eaglesham - Covenanting Trail

Transcription

EAGLESHAM
East Renfrewshire
[64] NS 554 485
Moors
Moorland near
Melowther Hill, where
Gabriel Thomson and
Robert Lockhart were shot on their way
home from a conventicle.
Attribution: Steve Woodward
Churchyard (Carswell Parish Church)
Covenanters’ grave,
Churchyard at Eaglesham.
[64] NS 573 518
Inscription on grave.
OTHER COVENANTERS FROM EAGLESHAM PARISH
1

Covenanters, David Paterson and William Freugh were banished to Barbados.

Farmer, William Young was present at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. He survived
the ‘Killing Times’. He is buried in Eaglesham. 1
Location of grave unknown.
424
DEREK PARKER AT EAGLESHAM
A member of many years standing, Derek Parker, writes to tell me of his visit to Eaglesham
Kirkyard. He wanted to view the grave of Gabriel Thomson and Robert Lockhart, who were shot
on the same day by a party of Highlanders and dragoons for ‘ouning the Covenanted Testimony’.
They were shot at Cowplie Farm which stood at the foot of Mellowther Hill, three miles south of
the village, halfway between Eaglesham and Lochgoin, home of the famous Howie family, which
was staunchly Covenanter, and which later produced John Howie who wrote Scots Worthies. In
Eaglesham kirkyard is also to be found the burial place of David Pollock, brother of
Robert Pollok, author of The Course of Time, who was born at nearby North Moorhouse Farm.
Both the Covenanter and Pollok memorials are spectacularly silhouetted against the majestic
background of the white-walled Eaglesham Church, which was re-built in its present form in 1790.
Eaglesham is the birth-place (1637) of James Wodrow, the father of Robert Wodrow, the
famous historian and recorder of the sufferings of the Covenanters. James Wodrow was Professor
of Divinity at the College of Glasgow, and his famous son, Robert was one of his students.
We are grateful to Derek for drawing our attention to the many Covenanting and historical
sites in this area.
I have also received from Derek a cutting of his article in The Paisley Daily Express
(21.6.93) in which he describes in great detail his visit to the many Covenanting sites and
memorials in the Fenwick area. The article is too lengthy to reproduce here, but it is full of interest,
and it is obvious that Derek doesn’t wander about with his eyes closed! 1
THE EAGLESHAM MARTYRS
Derek Parker, M.A., B.D., (Hons) and used with permission
The sepulchre-studded graveyard at eighteenth-century Eaglesham Parish Church in Renfrewshire
is a peaceful place for contemplation and prayer. The sacred sanctuary is also the burial place of
Covenanters Gabriel Thomson and Robert Lockhart, who were shot and killed on the bleak,
windswept moors, a few miles away because of their religious beliefs. According to the inscription
on their elegant tombstone, standing majestically in the shadow of the lime-washed kirk’s soaring
clock steeple and beside a graceful yew tree, the symbol of eternal life and immortality, the pair
‘were killed for owning the Covenanted testimony by a party of Highlandmen under the command
of Ardencaple, 1st May 1685.’ The epitaph continues, ‘These men did search through moorland
moss to find out all that had to pass. These faithful witnesses were found and murdered upon the
ground. Their bodies in this grave do lie, Their blood for vengeance yet doth cry. This may a
standing witness be, for Presbytery against Prelacy.’ Above the inspirational inscription are the
chiselled words: “Psalm CXII & VI ‘The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.’”
Gabriel Thomson and Robert Lockhart are two of Scotland’s less well-known Covenanting
martyrs. But they will forever belong to the Great Cloud of Witnesses who shed their blood in
pursuit of what the poet, William Cowper described as Man’s noblest destiny: “Our claim to feed
upon immortal truth, to walk with God, to be divinely free, to soar and to anticipate the skies.” In
the hallowed surroundings of the village churchyard, we remember and revere the valiant
Eaglesham martyrs who were faithful unto death and won the martyr’s crown. 2
1
2
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No. 53, September 1993, p 8
425
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barr, J. p 98
Campbell, T. pp 87, 88
EAST KILBRIDE - Places Index, Volume III, pp 429-432
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp 156- 159
Love, Dane. The Covenanter Encyclopaedia. p 87
MILLHOUSE GLEN - Places Index, Volume III, pp 815-816
Orr, Brian, J.
*Thomson, Rev. J. H. Martyr Graves.
EARLSHALL
Near St. Andrews, Fife
[54/59] NO 464 210
Castle
Earlshall Castle, home in
Covenanting times of Captain
Andrew Bruce, persecutor of the
Covenanters.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.fife.50megs.com/earlshall.htm
www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search_item/ind
ex.php?service=RCAHMS&id=33209
EARLSIDE
Near Hawick, Scottish Borders
[79] NT 534 095
Farm and Fields
Earlside Farm and surrounding area site of conventicles.
Attribution: Walter Baxter
BIBLIOGRAPHY
426
EARLSTOUN CASTLE
Near St. John’s Town of Dalry, Dumfries and Galloway
[77] NX 612 840
Castle (ruins)
Earlstoun Castle. Home of the Gordons,
valiant in the Covenanters’ cause.
This family figures greatly in the
Covenanters’ struggles of
1638 – 1688. Alexander Gordon
served in the Covenanters’ War
Committee. His son, William Gordon
(‘Wull cat Will’) was shot on the way to
the Battle of Bothwell Bridge.
William’s son, Alexander, also fought at
the battle of Bothwell Bridge. He was
captured and endured imprisonment at
both Bass Rock and Blackness
Castle. Eventually he was set at liberty.
Earlstoun Castle ruins.
Date 1665 and initials W.G. under window.
View from Earlstoun Castle. The Castle
was used as a garrison during
Covenanting times.
427
EARLSTOUN CONVENTICLE
A conventicle took place at Earlstoun Castle, near St. John’s Town of Dalry, on 11th May. This
was conducted by Rev. David Bartholomew and commemorated the various Covenanters of the
district, but in particular, Alexander Gordon, known as ‘The Bull of Earlstoun’ because of his
strength. He was imprisoned and fined for his adherence to the Covenant, but was restored to his
property at the Revolution. In the vicinity of the castle can be seen an old chapel, oak tree and
Covenanters’ hideout. I believe that the conventicle is to become an annual event. 1
John Herron was a Covenanter fugitive who spent
part of his life in Earlstoun.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barr, J. Scottish Covenanters. pp 231, 241
CALDONS
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp 28, 87-91, 122
Orr, Brian, J.
Simpson, Rev. R. pp 262-266. *Simpson, Rev. R. pp 345-348,
www.gla.ac.uk/t4/dumfries/files/scottish_covenanters/dalry.php
www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search_item/index.php?service=RC
AHMS&id=64287
2
1
2
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No. 82, June 2003, p 11
Love, Dane, The Covenanters and St John’s Town of Dalry .
428
EARNOCKMUIR
Near Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
[64] NS 690 523
Farm
Earnockmuir Farm – home during
Covenanting times of two brothers
by the name of Smith who were
present at the Battle of Bothwell
Bridge and are buried at
Hamilton.
Attribution: Iain Thompson
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. p 72
EAST KILBRIDE 1
South Lanarkshire
[64] NS 637 543
Town (Priestknowe Roundabout)
Covenanters’ memorial at Priestknowe
Roundabout.
Image copyright: David Roy and used with
permission
1
The East Kilbride Covenanter flag is preserved in the Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum in Kelvingrove.
429
Plaque on memorial at
Priestknowe Roundabout,
East Kilbride.
Image copyright: Joy Creighton and
used with permission
BE T WE E N DE CE MBE R 1666 AND DE CE MBE R 1688 TE N COVE NANT E RS
FROM E AST KIL BRIDE PA RIS H GA VE T HE IR LIVE S T O UP HO LD
T H E P R E S B Y T E R I A N F A I T H AN D E S T AB L I S H R E L I G I O U S A N D P A R L I A M E N T A R Y R E F O R M
JO HN PA RKE R, CHRI ST OP HE R ST RANG
HANGE D AT E DINBURG H DE CE MBE R 1666
JO HN CL YDE HA NGE D AT MAG US MOO RE , S T ANDRE WS, NOVE M BE R 1679
RO BE RT AULD, JAME S CL A RK, JO HN CL ARK
WI9L LIAM ROD GE R, JO HN ST RUT HE RS
DRO WNE D AT ORKNE Y, DE CE MBE R 1679 , THE RE S ULT OF S HI PW RE CK
E N RO UT E T O BANIS HME NT IN AME RIC A
JO HN WAT T HANGE D AT E DINBURG H 1684
RO BE RT POL LOCK HA NGE D AT GALL OW LE E , E DINBURG H 168 5
DE DICAT E D 5 th OCT OBE R 2002
S UPP ORT E D BY SCO T T IS H COVE NANT E R M E MORIA LS AS SOC IAT ION
AND SO UT H LA NA RK S HI RE COUNCIL.
Inscription on plaque.
Scene from a mural in Safeways,
Stewartfield, East Kilbride,
depicting a conventicle and East
Kilbride Parish Church.
Image copyright: Joy Creighton and used
with permission
430
The Steeple and Bell Tower,
East Kilbride. It is said that
during a conventicle on
Eaglesham Moors, someone
heard that Claverhouse and his
men were in pursuit of the
Covenanters so they ran into this
church and rang the bell to warn
the Covenanters of imminent
attack. The bell was rung so hard
that it cracked!
Image copyright: Joy Creighton and used
with permission
THE COVENANTERS OF EAST KILBRIDE
Bill Niven
The village and parish of East Kilbride were strong centres of Covenanting belief during the period
1638-1688. As a local historian, I was acutely aware that there was no local memorial to the ten
men who were martyred during the ‘Killing Times.’
The Millennium Conventicle at Millhouse Glen on 5th September 2000 was the first step in
re-establishing the Covenanting links of East Kilbride and Eaglesham. Over 200 individuals
attended the re-enactment of a conventicle held on that same Pulpit Hill, 325 years previously, by
the Rev John Blackadder. Through the good offices of South Lanarkshire Council and the local
sculptor, Ian Janonelli, the S.C.M.A. will realise my dream on Saturday 5th October 2002 when a
memorial will be dedicated at the Priestknowe Roundabout, East Kilbride, at 10.00 am at a Service
of Dedication conducted by the Rev. Anne Parton M.A., B.D., minister of East Kilbride Old Parish
Church. There will be a further dedication to a separate memorial commemorating the six East
Kilbride men who lost their lives in the Udston Colliery Disaster on 27 th May 1887.
