Church of the Holy Rude

Church of the Holy Rude
The Parish Church of the Holy Rude
Eaglais na Crois Naoimh
A view from Stirling Castle
Church of the Holy Rude Show map of Stirling Church of the Holy Rude Show map of Scotland
56°07′15.1″N 3°56′40.0″W / 56.120861°N 3.944444°W / 56.120861; -3.944444
Location	Stirling
Country	Scotland
Denomination	Church of Scotland
Previous denomination	Roman Catholic
Churchmanship	Presbyterian
Website	Church Website
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	1129
Founder(s)	David I of Scotland
Dedication	Holy Cross
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Style	Gothic
Completed	1530
Specifications
Length	60.96 m (200 ft 0 in)
Number of spires	1
Spire height	25.91 m (85 ft 0 in)
Bells	6
Administration
Synod	Forth
Presbytery	Perth
Parish	Stirling
Clergy
Minister(s)	Alan F. Miller
Laity
Organist(s)	Ian Boulter
Chapter clerk	Pat Middleton

The Church of the Holy Rude (Scottish Gaelic: Eaglais na Crois Naoimh) is the medieval parish church of Stirling, Scotland. It is named after the Holy Rood, a relic of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The church was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I, but the earliest part of the present church dates from the 15th century. As such it is the second oldest building in Stirling after Stirling Castle, parts of which date from the later 14th century. The chancel and tower were added in the 16th century.

Stirling Castle has long been a favoured residence of the Scottish monarchs, and was developed as a Renaissance palace during the reigns of the later Stewart kings. The Church of the Holy Rude, adjacent to the castle, became similarly associated with the Scottish monarchy, hosting royal baptisms and coronations. It is one of three churches still in use in Britain that have been the sites of coronations.^[1][a]

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