The free exhibition, exploring the story of Edinburgh鈥檚 long-lost Trinity Collegiate Church, is now open at the Museum of Edinburgh.
marks the culmination of a two-year project led by Jill Harrison, founder of the Trinity Network. The project has sought to trace, identify and catalogue medieval stones dispersed after the demolition of the once-magnificent 15th-century Trinity Collegiate Church in 1848, which made way for the construction of Waverley Station.
Founded more than 560 years ago by Queen Mary of Guelders, the Trinity Collegiate Church was among the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Scotland. Despite its former grandeur and royal significance, much of its physical legacy was scattered and largely forgotten until now.
The exhibition brings this remarkable story back to life, exploring who built the church, how it was used, why it was demolished, and how parts of it were later reconstructed. Visitors will also discover how the search for these lost stones has evolved into a modern-day treasure hunt, piecing together fragments of Edinburgh’s medieval past.
Featuring rare images, archival material and newly uncovered insights, the exhibition highlights the importance of preserving these fragile remnants before they are lost forever. It also aims to inspire renewed public interest and support for their protection.
A programme of free talks and guided walks will accompany the exhibition, offering visitors further opportunities to engage with the history and ongoing discoveries.
Culture and Communities Convener Margaret Graham said:
I’m delighted that the Museum of Edinburgh is hosting another outstanding exhibition. Reviving the Trinity Stones tells the fascinating story of the Trinity Collegiate Church - one of medieval Edinburgh’s forgotten royal masterpieces.
This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how the church was celebrated, demolished and rediscovered. With an excellent programme of free talks alongside it, there truly is something for everyone, and I would encourage people of all ages to visit.
Jill Harrison, Founder of the Trinity Network, said:
The story of the trinity stones continues to capture the imagination of heritage organisations, community groups, residents and visitors alike. This project has already contributed valuable new knowledge about one of Edinburgh’s oldest medieval buildings, and I hope it will spark further interest, research, and discussion.
It is an especially exciting time, as new stones continue to be discovered, and more people become involved in uncovering this hidden history.
麻豆映画 Archaeologist John Lawson said:
It has been fantastic working and supporting Jill and her colleagues on this project over the last few years. Her research and investigations have brought to light the fate of what happened to parts of this medieval church after it was taken with pieces scattered across Edinburgh.
We are delighted that the project has allowed us to receive, as a donation from NHS Lothian, of three important stone bosses which ended up in the Astley Ainslie Hospital. This includes the unique ‘Passion Stone’ carved with the marks of the Passion the last surviving of six. This is on show as part of this exhibition.
The project has been funded through a Jean Guild Grant from the Old Edinburgh Club. The exhibition and its accompanying outreach programme are supported by the Council.