The ten martyrs fall into four classes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
1
John Parker and Christopher Strang and two others who were hanged at Edinburgh in
December 1666 after being apprehended at the Battle of Rullion Green.
John Clyde was hanged in November 1679 with four others at Magus Muir, Strathkinness,
as a reprisal for the assassination of Archbishop Sharp.
After the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679, many prisoners were confined for five months
in Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh; 257 of them were transported to the new colonies in
America where they were to be sold as slaves. On a wild stormy night of December 10 1679,
the convict ship was wrecked off Deerness, Orkney, 200 were drowned - among them the
following East Kilbride men Robert Auld, James Clark, John Clark, William Rodger and John Struthers.
For his insistence that Christ was King, John Watt of East Kilbride was hanged at
Gallowlee, between Edinburgh and Leith, on 14 November 1684 and in the same place,
Robert Pollock, a shoemaker in East Kilbride, was hanged for similar beliefs on
23rd January 1685. 1
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No. 80 September 2002, p 5
431
On our way to view [some photographs in Hamilton], John Reardon told me he was taking me to
see something that he thought I might be interested in. He drove into the huge car park of the newly
opened Safeway supermarket, at Stewartfield, East Kilbride, and we walked into the entrance hall
of the store. There on the wall was a huge mural of scenes from East Kilbride’s past, and plum in
the middle of this ‘collage’ was a representation of a Covenanter gathering. The mural is signed
‘Charles Anderson ’93.’ (I remember the name very well for that is also the name of a very staunch
and generous member of the Association), and it is well worth a look if you are ever passing this
large supermarket. 1
OTHER COVENANTERS FROM EAST KILBRIDE

Robert Miller was executed at Edinburgh.

James Alexander was from Overhill, Dripps, west of East Kilbride. He was fined £360.

William Alexander was from Dripps. He was fined £100.

William Baird, of Dripps, was fined £100.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp 13, 72
Niven, Bill. The Covenanters of East Kilbride & The Udston Colliery Disaster
Orr, Brian, J.
EAST THREEPWOOD 2
Near Galston, East Ayrshire
[70] NS 517 345
Farm
Location of East Threepwood.
Ruin of farm
Information board
1
2
Also known as Wee Threepwood or Croonan.
432
Photo of East Threepwood as it
was in 1905 (on the information
board next to the ruin).
East Threepwood as it is today.
This was the home, during
Covenanting times of James Smith,
who offered hospitality to the escaped
prisoners of Newmilns Tower. He
was shot by soldiers who traced the
movements of the Covenanters to his
house. He later died in Mauchline,
where he is buried.
433
Information board at East
Threepwood.
“East Threepwood” Farm Stead, Home of Renowned Covenanter, James Smith
This is a historic site known as “East Threepwood.” The remains of the old farm steading are all that is left of the home
of outstanding Covenanter James Smith. James Smith died a martyr’s death at the hands of the dragoons led by “Bloody
Graham of Claverhouse.” He was wounded on his doorstep, captured and taken to Mauchline jail where he later died of
his injuries in 1684.
In Scotland in 1638, the National Covenant set out the belief that there should be no interference by kings in the affairs
of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Covenanters, as they were known, were Scots who signed the National
Covenant. However, the Stuart kings believed in the Divine Right of Kings - amongst other things, they believed that
they were the spiritual heads of the Church of Scotland. The Covenanters and their supporters could not, and would not
accept this; no man, not even a king, could be spiritual head of their church. The Covenanters fiercely believed that only
Jesus Christ could be spiritual head of a Christian church.
The entire Covenanting struggle was built around this conflict of beliefs - people against king. King Charles I had
introduced the Book of Common Prayer to Scotland in 1637, to the anger and resentment of the populace. Famously,
Jenny Geddes, at the first introduction of the new liturgy, is reported to have stood up in church, thrown her stool at the
priest and shouted out, “Dare ye say mass in ma lug?” That particular service was abandoned. Trouble and resentment
continued under Charles I. After his beheading, under the Protectorate, support for Cromwell waxed and waned within
the Scottish Church. However, when Charles II landed at Garmouth in Moray in Scotland in 1650, he went on to sign
the National Covenant, to the delight of the Scots. He was crowned King (of Scotland) at Scone in 1651. However, it
was not until after Cromwell’s death that Charles took, in 1660, the crown of Great Britain. But Charles II went back on
his word to the Scots and assumed superiority over the Church. He appointed bishops and declared that opposition to
the new liturgy would be treason. The Scots would have been loyal to this member of the Stuart dynasty but for that one
sticking. From 1638, when the Covenant was signed, until 1688 when Prince William of Orange made a bloodless
invasion of Great Britain, a great deal of death, torture, imprisonment, and transportation would follow. These times,
particularly between 1680 and 1688, became known as “The Killing Times”. This was a grim period of persecution
which witnessed the bloodiest crimes of the nation’s history.
On 13th August 1670 the government declared that conventicles, or religious meetings in the fields were illegal and it
was a capital offense to attend these. However the Presbyterians defied them and held secret meetings in the hills,
usually with a circle of lookouts who watched for approaching dragoons. Often the conventicle was infiltrated by a few
non-adherents who slipped off early to inform the authorities. The participants were most likely to be captured or
executed, usually on their way to and from conventicles. The fact that they were away from home and probably had a
Bible in their possession was enough for the authorities to justify fining or executing them, often killing them where
they stood.
These were the most horrific and atrocious times ever inflicted on the people of Scotland. The Covenanters were
flushed out and hunted down as never before and the common soldier was empowered to take life at will of any suspect,
without trial of law. Usually it was done without any evidence and often as the result of the suspicions of an overzealous town official or Minister. Brutality in these days defied the imagination.
434
The Battle of Drumclog
The situation was becoming grave in the lowlands and southwest and by 1679 the men of Galloway were to rise again
in what became known as the “Second Resistance”. It began with the “Rutherglen Declaration” when they condemned
the proceedings of the government since 1660. On the morning of Sunday 1 st June, a huge convention was arranged to
take place at Loudoun Hill, in defiance of government persecution of the Covenanters. This was more than a gesture of
defiance; it was a challenge the government had to meet to retain their credibility. John Graham of Claverhouse, known
to his enemies as “Bloody Graham”, rode out from Glasgow with about 180 dragoons to deal with them. He had
recently been appointed captain, with a mission to disperse conventicles in southwest Scotland. Born in 1638 near
Dundee, he killed by his own hands.
That morning it was heard that the dragoons of Claverhouse were heading to the area. The Rev. Thomas Douglas
allegedly broke off his sermon with the words, “Ye have got the theory, now for the practise.” A group of around 1500
armed Covenanters moved east, to a boggy moor near the farm of Drumclog. With about 40 mounted men, and armed
with muskets and pitchforks, the Covenanter force was no rabble. Commanded by Robert Hamilton, the army took up a
strong position behind a bog, or ‘stank’. Claverhouse’s forces arrived, but were unable to engage the enemy directly due
to the ground conditions. For some time groups of skirmishers exchanged fire across the stank and Claverhouse felt he
was gaining the upper hand. However, he was still unable to get h is troops close to the Covenanters without becoming
bogged down.
At this point, the Covenanters decided to press the attack. William Cleland led a force around the stank, and advanced
rapidly. Despite heavy fire from the government troops, the attack was entirely successful. The line of Claverhouse’s
forces broke, and the dragoons were soon routed from the battlefield, leaving 36 dead. Claverhouse had lost the “Battle
of Drumclog”.
Killings at Blackwood and East Threepwood Farm
In the same month of April 1685, a group of 12 Covenanters including James White formed a small prayer group at
Little Blackwood Farm, near to Moscow in the parish of Kilmarnock. Peter Inglis was in charge of a company of
troopers, based at the garrison in the keep in the small town of Newmilns. He had heard that an illegal covenant was
planned, so he set off with a small group of soldiers. On reaching the farm they split up and surrounded the building.
Something disturbed the meeting inside, perhaps a dog barking. In any case, the Covenanters abruptly ended their
meeting and tried to make their escape. As they stumbled about in the darkness, the dragoons loosed a volley of shots at
White and he crashed to the ground dead. Of the others eight were apprehended and three managed to escape.
Peter Inglis found an axe on the farm and instantly severed White’s head from his body. Grabbing it by the hair he tied
it to his horse’s saddle and returned with this trophy to Newmilns. The remainder of White’s body was left lying on the
ground and was trampled by cattle which were stolen from the farm. His remains were later interred art Fenwick. The
captured Covenanters were arrested and marched to the garrison at Newmilns. The following day the word had spread
throughout the Loudoun area about the incident and a crowd had gathered close to the garrison. They were shocked and
repulsed to see Inglis carry out White’s head by the hair and on the burgh green, he threw it into the air. When it landed,
he and the soldiers kicked it around, playing a makeshift game of football.
The next morning Captain John Inglis, Peter’s father, was about to execute the eight prisoners when officials of the
burgh intervened and stated that an official order should be obtained. Peter Inglis was then despatched to Edinburgh
where he readily received such an order from the Privy Council. However the parishioners of Loudoun were scheming a
rescue and made plans that night to spring a release. A group of about 60 approached the tower and easily overpowered
the guards. In the ensuing scramble two soldiers were shot. Using large hammers they had borrowed form the local
smithy they battered the gate down and all were able to escape. The only casualty in the melee being John Law, one of
the rescuers who was shot by a soldier from an upper window in the tower. He was buried where he fell in the castle
yard. The soldiers searched the district the following day determined to recapture their prisoners. However they had
difficulty in tracking them down. They came here to East Threepwood Farm steading and discovered that James Smith
had given the fugitives some food. James tried to escape but was wounded at his front door. He was taken to Mauchline
Castle where he later died of his wounds. His grave lies at the edge of Mauchline kirkyard, the stone propped up against
the base of another headstone.
435
Lives sacrificed on the Anvil.
For 50 years the non-conformist Covenanters had been fined, tortured, flogged, branded or executed without trial for
failing to turn up to hear the “King’s Curates” in the pulpit. One famous observer of the times, Daniel Defoe, the author
of “Robinson Crusoe” estimated that 18,000 had died for their adherence to the Covenant. Of those that lived, many had
been sold as slaves to America or sent to the dungeons on Bass Rock or Dunnottar Castle. Those who escaped sought
refuge in Holland and England. The cause still rings out on many martyr graves scattered throughout the southwest as
follows: “For the word of God and Scotland’s work of Reformation. Scotland’s heritage comes at a price which invokes
our greatest heart felt thanks for the lives sacrificed on the anvil of persecution, when innocent blood stained the heather
on our moors and ran down the gutters of our streets with sorrow and sighing beyond contemplation.”
