Page:The ecclesiastical architecture of Scotland ( Volume 3).djvu/532

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century, and indeed it is stated[1] that it is mentioned as early as 1342. The existing building, however, was doubtless erected at the period above mentioned.

"In 1483 the Church of Innerpeffray must have been in existence, as the patronage is then conveyed by the Mercers to Lord Oliphant.

Fig. 1475.—Stobhall Church, from Courtyard.

"One reason for considering the foundation of considerable antiquity is the fact that the market held on the day of dedication (Lady-day) was one of the great marts and one of the great holidays of Strathearn. (The market was removed to Crieff about eighty years ago.) Institutions so popular as this are generally found to have their origin in a remote antiquity. . . . Its proximity also to the meeting point of the four

  1. Chronicles of Strathearn, D. Philips, Crieff, 1896, p. 325.