Applegarth Church is located near Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway and is a site of immense historical and spiritual significance, with a heritage spanning over 1,400 years.

Ancient Origins (600 AD – 1300 AD)

Historical tradition suggests that Applegarth has been a site of Christian worship since approximately 600 AD, possibly serving as an early monastery.

Royal Connection: The first documented mention of a church here dates to 1140. In 1300, King Edward I of England (the "Hammer of the Scots") famously visited a chapel in the parish and made an offering there while on his way to besiege Caerlaverock Castle.

The Union of Parishes (1609)

In 1609, the parish of Applegarth was united with the neighbouring parish of Sibbaldbie. While the Sibbaldbie church eventually fell into ruin, its ancient graveyard remains.

The parish was included at a chapelry of Dinwoodie, which was once held by the Knights Templar.

The Current Building (1760 – 1885)

The present church building was constructed in 1760–1763 on the site of the earlier medieval church. It was built by mason Francis Patterson (brother of Robert Paterson, the inspiration for Walter Scott’s Old Mortality) and wright James Bretton. Two moulded stones of probable medieval date are incorporated to either side of the SW angle, 1.6m above ground level. That in the S wall bears a medallion or boss (0.14m in diameter, 0.02m high) comparable to the centre-piece of a crosshead, although whether this was its original purpose is unclear; the detail is partially obscured by the lime-wash render. The other slab bears a Greek cross carved in high relief at one end, and, towards the other, a rectangular figure with gnarled sides.

In 1884–85, the church underwent significant remodeling by architect F.J.C. Carruthers. This gave the building its current Gothic appearance, including its striking rose windows and the enlarged north porch.

Sources: 

https://www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/church/applegarth-sibbaldie-and-johnstone-church/ 

https://www.trove.scot/place/66883#details 

The Clan Jardine Heritage: 

Applegarth is widely considered the spiritual home of the Clan Jardine and many other families. A late 17th-century burial enclosure for the Jardine family is attached to the south-east corner of the church.

The Jardine family’s ancestral seats, Spedlins Tower and later Jardine Hall, are located nearby, cementing the clan's multi-century link to the kirk.

https://www.jardineclan.org/