The scene here before you was typical of the way of life of the supporters of the Covenant. While standing here take a
minute or two to reflect on what happened that day when James Smith was uprooted from his home and murdered. They
had a belief so strong they were willing to die for, just ordinary Scottish people standing up against their overlords for
the right of religious choice and freedom. You would be forgiven for thinking that not a lot has changed in today’s
world.
Wording on information board.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Campbell, T. pp 103-104, 139-141, 143, 149, 151
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. p 170
*Thomson, Rev. J. H. A Cloud of Witnesses. pp 546, 604
*Thomson, Rev. J. H. Martyr Graves. p 124
*Todd, Adam Brown. pp 165, 167-169
EASTWOOD
Thornliebank, Glasgow
[64] NS 552 601
Cemetery
The historian, Robert Wodrow’s grave in
Eastwood cemetery. Wodrow wrote The History
of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland from
the Restoration to the Revolution, which was
published in two volumes in 1721–1722 and
recorded and denounced the persecution of the
Covenanters.
Image copyright: Eddie Dowds and used with permission
436
E RE CT E D
T O T HE ME MORY
OF T HE
RE V RO BE RT WOD ROW
MINIST E R OF E AST WO OD.
T HE FAIT HF UL HIST O RIAN
OF T HE S UFFE RIN GS
OF T HE
CHURC H O F SCOT LA ND
FROM T HE YE AR 1660
T O 1688 .
HE DIE D IN MARC H 1734
IN T HE
55 T H YE A R OF HIS A GE
AND
31
ST
OF HIS MINI ST RY
?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ? ?? ?? ? ??
Inscription on Wodrow’s grave.
EASTWOOD - WODROW
After receiving a report from a Glasgow member that the Wodrow memorial in Eastwood
Cemetery had again been vandalised, I asked David Roy to assess the situation. You will remember
that Wodrow was the great chronicler of the covenanting struggle whose works are a ‘source’
material.
David reports that the damage to the stone is almost exactly the same as that which was
wreaked on it just a few years ago. The large stone urn has been removed from the top of the large
memorial, and it has been rolled or carried some distance away. With great difficulty David rolled
the stone urn back near the memorial. David also reports that this old cemetery is a scene of
dreadful vandalism and destruction. What kind of society are we living in when it can allow such
places to be desecrated? The previous removal of this heavy stone urn was repaired by a blacksmith
who reconnected the two parts of the monument by a steel rod. What more can we do to make such
a stone vandal-proof?
On our behalf David has again contacted the blacksmith, with a view to having another
repair carried out. On this occasion we are hoping to make the repair even more secure. 1
1
437
WODROW MEMORIAL
(EASTWOOD CEMETERY, GLASGOW)
We have once more had to expend a large amount of our funds on repairs to the memorial to
Robert Wodrow, the great recorder of the Covenanting struggle. Only three years ago we
commissioned a blacksmith to re-install the funerary urn on the top of the memorial. On that
occasion, the cause of the urn’s absence from the memorial may have been rust and erosion, but the
recent repair had to be made because of the urn being broken off by vandals. There is a great deal of
damage being done in this cemetery (as in many other cemeteries) by Neanderthal morons, and I am
told that it is quite depressing to see the dilapidated and neglected condition of the graves and
grounds.
The cost of the recent repair was over £180, and I don’t imagine anyone would object to the
spending of the money, but what should we do if more and more damage is done? There must be a
limit.
Incidentally, I note from The Martyr Graves of Scotland that when the author,
Rev. J. H. Thomson, visited this cemetery over 100 years ago, he noted the urn atop the memorial,
and suggested that urns, torches and broken pillars on graves were symbols of heathenism, rather
than of a blessed resurrection! 1
THE WODROW MEMORIAL
in Eastwood Cemetery has again been damaged, the ornamental urn on its top has been dislodged
and is lying on the grass. Once again, David Roy has been active in reporting on its condition and
he and John Reardon are trying to get a suitable tradesman to repair the damage. 2
OTHER COVENANTERS OF THE PARISH OF EASTWOOD

George Jackson was executed at Edinburgh.

James Cunningham perished in the Crown of London shipwreck at Deerness.

William Niven was imprisoned in Glasgow tolbooth and Dunnottar Castle. He
suffered severely and was transported on the ship Henry and Francis to New Jersey in
1685.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Orr, Brian, J.
*Wodrow, Rev. R. Volumes I, II, III, IV.
www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search_item/index.php?service=RCAHMS&id=163749
1
2
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No. 54, February 1994, p 7
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No. 60, February 1996, p 5
438
ECCLESIAMAGIRDLE
Near Bridge of Earn, Perth and Kinross
[58] NO 107 163
Old Churchyard
HE IR LYI S ANE VE R
T OUS HUS BAN D
MAN T HOMAS SM AL
WHO DIE D FO R
T
S
E
D
RE LIGION COVE NA
NT KING AND CO
VNT RIE T HE 1
OF
SE PT E MBE R 1645
HIS
Covenanter, Thomas Smal’s grave,
Ecclesiamagirdle.
AGE 58.
Inscription on Thomas Smal’s grave.
Ruined church and churchyard,
Ecclesiamagirdle.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Campbell, T. pp 88-89
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp xiii, xvii
Orr, Brian, J.
439
EDEN CASTLE
Near Turriff, Aberdeenshire
[29] NJ 698 588
Castle (ruins)
Eden Castle ruins - once the home of Covenanter
Sir Patrick Leslie.
Attribution: David Hawgood
BIBLIOGRAPHY
KING EDWARD
www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/search_item/index.php?service=RCAHMS
&id=18380
EDENSHEAD
Gateside, Fife
[58] NO 184 091
House
Once known as Pitlochie, this was formerly the home of George Scot, a Covenanter who was
responsible for transporting many Covenanters to New Jersey on board the Henry and
Francis in 1685. Both he and his wife, Lady Margaret Rigg, died of disease on board the
ship.
James Rymer, another Covenanter, is also listed as being from Pitlochie.
440
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*McCrie, Thomas. p 157-173
*Wodrow, Rev. Robert. Volume II. pp 238, 244, 356-357. Volume III. pp 5, 10, 58, 173, 196, 405.
Volume IV. pp 178, 222, 331
www.edenshead.co.uk/4466/13901.html
EDGARTON
Near Auldgirth, Dumfries and Galloway
[78] NX 903 845
Farm
Edgarton - home during Covenanting times of fugitive, James Durham.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*Morton, A. S. p 226
*Wodrow, Rev. Robert. Volume IV. p 22
441
EDINBURGH
City
Greyfriars Church and Churchyard (Parish Church)
[66] NT 255 732
Greyfriars, Edinburgh. The churchyard contains many graves of great men.
At the main entrance of Greyfriars
Churchyard.
442
Ha l t pa ffen ger , ta ke h eed wh a t you do fe e
Thi s t om b dot h fh e w for wh a t fom e m en di d di e.
Her e l i es i n t err ’d th e duft of t h ofe wh o ft ood
‘Ga in ft per jur y, r efi ft i n g un t o bl ood.
Adh er in g t o th e Coven a n t s, an d l a ws
E ft a bl i fh in g th e fa m e wh i ch wa s th e ca ufe
Th eir l i ves wer e fa cr i fi c’d un t o th e l ust
Of Pr el a t i ft s a bjur ’d. Th ough h er e th eir duft
Li es m i xt wi th m ur der er s, an d oth er cr ew,
Wh om juft i ce ju ft l y di d t o dea t h pur fue.
But a s for th em , n o ca ufe wa s t o be foun d
Wor th y of dea t h , but on l y t h e y wer e foun d
Con ft an t an d ft edfa ft , z ea l ous, wi t n effi n g,
For th e Pr er oga t i ves of C HRIST t h eir KING,
Whi ch Tr uth s wer e sea l ’d by fa m ous Gut h r ies h ea d
An d al l a l on g t o Mr . Ren wi ck’s bl ood.
Th ey di d en dur e th e wr a th of en em i es
Martyrs’ Tomb, Greyfriars.
Image copyright:
R. P. Missions and used with
permission
Repr oa ch es, t or m en t s, dea t h s an d in jur i es.
But yet t h e y’r e t h ofe wh o fr om such tr oubl es ca m e,
An d n ow t r i um ph in gl or y wi t h th e LAM B.
Fr om Ma y 27 th 1661, t hat t he moft nobl e Ma r qi s
o f Ar g y l e wa s b e h ea d e d , t o t h e 1 7 t h o f F e b r y 1 6 8 8
t h a t M r . R e n w i ck fu f f e r ed , w e r e o n e w a y
o r o t h er M u r d er e d a n d D e f t r o y e d f o r t h e fa m e C a u f e , a b o u t
E i g h t e e n t h o u fa n d , o f w h o m w e r e e x e cu t e a t E d i n b u r g h a b o u t a n
h u n d r e d o f N o b l e m e n , G e n t l e m e n , M i n i f t er s a n d O t h e r s, n o b l e
M a r t y r s f o r J E S U S C H R I S T . T h e m o f t o f t h e m l i e h er e.
F o r a p a r t i cu l a r a c c o u n t o f t h e ca u f e a n d ma n n er o f t h e i r S u f f e r i n g s , s e e
t h e C l o u d o f W i t n e f f e s , C r o o k f h a n k ’ s a n d D e f o e’ s H i f st e r i e s .
Inscription on martyrs’ tomb.
443
Greyfriars grave marker to the
Covenanters killed at
Grassmarket.
Image copyright: R. P. Missions and
used with permission
RE V. VI. 9. AND W HE N HE HA D OPE NE D T HE
FIFT H SE AL, I SAW UNDE R T HE ALT A R T HE
SO UL S OF T HE M T HAT WE RE SL AIN
FO R T HE WO RD OF GO D, AND FO R
T HE T E ST IMONY W HIC H T HE Y HE LD:
AND T HE Y C RIE D WIT H A L O UD VOICE ,
SAYING, HO W LONG, O LO RD, HO LY
AND T RUE , DOST T HO U NOT J UD GE &
AVE NGE OUR BL OOD ON T HE M T HAT
DWE L L ON T HE E ART H? AND W HIT E
RO BE S WE RE GIVE N T O E VE RY
ONE OF T HE M AND IT WAS SAID
UNT O T HE M T HAT T HE Y S HO ULD RE ST
YE T FOR A LIT T LE SE ASON, UN T IL T HE IR FE L LO W -SE RVA NT S ALSO
AND T HE IR BRE T HRE N, T HAT S HO UL D
BE KILLE D AS T HE Y WE RE , SHO UL D
B E FULFIL LE D.
