- Saint Inan
Saint Inan (Evan) was the patron saint of Irvine,
Ayrshire , Scotland where he resided during the 9th-century AD. Hisholy well still exists in the Kirk Vennel beside the Old Parish kirk, near theRiver Irvine . He is reputed to have come fromIona [http://www.beithparishchurches.co.uk/Subpages/trinitychurch.html Beith parish]History
Although he is said to have been a hermit, [http://www.visitdunkeld.com/scottish-saints.htm Scottish Saints] ] according to tradition St. Innan often visited the nearby town of
Beith , frequenting Cuff Hill with itsRocking stone and various other prehistoric monuments. A cleft in the west-front of Cuff hill is still known as 'St. Inan's Chair' and said to have been used by the saint as apulpit .Smith, John (1895). "Prehistoric Man in Ayrshire." Pub. Elliot Stock. P. 83.] and a crystal clear holy well existed nearby,Dobie, James (1876) "Cunninghame topographised by Timothy Pont" Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow. P. 324.] now sadly covered over (2006). An unsuccessful search for the saint's writings which were said to be preserved in the library of Bonci, Archbishop of Pisa was made by Colonel Mure of Caldwell in the 19th-century.Dobie, James (1876) "Cunninghame topographised by Timothy Pont" Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow. P. 41.]The Holy well and chapel
The well is also known as St Mary's or the chapel Well. [cite web|url=http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/|title=The RCAHMS's Canmore Website|accessdate=2007-09-28] It is situated at Grid reference NS 3226 3851. It lies close to what was probably a chapel dedicated to
St Mary . Above the opening is a small stone plaque stating 'St Inan's Well AD 839-1921'.Saint Inan's chapel stood on the site of the old church in Beith.Paterson, James (1866) "History of the Counties of Ayr and Wigton. Vol III.-Cuninghame. Pub. James Stillie, Edinbirgh. P. 65.] "A Saint Inan's well once existed in Fullarton, south of the present harbour.Strawhorn, John (1985). "The History of Irvine." Pub. John Donald. ISBN 0-85976-140-1. P. 4.]
Variations in the name
His name has several recorded spellings, such as Innan, Inin, Innen, Enen, Ennen and latterly Annan, Anan, Tinnan or even Tennant.Dobie, James (1876) "Cunninghame topographised by Timothy Pont" Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow. P. 324.] He is remembered in local names such as Southannan, near Fairlie.
Tennant's day
Beith's annual fair, called Tennant's or Saint Tinnan's Day, was previously on the saint's day, 18th August.Smith, John (1895). Prehistoric Man in Ayrshire. Pub. Elliot Stock. P. 40.] It is now held in June. [http://www.beith.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1230 Beith on Line] ] In ancient times the fair is said to have been held on Cuff Hill. It was famous for its show and sale of horses.Dobie, James (1876) "Cunninghame topographised by Timothy Pont" Pub. John Tweed, Glasgow. P. 324.]
ee also
*
Lambroughton
*Kilmaurs
*River Irvine
*Lady's Well
*Beith References
External links
* [http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/A_Researcher's_Guide_to_Local_History_Terminology A Researcher's Guide to Local History terminology]
* [http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/pls/portal/newcanmore.newcandig_details_gis?inumlink=42076 RCAHMS Canmore archaeology site]
* [http://geo.nls.uk/roy/ General Roy's Military Survey of Scotland 1747 - 52]
* [http://www.nls.uk/maps/ Old maps of Scotland from the National Library]
* [http://www.old-maps.co.uk/indexmappage2.aspx Old Ordnance Survey Maps]
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