Old Church And Parish Church, Gretna Green

The church at Gretna Green is an ecclesiastical building, likely dating back to the 18th century, although the southern wall may be older. The church was deepened in the 19th century, with a rebuilt southern wall and added jamb, resulting in a T-shaped plan. Significant alterations were made in 1909 by James Barbour, who simplified the Gothic detailing and added a southern side with a main roof sloping over it. Other additions included new fenestration, a north bell tower centrally positioned above the original projecting breastwork with a door at its front, and a western porch. Straight skews are topped with moulded skewputts. The main roofs are slated, with red-tiled roofs on the bell tower and caphouse.

Inside the church, all work is attributed to James Barbour, featuring an open-timbered roof and aisle arcades supported by octagonal columns. An organ is located at the southeast, with a vestry behind it. A pulpit is positioned adjoining an octagonal pier on the south side.

The churchyard is enclosed by rubble-built walls connected to either end of the church’s western gable and contains 18th to 20th century headstones, many with classical detailing.

Historical records, including a lithograph from 1825 and an illustration from Didbin’s NORTHERN TOUR (1838), show the church's earlier appearance. The building’s development is comparable to the nearby parish church at Kirkpatrick Fleming. Records indicate a possible Saxon church existed at Gretna Green as early as 1760. The church remains in use as a place of worship.