RE V. VII. 14. T HE SE ARE T HE Y
WHIC H CA ME OUT OF G RE AT
T RIBULAT ION, AND HA VE WAS HE D
T HE IR RO BE S, AND MA DE T HE M
WHIT E IN T HE BLO OD OF T HE LAM B.
CHAP 2 N D . 10. BE T HO U
FAIT HF UL UNT O DE AT H, AND I WIL L
GIVE T HE E A CROWN OF LI FE
Inscription on grave marker.
.
444
M
S
D Al exa ndr Hen der fon i j
r egi a fa cr i s E din br gen fi s
E ccl e ft æ Pa ft er i s i bi de m
Aca dem i æ r econ si s Aca d em i æ
An dr ean a l umn i am pl i fi ca t or i s
Pa t r on i
Qui con t ra gr a ssan t es per fra udem et t yr a nni dem
Pr æla t os, l i ber t a t i s et di sci pl i n æ E ccl esi a st i cæ
pr opugna t or fui t a cerr im us; Super st i ti on i s juxta &
succr esc en t i um sect a r um m a ll eus, Rel i gi on i s,
cul t usque di vi n i pur i or i s, Vin dex et Asser t or
con st an t i ssi m us; in quæ, cum om ni cura et
cogi t a t i on e in cum ben s, a ssi duos, cum i n pa tri æ, t um
in vi ci n o An gli æ Regn o, l a bor es E c cl e si æ ut i l es,
si bi gl or i osos exa n t la vi t . E xtr em um spir i t um effudi t ,
di e 12 August i 1646, æta t i s 63.
Alexander Henderson’s tombstone. 1
Latin inscription on east side of
Alexander Henderson’s tomb. 2
To the sacred memory of
Mr Alexander Henderson
chaplain to the king
minister at Edinburgh
and primer of the college there
who was a scholar at St Andrews College there
and a bountiful enlarger
and patron thereof
Who was a most diligent defender of the freedom and discipline of the Kirk against the prelates raging by fraud and
tyranny; a suppressor of superstition, as well as of the undergrowing sectaries; the maintainer and most constant asserter
of religion and the purest worship of God: upon which, when he had laid out himself with all care and thoughtfulness,
and had endured daily labours, both in his own country and in the neighbouring kingdom of England, profitable to the
Kirk, and glorious to himself, he gave up the ghost, 19th August 1646, and of his age - 63
Translation of inscription on east side of Henderson’s tombstone.
1
Alexander Henderson was, with Johnston of Warriston, the architect, in the drawing up of the National Covenant in 1638. He was a leading figure
in negotiations with the English Parliament, for the Covenant, and Presbyterianism in Scotland. He was a commissioner in the Westminster
Assembly and Moderator of the Church of Scotland from1638 until his death in 1646. He was minister at Leuchars, Fife, the Moderator of the
Glasgow Assembly and one time chaplain to Charles I.
2
At the Restoration, the inscriptions on Henderson’s monument were ordered by Parliament to be obliterated. The marks of the bullets fired by the
soldiers sent to execute the order may still be seen upon the stone. Again, at the Revolution in 1688, came a new state of affairs; the inscriptions
were quietly repaired, and have remained ever since.(From The Epitaphs and Monumental Inscriptions of Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh,
collected by James Brown, Pub. Edinburgh, 1867)
445
Rea der , bedu e t h in e e ye s,
Not for th e duft h er e l yes,
It qui cken fh al l a ga in ;
An d a y i n joy r em a in :
But for t h yfel f, t h e Ch ur ch & Fta t es
Wh ose voe s t h i s duft pr ogn oft i ca t e s
West side of Henderson’s tomb.
Ha n c qui squi s urn am tran si en s spect a ver i s,
Inscription on the west side of
Henderson’s tombstone.
No n egl i gen t spect a t or ma y
Ne n egl i gen t er a spi ce;
Look on th i s t om b a t al l ;
Hi c bust a m a gni cern i s Hen der son i j
Th i s t om b of gr ea t est Hen der son
Pi ct a ti s h oc bust um vi de s.
An d dut y we m a y ca l l
Latin inscription on the south side
of Henderson’s tombstone.
Translation of inscription on the
south side of Henderson’s tombstone.
Vi r fui t di vi n us, a c pl an e exi m i us; et omn i vir t utum gen er e,
t um pi et at e in pr im i s, er udi t i on e, pr uden ti a i l l ustr i s: R egi
Ser en i ssi m o, et utr i usque Regn i or din i bus juxt a ch ar us.
Cui h oc m on um en t um pi et a ti s er go er i gen dum cur a vi t
Ge or gi us Hen der son us ex fr a tr e n epos, i pse si bi et er n um
i n an im i s bon or um r el i qui t.
Latin inscription on the north side of Henderson’s tombstone.
He wa s a godl y m a n , an d tr ul y gr ea t ; i ll ustr i ous i n a l l m ann er of vi r t ue, pi et y, l ea rn in g, an d
pr uden ce; equa l l y bel oved by t h e ki n g an d est a t es of bot h kin gdom s; t o wh om Geor ge
Hen der son , h i s n eph ew by h i s br ot h er, in t oken of si n cer e a ffect i on , ca used t hi s m on um en t t o be
er ect ed; t h e defun ct h i m sel f h a vin g l eft i n own m em or i a l in th e m in ds of a l l good m en
Translation of inscription on north side of Henderson’s tombstone.
446
Memorial to Thomas McCrie. 1
George Buchanan’s grave.
IN T HIS CE ME T E RY ARE DE POSIT E D T HE RE MAINS OF
GE ORGE BUC HAN AN, SCOT T ISH HI ST O RIAN
ONE OF T HE MOST DIST ING UIS HE D RE FO RME RS OF
T HE SIXT E E NT H CE NT URY AND T HE BE ST L AT IN
POE T WHIC H MO DE RN E UROPE HA S PROD UCE D
Inscription on Buchanan’s
HE WA S BO RN IN T HE PA RIS H OF KI LLE A RN
grave.
ST IRLINGS HI RE IN FE BRUA RY 1500 AND DI E D
AT E DINBURG H 28 T H SE PT E M BE R 1582.
1
Thomas McCrie (1772 - 1835) wrote a biography of John Knox and Memoirs of William Veitch and of Mrs. Veitch.
447
IN ME MORY O F
T HOM AS M c C RIE D. D.
BIOG RAP HE R OF JO HN KNOX
BO RN 1772 DIE D 1835
A CHRIST IA N AND A PAT RI OT
IN HIM WE RE UNIT E D
T HE SOFT E R VI RT UE S OF P RIVAT E LIFE
WIT H T HE HI G H DISINT E RE ST E D SPIRIT OF T HE T IME S
W HIC H HIS W RIT ING S HAVE IL L UST RAT E D
RAI SE D BY HIS GE NI US AS AN A UT HO R
T O E MINE NCE IN T HE WORLD O F W RIT E RS
HE ROSE ST ILL HI G HE R IN T HE E ST IMAT ION OF HI S FLOC K
BY T HE AFFE CT IONAT E FIDE LIT Y AS A MINIST E R OF JE S US C HRIST
UNDE R T HE BAN NE R OF T HE ORI GINA L SE CE SSION
HE CONT E NDE D WIT H UNFA LT E RING FI RM NE SS
FO R T HE PRINCIP LE S OF T HE RE F O RMAT IO N
T HE ME MORY OF W HO SE CHAM PION S
HE HAS VIN DICAT E D AND E MBA LME D
IN T HE PAGE OF IMPE RI S HA BLE HI ST ORY
Inscription on McCrie’s memorial.
A group of Christians in Greyfriars Churchyard singing the Covenanters’ song:
448
Sing with me, sing with me, sing with me!
Blessed spirits sing with me;
To the Lamb our song shall be
Through a glad eternity.
Farewell earthly morn and even.
Sun and moon and stars of heaven.
Heavenly portals ope before me;
Welcome Christ, in all thy glory!
Sing with me, sing with me, sing with me,
Blessed spirits sing with me.
Covenanters’ Prison.
Here in Greyfriars Churchyard many
covenanters were imprisoned. As many as
1500 at one time – some from Stirling, but
most captured at Bothwell Bridge 1679.
They had little or no clothes, slept in the open
air and had very scanty provisions daily. Later,
many were set free on promising not to take
up arms against the government. Of those
who refused, about 100 managed to escape. A
number died in the prison. Over 250 were
secretly taken to Leith and put on a vessel for
America. But most perished in a storm off the
Orkneys.
Inside the gates of the Covenanters’
prison at Greyfriars Churchyard.
449
Plaque beside the Covenanters’
Prison.
THE COVENANTERS’ PRISON
Behind these gates lies part of the Greyfriars Kirkyard which was used in 1679 as a prison for more than one thousand
supporters of the National Covenant who had been defeated by Government forces at the Battle of Bothwell Brig on 22
June. For more than four months these men were held here without any shelter,each man being allowed 4 ounces of
bread a day. Kindly citizens were sometimes able to give them more food.
Some of the prisoners died here, some were tried and executed for treason, some escaped and some were freed after
signing a bond of loyalty to the Crown. All those who were persecuted and died for their support of the National
Covenant in the reign of Charles II and James VII are commemorated by the Martyrs’ Memorial on the north eastern
wall of the kirkyard. The Covenant, which was first signed in Greyfriars Kirk in 1638, promised to defend
Presbyterianism from intervention by the Crown.
In November 1679 the remaining 257 men, who had been sentenced to transportation overseas, were taken to Leith and
placed on board a ship bound for the American Colonies; nearly all were drowned when this ship was wrecked off the
Orkney Islands (where there is a monument in their memory) but 48 of the prisoners survived.
The section of the kirkyard used to imprison the Covenanters lay outside the existing south wall and included the area
now covered by buildings on Forres Row. The area behind the gate was laid out for burials in 1705 and contains many
fine monuments but these did not exist at the time of the prison.
This plaque has been provided by the Greyfriars Kirkyard Trust with the support of the Scottish Covenanter Memorials
Association.
Information on plaque.
The tomb of ‘Bluidy McKenzie’,
Covenanters’ Persecutor.
450
Pulpit in Greyfriars Church.
Sir Archibald Johnston, advocate.
Author of the National Covenant.
People concerned in the Covenant struggle.
(See following four pictures.)
Rev. Alexander Henderson.
Co-author with Johnston of the National
Covenant.
451
Archibald Campbell. Marquis
of Argyll. Led Scotland’s
anti-royalist party. Beheaded 1661.
