Nenthorn

The Parish of Nenthorn

The earliest records of Nenthorn are when, with Newton, the land was in the keeping of the De Morvilles in the 12th century.

The chapels of Nenthorn, Newton and Stichill were dependents of Ednam Church and are recorded as such in 1105, when they were granted to the Priory of Coldingham. In 1316, the church of Nenthorn and the chapel of Newton were granted to Kelso Abbey. Until the Reformation, Nenthorn had a chaplain and belonged to Kelso Abbey.

Nenthorn Spittal is recorded as one of the places laid waste by the English in 1542, but its whereabouts are unknown.

The Old Church at Nenthorn was abandoned in 1802, but the graveyard continued in use until about 60 years ago. Little remains of the building, and it would appear that graves have been dug into what was the area covered by the old church. The oldest gravestone seems to be dated 1606.

The old villages of Nenthorn and Newton have disappeared, probably having been demolished because of their proximity to the mansions, Nenthorn House and Newton Don House. This practice was fashionable in the late 18th century, when landowners were intent on extending and upgrading their houses, with landscaping of the grounds being all the rage.

A new church for the parish was built in 1802, with two galleries - one for the laird of Nenthorn and the other for the laird of Newton Don. This building was closed in 1972, after which it was converted into a house.

Nenthorn Communion Token 1700

In the modern day, the printed 'Communion Card' has superseded the Communion Token, and even that is now almost a thing of the past. Both have been used as a way of ensuring that 'only those shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper who have been found qualified and entitled to receive it'.

The material used for the construction of the Communion Token was, for the most part, lead, but may at times have been of other alloys, such as brass, or even leather.

Their general appearance and shape, as can be seen from the accompanying illustrations, was either round or square. In earlier times they are more often referred to as 'tickets' even when made of metal.

Tickets were common in the early 17th century, at that time being, generally, very simply made with only the name or initials of the church and a year date. Later, they became more elaborate and more artistic. Starting with the required indication of the name of the parish, a date and the minister's initials, there could be, in addition, whatever ornamentation the maker wished to add.

This token with the letters NENTHO on the one side and 1700 MIK on the other, was produced during the ministry of the Rev James Ker, with NENTHO being used as the abbreviation for Nenthorn Kirk.

Nenthorn Free Church

The founding of a Free Church in 1843 was the result of the departure of so many from the established church with the Disruption. The congregation rose to 170 and had members from Smailholm, Stichill and Ednam. After the initial burst of enthusiasm, the numbers dwindled and the church closed in 1914. The building is now the Community Hall.

Ministers Of Nenthorn Parish Church

Lists Former Nenthorn Ministers up to the present day.......