick, Kyle and Carrick District, Strathclyde Region, The archaeological sites and monuments of Scotland series no 17. Edinburgh. Page(s): 21, No. 145 RCAHMS Shelf Number: A.1.2.ARC/17, informs: "Kirk Oswald was dedicated to St Oswald (Oswald, king of Northumbria, slain in battle in 641 (W J Watson 1926)). It was given to Paisley Abbey by the Earl of Carrick; the grant was confirmed by Florence, Bishop-elect of Glasgow (1202-6). Now roofless, it stands within a burial ground. It is a simple oblong on plan, measuring 93ft 6ins by 28ft 4ins externally. It seems to have consisted of plain walls, but within modern times it has been converted into a mausoleum by building up the windows and adding buttresses to the S side. The pointed blank windows and doorway in the S wall are also modern additions. Though at first sight the building appears ancient, closer examination shows that it has been modernised beyond recognition. It was replaced in 1777 by the present church (at NS 2396 0736)." The entry for this church in Britain Express [https://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Strathclyde/churches/kirkoswald.htm] [accessed 13 September 2023] notes: "Inside the roofless medieval kirk is a very worn 12th-century font said to have been brought here from Crossraguel Abbey during the Reformation. If the attribution is accurate then this is the very same font used to baptise Robert Bruce in 1274. Bruce was born at Turnberry Castle but baptised at Crossraguel Abbey, two miles outside Maybole."