Sir George McKenzie, known as
‘Bluidy McKenzie’ because of his
vigorous persecution of Covenanters.
Portrait by David Scougall
In 1603 the Crowns of Scotland and England (but not their parliaments) were united when James VI of Scotland, son of
Mary, Queen of Scots, succeeded Queen Elizabeth as James I of England. He moved his court to London, but tried to
bring the Scottish Church under control through the agency of bishops.
This policy was continued by his son Charles I. It was fiercely opposed by the Presbyterian Scots who wanted no state
interference in religious matters, and feared that bishops would lead the Kirk back towards Rome. Their protests found
expression in the National Covenant, first signed in front of Greyfriars pulpit in 1638.
The Covenant denied the King any right to interfere in the Church, affirmed that in the Church only Christ was King,
and bound the nation to the Reformed faith. Its main authors were Alexander Henderson, minister at Leuchars, and
Archibald Johnston of Warriston, an Edinburgh advocate. Johnston described the day of its signing, February 28 as
“that glorious marriage day of the kingdom with God”. Copies were sent to most parts of the country and signed by
many thousands of people.
Wording on information board in Greyfriars Church.
452
At Greyfriars Church -brief church history of the 17th century.
In the wars that followed, the Covenanters allied themselves with the English Parliament assembled under Oliver
Cromwell, in the hope of establishing a Presbyterian government throughout Great Britain and Ireland. However, when
Charles I was executed in London in 1649, the Scots crowned his son Charles II at Scone, after he had signed the
Covenant. This coronation prompted Cromwell to invade Scotland.
When Charles II was restored to his London throne in 1660 he dismayed the Scots by setting out to impose episcopacy
(bishops) once more. Copies of the Covenant were ordered to be burned and the Covenanters themselves were
persecuted. In 1679, after being defeated at the battle of Bothwell Brig, more than a thousand captives were imprisoned
in a field beside Greyfriars Kirkyard.
In 1689 William of Orange was invited to become King. A Protestant succession was guaranteed and the Presbyterian
Kirk was recognised as the National Church in Scotland.
William Carstares, later minister in Greyfriars and Principal of the University of Edinburgh, was closely involved in
negotiating this Settlement.
Wording on information board in Greyfriars Church.
A replica of Scotland’s ‘Confession of Faith’ 1580. This
Confession which was instituted after the Reformation, was
declared unlawful by Bishops of the Kirk following the declaration
and signing of the National Covenants of 1638 (February).
Now, in the Free General Assembly held at Glasgow, 1638
(December), the followers of reformed principles and
Covenanters signed the confession thereby declaring their
determination for the lawfulness of the continuation in the
Church and realm of Scotland.
453
The following men, involved in both sides of the Covenant struggle, are commemorated in
Greyfriars Church.
Donald Cargill
Covenanter
General Thomas Dalziel,
a persecutor of the Covenanters
John Brown of Priesthill,
Covenanter
Portrait by Sir Peter Lely
image: www.magdalenchapel.org/covenanters.html
image:www.magdalenchapel.org/covenanters.html
Graham of Claverhouse,
a persecutor of the
Covenanters.
image: http://www.thereformation.info/
james_renwick.htm
454
Greyfriar’s copy of The
Covenant of 1638. 1
The signing of the National
Covenant, painting by
Sir William Allan.
1
The original document is housed in the Scottish National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.
455
GREYFRIARS MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL
The famous Martyrs’ Memorial in Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh has recently undergone a
major restoration programme. This memorial has long been a source of concern to the S.C.M.A.,
but having few members in the Edinburgh area, and few contacts, it had proved difficult to get
something done about it. However, we came across a group called the Greyfriars Kirkyard Trust
(www.greyfriars.org) which exists to promote knowledge of the old kirkyard, as well as maintain
the memorials (of all sorts) therein. Contact was made with this group and I am pleased to say that
they were willing to undertake the organisation of the specialist work involved. As the memorial is
a Listed Building, Historic Scotland had to approve and supervise the work. This is of a restorative
nature, conserving what survives, as opposed to a renovation, where new material could be added to
replace worn parts.
Extensive areas of the memorial were covered where conservators injected a material which
counteracts delamination and deterioration, while allowing the stone to breathe. Considerably more
of the monument had to be addressed than simply the book. When the conservator started work on
the monument however, it became apparent that there were large areas of delamination which had
not been visible on initial inspection. These would have required attention in the very near future
and the decision was taken to strengthen these while the scaffolding and the expertise were
available. Principally, this covered areas to the sides and around the capitals and resulted in a
further week of work. Also, in the months since the book had been examined, further extensive
erosion had taken place and the conservator’s advice was to use a system of silicic acid ester to
delay as much as possible the process of deterioration. This method involves careful injections of
large areas which are then covered and left for seventeen days before a second round of injections.
Fragments of the Bible were found and cleaned, and subsequently pinned back on. Other
broken fragments were affixed with a resin and the whole repointed. As Historic Scotland would
not allow a new Bible to be cut and inserted, it was agreed that a new bronze plaque should be
commissioned, copying the verses from the Bible, as well as detailing who restored the memorial. It
was also agreed a new information leaflet would be prepared, available from within Greyfriars
Church. There are still unfinished at the time of writing, although conservation work to the
memorial is. In total the S.C.M.A. is contributing around £3,650 to the Greyfriars project, but this
ensures that the memorial has been restored to the highest standard possible under restrictions
imposed by heritage agencies.
It is also proposed to have a new plaque erected at the Covenanters’ Prison at the opposite
corner of the kirkyard. Again this is still under consideration.
The original memorial commemorating the Covenanters was erected in 1706 by
James Currie, who had suffered for the cause. The Town Council of Edinburgh had given his
permission to erect a memorial with the proviso that ‘there be no inscription to be put upon the
tomb but the sixth chapter of Revelation, verses 9, 10, and 11.’ When the present memorial was
erected in 1771 by the mason Charles Fairnington, the original Bible was incorporated.
It is intended to have a dedication ceremony for the restored memorial in the churchyard on
a Saturday in October. S.C.M.A. President Bill Niven will give an address on the Covenanters and
our part in preserving their memorials, and the minister of Greyfriars will lead the service. It is
expected that this will take place at 3.00 pm. 1
1
Scottish Covenanter Memorials Association Newsletter, No.89, September 2005, pp 8-9
456
THE SIGNING OF THE COVENANT IN THE GREYFRIARS
CHURCHYARD
Mrs. Harriet Stuart Menteath
[After the Covenanters had tried every legitimate means to secure freedom of conscience and religious liberty, and
failed, the National Covenant was drawn up and signed at Greyfriars, Edinburgh, February 28th 1638.
Men from every class in the community signed the document. This was Scotland’s answer to Charles
Stuart’s attempted enforcement of Episcopacy on the nation.]
I'm old! I'm old! I'm very frail! my eyes are dim with age.
Scarce can I trace the words of life upon this sacred page.
Then out upon the unquiet heart! - that yearns, and will not rest.
To be where Scotland rallies now her truest and her best!
I heard them with the earliest dawn! I heard them gathering fast!
A sound, as on the mighty sea, the menace of the blast;
A mingled sound of thousand feet, and voices blent in one,
And on the living spring-tide swept — and I was left alone!
Alone! alone! oh wearily the day hath lingered by!
With now and then a far-off shout, cleaving the distant sky;
Yet have I wrestled with my God, some hours as moments past;
But age halts soon — my son, my son! It is thy step at last!
"Father! a solemn eve hath fallen, a mighty deed is done Pledged to his country and his God, receive and bless thy son,
And pray, my father, ceaseless pray, that I may never shame
The oath of God. to which, this day. I have affixed my name!
— "We met within the ancient walls, where once the Greyfriars ruled,
A concourse vast of earnest men, in common danger schooled;
Earth's titled ones - God's ministers - poor - rich - together driven Christ's flock, awaiting, 'neath the storm, their Shepherd's sign from heaven!
"And solemnly, oh solemnly! went up the breath of prayer,
The silence, as a shadow, brooding o'er the thousands there:
Only the pulse of each strong heart amid the stillness heard.
Through which the voice of Henderson a nation's suit preferred!
''Ay, father! there was One, amid our convocation then,
Whose eyes are as a flame of fire, to search the souls of men;
Whose Spirit, moving wondrously, from heart to heart, can bring
A willing people to the feet of their Almighty King!
“And when the noble Loudon spake of Scotland's Gospel prime,
Her Covenants of other days - her glad espousal time How fearless, through the wilderness, her God she followed still,
And found a very present help in every time of ill “Till one by one, her mighty men were gathered to their graves,
And sons, degenerate from their sires, made Christ's own freemen slaves Discrowning His anointed head to gem an earthly brow Making our Father's holy house the ruin it is now!
"Oh! then there was such weeping, through that bowed and silent throng,
Such self-accusing bitterness for guilt contracted long,
Such binding of the broken vows upon the soul once more That very moment made us free, as we were free of yore!
457
"And now, with tone distinct and clear, as one whose word is power.
Johnston of Warriston stood forth, (God's gift in danger's hour,)
A mighty parchment in his hand, from which he read - the while
A sudden sunburst filled the place with heaven's approving smile!
"He ended - and there was a pause — a pause of holy fear—
Who, to attest the oath of God, shall first adventure near It was not doubt, but solemn awe, and self-distrusting shame,
And that each deemed his brother bore a less unworthy name!
“Till the good Earl of Sutherland — the brave old Earl and true,
One moment bowed his reverent head, then toward the table drew;
‘So deal my God with me, and mine, till latest ages be,
As we prove steadfast in this bond, I bind on them and me!"
"Then followed Rothes quickly on — Cassilis, and Hay. and Home;
Montrose, as if almost he grudged to lose the foremost room Loudon, his country's beacon-light amid her mirkiest hour,
With many a noble name beside, a kingdom's hope and flower!
"Now Henderson, the called of God; Dickson, the owned of heaven;
(Surely a blessing waits the land to which such guides are given!)
Guthrie, as though upon the cast his life he longed to stake:
And Rutherford, with look inspired, as if his Master spake!
"Bless God, my father, who hath lent the land we love so well,
Sons valiant for the truth on earth, more than my tongue can tell,
To name but those already proved by many a searching test,
Would wile us from the hour of prayer, and steal thy midnight rest!
"Yet must thou hear: when all had signed within the house of God,
How still a multitude without, each on the other trode.
Pressing with fervent footsteps on, and many an earnest prayer.
That they in Scotland's Covenant might register their share!
"Oh! Arthur's Seat gave back the shout of that assembled crowd,
As one bare forth the mighty bond, and many wept aloud;
They spread it on a tombstone head, (a martyr slept beneath,)
And some subscribed it with their blood, and added 'Until death!'
