ABSTRACT
Excavations in 2006 in the East Kirk uncovered the foundations of the earliest church on the site dating from the 11th to 12th century. Around the exterior of the apse, child burials were placed in a radiating arrangement, centred on a privileged burial on the axis of the church. In the mid-12th century a new east end was constructed. Further rebuildings took place in the 15th and 19th centuries. Burials within the walls and outside were accompanied by significant finds of textiles, coins, pottery and scallop shells. The dedication to St Nicholas, patron saint of both children and seafarers, is also briefly considered in this paper.
