Auldhame and Scoughall are hamlets in East Lothian, Scotland. They are close to the town of North Berwick and the village of Whitekirk, and are approximately 25 miles east of Edinburgh. East Lothian (Lodainn an Ear in Gaelic) is one of 32 unitary council areas in Scotland, and a Lieutenancy Area. ... North Berwick is a small Scottish seaside town in East Lothian, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh. ... Edinburgh (pronounced ), Dùn Èideann () in Scottish Gaelic, is the second-largest city in Scotland and its capital city. ...
St. Baldred's Legacy
The 8th Century Christian missionary St. Baldred was based at Auldhame, and through his influence the Parish of Auldhame had significant influence in the development of Christianity in Scotland. He also founded a church at Scoughall and several local geographical features are named after him. His name also lives on in St. Baldreds Church and St. Baldreds Road in North Berwick. In 2005 skeletal and archaeological remains, thought to be a church, were discovered in a field at Auldhame, and initial estimates that the church dated from the Medieval period were later proved wrong, and it was established that the find may even date fom the time of St. Baldred himself.
Today there is little in the area except farming. The houses at Auldhame and Scoughall are given little thought by those driving to North Berwick or visiting nearby Seacliff or Tantallon Castle. Indeed, such visitors are likely to be gazing towards the Bass Rock rather than considering the scattered houses and cottages at the roadside. A view from Seacliff Harbour to Tantallon Castle Seacliff comprises a beach, an estate and a harbour. ... Tantallon Castle is located 3 miles east of North Berwick in Scotland. ... Bass Rock from North Berwick. ...
The background history to Auldhame is non-existent, unlike the ruin which is substantial, being a long L-plan building with corner turrets and square towers.
It is possible Auldhame was occupied and damaged by Cromwell's army during their 12 day bombardment of Tantallon.
Auldhame is not mentioned in written reports to Cromwell as it was probably regarded as an unimportant house.
On the 5th January 1542 we find John Lauder, Scotland's Public Accuser of Heretics, and a son of Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass, Knt., as "the Cardinal's Secretary" representing Cardinal David Beaton at a reconsecration of the restored and ancient St.Baldred's chapel on The Bass.
In 1576 it is recorded that the Church on the Bass, and that at Auldhame (on the mainland), required no readers, doubtless something to do with the Reformation.
It is also home to a 20 metre lighthouse, built in 1902 by David Stevenson, who demolished the 13th century keep, or governor's house, and some other buildings within the castle for the stone.
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