"Ay! young and old were moved alike with prayers, and groans, and tears.
Surely the fruit of such a day is yet for many years!
And, owned in heaven, the strong appeal of each uplifted hand,
As evening's sun went down upon the covenanted land!'"
— That old man rose up in his place - he bared his locks of gray;
"Lord, let thy servant now depart, for I have seen this day Upon my head in early youth, John Knox's hand hath lain,
And I have seen his buried work unsepulchered again!
"Speed on thou covenanted cause! God's blessing upon thee!
Baptized in Scotland's dearest blood albeit thou needs must be.
Christ came not to send peace on earth — only may that red rain
Still fructify thy living seed till He return again!
“My country ! Oh my country! yea for thee the light is sown.
Only be steadfast in thy trust — let no man take thy crown!
Thine be the standard-bearer's place! the post of suffering high.
God's blessing- on the Covenant — I'll sign it ere I die!"
458
TRAGEDY AT GREYFRIARS
David Roy and used with permission
For many people, Edinburgh is Princes’ Street, but for me it has always been the Old Town that has
taken priority. Since I was a teenager, I have always made a point of visiting Greyfriars because it
all started there. At the Martyrs’ Monument I have shed many a tear over the years. Imagine my
heart felt dismay when I visited the memorial to Alexander Henderson at the rear side of the kirk
only to discover that vandals have knocked off the urn, which surmounted it. From what I could see,
I think the urn is in three pieces. The finial on top with its mounting cast to one side and the urn,
which I think, belongs to it rolled further down the yard. There has been a spate of vandalism in the
yard lately and unfortunately, Henderson’s Monument has not escaped. I immediately went into the
church to enquire about the vandalism and, to my surprise, they knew nothing of it and one was
more concerned about the recent break-in to George McKenzie’s tomb, in spite of what he had
done in sending many a Covenanter’s head rolling. I was advised to write to the City Chambers
because the grounds now belong to the council. “Make sure you ask for a reply,” they said. I should
add that this is not the first act of vandalism on Henderson’s Monument. Troopers were sent out
after the restoration of Charles II, to spray it with gunshot as a mark of contempt.
For years now I have been watching the deterioration of the Martyrs’ Monument, especially
the open book under the inscription, which is now fragmented and torn asunder by the passage of
time. I did write about it three years ago, but to no avail and with no reply. Happily,
Thomas McCrie’s monument on the other side of the wall has had a face-lift and is now readable.
He was John Knox’s biographer. There are two stone books mounted on it, which I found on the
ground last year and, with the help of two friends, replaced them. George Buchanan’s monument
is getting a bit frayed at the edges too. Unfortunately, the council will not let us interfere with them.
Our old friend Walter Storrar had trouble too in doing anything there in the sixties. 1
WILLIAM CA RST AI RS A. M .
PRINCIPA L OF T HE UNIVE RSIT Y OF E DINBURG H
MINIST E R OF T HE HIG H C HURC H ,
CHAPLA IN T O
WILLI AM III, QUE E N ANNE & GE ORGE I
BORN 11, FE B, 1645
Grave of William Carstairs,
Chaplain to William of Orange.
1
DIE D 28 DE C. 1715
Part of inscription on headstone of Carstair’s grave.
459
St. Giles Cathedral
[66] NT 257 735
St. Giles, where John Knox was minister.
The National Covenant, 1638.
Image copyright: R. P. Missions and used with permission
460
James Graham, 1st Marques of Montrose.
Although the nobleman was among the
first three to sign the National Covenant,
he became a turncoat and fought for the
King. He won many battles for the Royalists
but was eventually defeated at Philiphaugh
by Leslie’s Army in 1645. It was the same
year that Charles I was beaten at Naseby
by Cromwell. Montrose escaped to France
where he stayed for a few years. He returned
intending to avenge the King’s execution. But,
unable to raise support this time from the
highlanders, he was captured, taken to
Edinburgh for trial as a traitor, and himself
executed, 1650.
Plaque above the grave with
Latin inscription.
Sca t t er m y a sh es, st r ew t h em in th e a ir ,
L or d, sin ce t h ou kn owest wh er e a l l th es e a t om s a r e,
Inscription on James Graham’s grave.
I’m h ope ful T h ou’l t r ecover on ce m y dust
An d con fi den t Th ou’l t r ai se m e wi t h th e just .
461
This date marks one of the first acts of
Charles II upon the Restoration. The bones of
Montrose had been scattered at Glasgow,
Stirling, Perth and Aberdeen and the main
body at Burrow Muir. Whilst they were being
gathered together at Edinburgh, the head
(probably on Netherbow Port) had been taken
down, put in a fine coffin and laid in the aisle
at Holyrood House. Then, with much Pomp and
ceremony, members of Parliament and the
commissioner,heralds, etc, all was brought
into St.Giles Cathedral, where he is now buried.
Tiled floor beneath the reclining state
of James Graham.
Memorial to
Dean Hannay at whom
Janet Geddes threw stool.
TO
JAME S . HANNAY. D: D:
DE AN OF T HIS CAT HE D RAL
1634-1639
HE . WAS . T HE . FIRST . AND . T HE . LAST . W HO . RE AD
T HE . SE RVICE . BOOK . IN . T HIS . CHURC H
T HIS ME MO RIA L WA S E RE CT E D
IN HA PPIE R T IME S . BY HI S DE SCE NDANT
Inscription on Dean Hannay’s plaque.
462
The first martyr of the Covenanters,
Archibald Campbell’s grave.
Inscription above
Archibald Campbell’s grave.
HE HAT H MADE WIT H ME AN
E VE RLAST IN G COVE NANT
2 SAM. 23. 5
Plaque beneath Campbell’s grave.
SIR J O HN GO RD ON
OF HADDO
WAS IMP RI SONE D FO R CONSCIE NCE SAKE
IN A SMAL L C HURC H W HIC H HAD
FO RME D PA RT OF T HIS CAT HE D RA L AND
BE CAME KNOW N AS “ HADDO’ S HOLE ” .
HE WA S E XE CUT E D JULIE 1644,
T HIS T A BLE T IS E RE CT E D IN HIS ME MO RY BY
HI S DE SCE NDANT JO HN CAM P BE LL
OF ABE RDE E N & T E MAIR
Memorial to Sir John Gordon.
Inscription on Gordon’s memorial.
463
ALE XANDE R HE NDE RSO N
ST AT E SMAN . SCHOLA R . DIVINE
MINIST E R OF ST . GILE S
1639 – 1646
He fr ame d the Solem n L e ague and C ove nant
P r e side d at the de pasition of the Bishops and sat
in the A sse mbly of Divine s at We stm inster .
Plaque to Alexander Henderson.
Inscription on Henderson’s plaque.
A replica of the stool used by Janet Geddes
to throw at Dean Hannay in 1637. 1
Plaque commemorating the
throwing of the stool
by Janet Geddes.
1
For the original (?) stool, see National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, p 525
464
CONST ANT ORAL T RA DIT ION
AFFIRM S T HAT NE AR T HIS
SPOT A BRA VE SCOT CH WO MAN
JANE T GE DDE S ON T HE 23 IVLY
1637 ST RVCK T HE FIRST BLO W IN
T HE GRE AT ST RVGG LE FOR
FRE E DOM OF CON SCIE NCE W HIC H
AFT E R A CONFLICT OF HA LF
A CE NT VRY E NDE D IN T HE
E ST ABLIS HME NT OF CIVIL
AND RE LIGIOV S LI BE RT Y.
Inscription on plaque.
Stained glass window of John Knox preaching.
Statue of John Knox in
St. Giles.
Closer view of stained glass window of
John Knox preaching.
465
These stones, now in St. Giles, originally marked the place of John Knox’s grave.
Image copyright right: R. P. Missions and used with permission
This yellow tile in the square between St. Giles
and Parliament Hall is reputed to be
marking John Knox’s grave.
A
stone pillar
in St. Giles
_________
there was a
door, leading
to stone steps,
at the top of
which was a
chamber where
Covenanters were
kept prisoner
whilst awaiting
trial or execution
Stone pillar in St. Giles.
466
Mercat Cross
[66] NT 257 735
Mercat Cross, place of the execution of many Covenanters.
Parliament Hall
Parliament Hall, where the Covenanters were
brought for trial.
[66] NT 257 735
Entrance to Parliament Hall.
467
THE THREE ESTATES
As our first parliament for almost 300 years meets in Edinburgh George Robinson recalls the
turbulent times experienced by the Scottish Parliament in the 17th century.
Used with permission from the author.
Scotland’s ruling body which had been in existence since before the Wars of Independence was also
known as the Three Estates. The title referred to the three sections of society consisting of nobles,
clerics and burgesses or commoners. Unlike England’s ruling body made up of the Lords and the
House of Commons, Scotland’s assembly met under one roof but in different towns.
When Edinburgh hosted the assemblies, meetings were held in the High Street’s Tolbooth
which also housed the city’s jail. As time passed and Edinburgh began to attract the rich and
powerul, it was decided that all future assemblies should be held in the city. Considering it
unsuitable for his government to meet in a building which also held criminals, Charles I instructed
his Master of Works, Sir James Murray, to design a new government building. When drawn, the
royal architect’s plan consisted of a main debating chamber, plus an east wing to house the Inner
House of the Court of Session and the Lords of the Scottish Treasury and Exchequer.
A loan to pay for two-thirds of the project was obtained from the town council, while the
remainder was supplied by public donation. Land belonging to the church of St. Giles was
purchased and the canons’ quarters standing on the site demolished. After the laying of the
foundation stone in 1632 joiners and masons began work in earnest.
Surviving politically in the 17th century was tricky. Discontent reigned south of the Border
as the king had dismissed his Westminster M.Ps and was ruling without them. Even as the walls of
Scotland’s new government house were being built, events were taking place which were to cause
political upheaval. Used to getting his way with his Scots M.Ps, the 37-year-old monarch
announced that he would prefer his northern subjects to use the same prayer book as those in the
south.
Scots Presbyterins had fought hard for the right to worship in their own way and the
proposal was met with angry disapproval. In February 1638 representatives from all over the south
of Scotland gathered in Greyfriars Kirkyard less than half a mile from the government house
construction site to sign the National Covenant. Not surprisingly, the following summer when the
lords and burgesses - the clerics no longer took part - sat for the first time in the new building, they
found that they had no shortage of serious topics to discuss.
The Covenanters now had an army of 20,000 musketeers and pikemen. In 1640 they
marched into England and occupied Newcastle. Having been forced to agree to the Scots’ demands,
the king how had to raise an army to re-establish his authority north of the Border. To obtain the
money, the monarch was forced to recall his English M.Ps. Well aware that the king was
untrustworthy, the English politicians took steps to reduce his power which led to their country
being split by civil war. In 1649, three years after his surrender, Charles I was beheaded. Although
the Scots had fought on the English parliament’s side, they were not in favour of the monarch’s
execution.
In 1650 Oliver Cromwell crossed the Tweed at the head of an army of 16,000 men.
Defeating his former allies at Dunbar, the highly-trained troops of the New Model Army occupied
the capital. Commissioners now administered the law and the townspeople had to become used to
Roundhead troopers patrolling the streets.
Although the country was now under military control, Scots were free to worship as they
pleased. The statues of Justice and Peace still guarded the doors of Parliament House but the royal
arms had been removed. Along with representatives from England and Ireland, Scotland’s M.Ps
now had to travel down to Westminster.
Some of the more enthusiastic troopers, all wearing lobster pot helmets, metal cuirasses and
armed with pistols, used parliament’s pulpit which stood directly in front of the ceremonial chair to
preach to the capital’s citizens. In addition to using Parliament House for their prayer meetings, the
468
Roundheads used the building as a detention centre. After being subjected to one sermon too many,
most of the detainees decided to escape by sawing a hole in the floor.
Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, after giving the Scots eight years of stability. His son
Richard succeeded him , but he was unable to keep order, and King Charles II who had been
crowned at Dunfermline following his father’s death was recalled from exile on the continent. The
Covenanters initially welcomd the monarch’s return, but soon changed their minds when he
declared their National Covenant to be illegal. An act was passed cancelling Scotland’s right to
trade freely with her southern neighbours. Scotland’s government was now in the hands of the Privy
Council which had supreme power.
The building of Parliament House had transformed the surrounding area. In 1662 after the
town council had granted building permission, workmen began constructing tenements on the
building’s southern and eastern sides. Although the grim-looking Tolbooth continued to dominate
the district,it did not deter many rich and influential figures connected with Parliament and the
Court of Session from moving into the area.
Soon Parliament House, St. Giles and the tolbooth were hemmed in by high tenements.
Shops and taverns opened up. The open courtyard which had belonged to St. Giles was now a busy
commercial square known as Parliament Close. Booksellers, goldsmiths and watchmakers now
catered for the well-heeled politicians, judges, lawyers and civil servants who were not short of
disposable income.
In the 1680s workmen erected a mounted statue of King Charles II only yards away from
Parliament House. Many of Edinburgh’s townspeople reckoned that very little thought had gone
into choosing the site as the horse’s rump pointed towards the statues of Justice and Mercy guarding
the building’s front entrance.
Now that the king was back in power, ruthless persecution of the Covenanters began.
Chased by ‘Bloody’ Tam Dalziel and his Scots Greys Troopers, the Covenanters were brought back
to Parliament House to be interrogated. Marched by their grey-coated guards through the door
watched over by the statues of Justice and Mercy, the prisoners were taken to the lower rooms
under the debating chamber. After being tortuered by the metal boot and thumbscrews, prisoners
who had been condemned to death by ‘Bloody’ George McKenzie, the King’s Advocate, were
executed by the Maiden, the capital’s portable beheading machine.
With the restoration of the monarchy, the ancient tradition of opening Parliament with a
state ceremony was resumed. Half an hour before the riding of Parliament was due to begin, the
Lord High Constable and the Earl Marischal left the city and rode down to the Palace of
Holyroodhouse to receive instructions from the King’s Commissioner. Nobles and parliamentary
officials dressed in their ceremonial robes stood waiting in the palace’s courtyard. Along with the
burgesses and commissioners, they waited for one of the Lord Lyon’s heralds to appear at a palace
window and announce the names of those chosen to escort the royal representative to Parliament
House. As required by the Lord Lyon, each of the participants had brought their attendants with
them. Wearing their employers’ livery, the servants ranged in number from one for a burgh
commissioner, to eight for a duke.
To allow the procession to move unhindered up the Canongate, officials had ordered
carriage and cart drivers to park their wagons on either side of the street. From the palace gates to
the Netherbow Port, musketeers and pikemen of the Scots Guards stood to attention at regularlyspaced intervals along the route. As the nearby crowds waited expectantly, the mounted procession
headed by two trumpeters and two pursuivants emerged through the Abbey gate. Riding behind,
also in ranks of two and escorted by their marching attendants, cantered the burgesses, the
commissioners of the shires and the burghs and the officers of state, followed by the lords, bishops,
viscounts and earls.
The archbishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow trotted directly behind the M.Ps and nobles.
Carrying his baton of office, the Lord Lyon preceded by his four trumpeters, four pursuivants and
six heralds rode behind the clerics. Following the Lord Lyon, the two eldest earls in the procession,
one carrying the sword of state and the other the sceptre rode in single file ahead of a marquess
469
bearing the crown on a velvet cushion. The regalia was escorted by mounted noblemen carrying
maces. To show their respect for Scotland’s symbols of state, the curly-wigged bearers and their
escort rode without hats.
The King’s Commissioner escorted by his pages, footmen and the Master of Horse rode
behind the regalia, followed by a party of dukes and marquesses. Preceding the royal representative
and escorted by the Gentleman Usher of the White Rod, cantered a nobleman bearing the purse
holding the royal commission. Bringing up the rear of the procession and led by two regimental
trumpeters and a kettle drummer, cantered the gentlemen troopers of the Scots Life Guards mounted
on sturdy Lanarkshire horses.
Passing through the Netherbow’s twin turrets, the nobles, officials and politicians entered
the capital. From the gate, all the way up the High Street, citizen pikemen and musketeers of
Edinburgh’s Trained Bands wearing steel breastplates and plumend helmets stood stationed at
regular intervals along the route to hold back the crowds. People from every part of the country had
flocked to the capital to see the magnificent event. Visitors and townspeople watched, some in awe,
others with a cynical smile on their faces as Scotland’s high and mighty rode slowly past the Tron
Kirk on their way to Parliament House.
The Lord High Constable and the Earl Marischal had returned to Parliament House
immediately after receiving the Commissioner’s instructions. The Lord High Constable having
checked the House’s rooms and cellars for barrels of gunpowder, now sat waiting in Parliament
Close with the Earl Marischal for the procession’s arrival. As the cavalcade cantered into the square,
the officials rose from their seats to welcome the Commissioner and escort him into the entrance
hall lined with the Lord High Constable’s Guards.
A fanfare echoed through the building as the royal representative, followed by the
Gentleman Usher, were escorted by the Earl Marischal’s Guards to Parliament’s throne which stood
on top of a stepped dais. As the bearers laid the regalia on the velvet-covered table situated in front
of the ceremonial chair, the Lord Lyon and the Gentleman Usher carrying his white rod took their
places on each side of the royal representative. Watched by the public gallery, the burgesses, lords
and commissioners of the shires and burghs filed into the tiers of benches standing one above the
other on either side of the ceremonial chair. The burgesses and the commissioners seated
themselves on wooden chairs behind the lower benches, while the lords settled into comfortable
seats which furnished the upper tiers.
When Charles II died in 1685 he was succeeded by James VII. Little changed under the
new king and persistent problems continued to plague the country. Subjects north and south of the
Border, unhappy with their monarch, decided to offer both crowns to William, Prince of Orange.
In 1700 a fire broke out in Lord Corserig’s house which lay behind Parliament House on the
Cowgate’s north side. The fire proved difficut to contain, as the city’s water cisterns were empty,
while the firefighters were hampered by panic-stricken people dragging their furniture from the
burning buildings. The fire quickly spread from the one-legged Lord of the Court of Session’s
property, destroying tenements from the Cowgate to the High Street. In addition to leaving 200
families homeless, the town residences of the King’s Commissioner and the President of Parliament,
as well as those belonging to many Lords of the Court of Session were burned to the ground.
King William died two years later and both crowns passed to Anne, James VII’s youngest
daughter. In 1707 the Treaty of Union was signed, transferring Scotland’s politicans and the
running of her affairs to Westminster. Parliament House, which had cost eleven and a half thousand
pounds to build, no longer resounded with the cut and thrust of political debate. The symbols of
state which had been proudly carried with pomp and ceremony from Holyroodhouse to Scotland’s
Parliament were packed in a chest and carted up to Edinburgh Castle to be stored away in the
Crown Room. 1
1
The Scots Magazine (date unknown)
470
The Tolbooth
[66] NT 263 739
The tolbooth, Edinburgh, where many
Covenanters were imprisoned, including
John Adam, George Aitken, James Anderson,
Symond Anderson, William Andrew, Robert
Arnot, William Arnot, Margaret Barclay,
Alexander Blair, Malcolm Brown,
Rev. Robert Fleming, John Gemmel,
James Glover, Rev. John Hepburn,
Rev. Angus McBean, William Manuel,
John Mundell, Sir William Mure,
Rev. Alexander Peden, Lady Catherine Rigg,
Rev. Alexander Shields, Rev. William Veitch and
John Welsh.
Near Grassmarket, walks to and from execution
These two photos show parts of the walk the Covenanters made on their way from
trial to execution.
471
Cobbles in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
The bodies of Covenanters were
taken up here to a tower, near
Magdalen Chapel to be washed
after execution.
The tower where Covenanters’ bodies
were washed after execution.
Alternative route from Parliament Hall to
execution at Grassmarket.
472
Grassmarket
[66] NT 253 734
The Grassmarket, Edinburgh.
Inscription on tiles.
Names of, and memorial to, the martyred
Covenanters.
473
THIS MEMORIAL RECALLS THE MEN AND WOMEN, NOBLES AND PLAINFOLK, MINISTERS, SOLDIERS
AND OTHERS. WHO WERE EXECUTED AT THIS PLACE AND ELSEWHERE IN SCOTLAND BETWEEN 1661
AND 1688 FOR THEIR ADHERENCE TO THE REFORMED RELIGION AND TO THE COVENANTS. IT WAS
FIRST OPENED ON 25 APRIL, 1937, AND AFTER BEING IMPROVED AND ENCLOSED WITH A SMALL
STONE WALL IT WAS RE-OPENED BY THE DUKE OF HAMILTON ON 24 OCTOBER, 1954, WITH A GUARD
OF HONOUR PROVIDED BY THE CAMERONIANS.
THIS INFORMATION PLAQUE WAS DONATED BY THE SCOTTISH COVENANTER MEMORIAL
ASSOCIATION AND THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION SOCIETY, AND SET IN PLACE BY THE CITY OF
EDINBURGH DISTRICT COUNCIL TO COMMEMORATE THE 350th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF
THE NATIONAL COVENANT WHICH TOOK PLACE IN GREYFRIARS CHURCH ON 28 FEBRUARY, 1638. IT
FURTHER MARKS THE 300th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LANDING OF WILLIAM OF ORANGE IN NOVEMBER
1688, WHICH BROUGHT TO AN END THE REIGN OF JAMES VII OF SCOTLAND AND II OF ENGLAND AND
ALSO LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRESBYTERIAN SETTLEMENT OF THE CHURCH OF
SCOTLAND IN 1690. IT WAS DEDICATED AFTER THE SERVICE IN GREYFRIARS CHURCH ON
28 FEBRUARY, 1988, BY THE MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF
SCOTLAND, THE RIGHT REVEREND Dr. DUNCAN SHAW.
THE FOLLOWING LIST, THOUGH NOT COMPLETE GIVES SOME INDICATION
OF THE NUMBER AND ALSO THE VARIED WALKS
OF LIFE REPRESENTED BYTHOSE EXECUTED HERE IN THE GRASSMARKET,
AT THE MERCAT CROSS IN HIGH STREET, AND AT
GALLOWLEE, LEITH WALK (SHRUBHILL)
27 May 1661
1 June 1661
22 July 1661
7 Dec. 1666
14 Dec. 1666
22 Dec. 1666
18 Jan. 1678
27 Sept 1678
14 Aug. 1679
30 July 1680
Aug. 1680
Dec. 1680
26 Jan. 1681
11 May 1681
Marquis of Argyll
James Guthrie, minister of Stirling
Capt. Wm. Govan
Archibald Johnstone, Lord Warriston
Architect of National Covenant
John McCulloch
Captain Andrew Arnot
Robert Gordon of Knockbreck
William Gordon
John Parker of Busby
Gavin Hamilton of Mauchline
James Hamilton of Kilmuir
John Ross of Mauchline
John Shiels of Tilewood
Christopher Strang of Kilbride
John Neilson of Corsock
George Crawford of Cumnock
John Gordon of Irongray
Hugh McKail, minister
Humphrey Colquhoun
Ralph Shield of Ayr
John Woodrow of Glasgow
John Wilson of Kilmaurs
Mungo Kaipo of Evandale
James Mitchel
James Learmont
John King, minister
John Kid, minister
David Hackston of Rathillet
Archibald Allison of Evandale
James Malcolm of Dalry
James Skene
Andrew Stuart
John Potter
Isobel Allison of Perth
Marion Harvie, servant in Bo’ness
Christopher Millar, weaver of Gargonock
William Gougan of Bo’ness
Robert Sangster of Stirlingshire
474
13 July 1681
27 July 1681
16 Oct. 1681
7 April 1682
12 April 1682
19 May 1682
16 Aug. 1682
16 Dec. 1682
29 Dec. 1682
16 May 1683
20 July 1683
Nov.
1683
Feb.
1684
Mar. 1684
25 April 1684
30 July 1684
Aug. 1684
12 Nov. 1684
14 Nov. 1684
9 Dec. 1684
24 Dec. 1684
23 Jan. 1685
25 June 1685
6 Aug. 1685
21 Aug. 1685
Adam Philip of Fife
4 Dec. 1685 John Nisbet of Hardhill, Loudon
Laurence Hay of Fife
Edward Marshall of Keymuir of Moreaside
Andrew Pitilloch of Fife
17 Feb. 1685 James Renwick, minister on the moors
Donald Cargill, minister of
Barony Church, Glasgow
Walter Smith, student of theology
John Boig, student of theology
William Thomson of Fife
William Cuthill of Bo’ness
Robert Garnock
Patrick Foreman
David Farrie
James Stuart
Alexander Russel
Christian Fyfe of Fife
Hugh McIlwraith of Auchenfloor
Robert Fleming of Auchenfin
Robert Gray
Thomas Lauchlan
James Robertson of Stonehouse
William Cochrane of Caernduff
John Finlay of Kilmarnock
Alexander Hume of Hume
David McMillan
John Wilson
William Guillan
Edward Aitken
John Whitelaw of New Monkland
Arthur Bruce of Dalserf
John Cochrane of Lesmahagow
George Martin of Dailly
John Ker of Hounam
John Gilroy of Hounam
James Muir of Crossford
John Dick
Captain Paton of Meadowhead, Fenwick
Andrew Tacket of Hamilton
Thomas Harkness of Lockerben
Andrew Clerk of Leadhills
Samuel McEwan of Glencairn
James Nicol, Burgess of Peebles
William Young of Evandale
James Howieson, maltman of Lanark
John Semple
John Watt
Gabriel Thomson
Alexander Heriot
George Jackson of Eastwood
Thomas Wood
James Graham of Crossmichael
Thomas Robertson
Robert Baillie of Jerviswood
Robert Millar, mason of Rutherglen
Robert Pollock, shoemaker of Glasgow
Earl of Argyll
Colonel Rumbold
Thomas Stoddart
James Wilkison
Matthew Bryce of Carmannock
John Russel of Cateraig
John Russel of Arnes
Gavin Russel
Thomas Archer
475
ELEGY ON THE DEATH OF JAMES RENWICK.
John Stuart Blackie
[The godly, faithful and brave James Renwick, Covenanter minister of the Gospel, was the last Covenanter martyr to
die publicly. He was executed Feb 17th 1688.
On the scaffold in the Grassmarket of Edinburgh, he sang the 103 rd Psalm, read the 20th chapter of
Revelation and prayed before mounting the ladder to meet his Lord. He was 26 years old when he was hanged.]
Weep, Scotland, weep! Thy hills are sad to-day,
But not with mist or rack that skirs the sky.
The violent rule; the godless man holds sway;
The young, the pure, the innocent must die!
Weep, Scotland, weep! Thy moors are sad to-day,
Thy plaided people walk with tearful eye.
For why? He dies upon a gallows-tree
Who boldly blew God's trump for Freedom and for
thee!
'Tis a known tale; it hath been so of old,
And will be so again; yet must we weep!
High on red thrones the blushless and the bold
Hold state; the meek are bound in dungeons deep.
Wolves watch the pen; the lion robs the fold,
While on soft down the hireling shepherds sleep.
God's holy church becomes a mart where lies
Pass free from knave to fool, but Christ's true prophet
dies.
A youth was Renwick, gentle, fair, and fine;
In aspect meek, but firm as rock in soul;
By pious parents nursed, and holy line,
To steer by truth, as seamen by the pole.
In Holland's learned halls the word divine
He read, which to proclaim he made the whole
Theme of his life; then back to Scotland came,
At danger's call, to preach in blessed Jesus' name.
They watched his coming, and the coast with spies
Planted to trap him; but he 'scaped their snare.
To the brown hills and glens of Kyle he hies,
And with a steadfast few finds refuge there.
On the black bogs, and 'neath the inclement skies,
In rocky caves, on mist-wreathed mountains bare,
The youthful prophet voiced God's tidings good,
As free as Baptist John by Jordan's sacred flood.
Fierce fumed the ruthless king. By statute law,
To sing God's praise upon the purple hill
Was treason. Courtly slaves with envy saw
One unbought soul assert a manly will,
And with his own hands from those fountains draw,
Which sophists troubled with pretentious skill
To make them clearer; as if God's own plan
The grey Grassmarket heard him preach to-day
On the red scaffold floor. His race is run.
Now kings and priests, with brave light-hearted joy,
May drain their cups, nor fear the bold, truth-speaking boy!
For fining human dross must beg a stamp from man!
Wide o'er the moors now tramp the red dragoons,
To hunt God's plaided saints from every nook;
And from a court of bravos and poltroons
Goes forth the law which takes the blessed Book
From the free shepherd's hands, that hireling loons
May spell it to a sense that kings may brook.
Far raged o'er hill and heath the despot's sword,
But faithful Renwick preached, and owned no human
lord.
Bold as when Peter in the temple stood
With John, and at the gate called Beautiful,
Healed the lame man; and stirred the spiteful mood
Of priest and high-priest, holding haughty rule;
Witless! Who weened that God's apostles should
With human law and lawyers go to school:
So boldly Renwick stood; and undismayed
With firm, unfaltering faith, God and not man obeyed.
And faithful people loved him. From Green Ayr,
Nithsdale, Glencairn, Sanquhar, and founts of Ken,
Free pilgrim feet o'er perilous pathways fare,
To hear young Renwick preach in treeless glen;
And mothers bring their new-born babes, to bear
Baptismal blessings from his touch; and when
Fearless he flings the glowing word abroad,
Full many a noble soul is winged with fire from God.
Yet must he die! The fangs of law are keen;
False Law, the smooth pretender of the Right,
That still to knaves a sharp-edged tool hath been,
To give a fair name to usurping Might!
By Law round noble Hamilton, I ween,
The faggot blazed to feed proud Beaton's spite;
And now when Scotland's best to please the Pope
And Romish James, must die 'tis Law that knots the
rope!
Let loose your hounds, cold-blooded lawyers! pay
The knave to trap the saint! your work is done.
Young Renwick falls, to venal spies a prey,
And lawless Law kills Scotland's fairest son.
476
Weep! Scotland, weep! but only for a day ;
Frail stands the throne whose props are glued withgore;
For a short hour the godless man holds sway,
And Justice whets her knife at Murder's door.
Weep, Scotland! but let noble pride this day
Beam through thine eye with sorrow streaming o'er;
For why? Thy Renwick's dead, whose noble crime
Gave Freedom's trumpet breath, an hour before the time.
Gallowlee
[66] NT 265 750
This was once the site of the gallows where many Covenanters were hanged including
David Ferrie, Patrick Foreman, Robert Garnock, Alexander Russel, James Stuart,
John Semple, Gabriel Thomson, John Watt, James Graham, Alexander Heriot,
George Jackson, Thomas Robertson, Thomas Wood, Robert Millar and Robert Pollock.
Netherbow Port
[66] NT 261 737
Some of the brass studs, marking the position of
Netherbow Port.
477
Emblem of Netherbow Port.
A prominent entry into the city. The actual
position of the emblem was at the traffic lights
and crossroads. It was on the Netherbow Port that
the heads of some prominent Covenanters were
fixed, including James Guthrie,
Richard Cameron, David Hackston of Rathillet,
Donald Cargill and Robert Baillie.
Covenant Close and Cowgatehead
[66] NT 258 736
Covenant Close, near St. Giles’ church - a copy of the National Covenant was placed in a
house in this close to collect more signatures.
In Edinburgh there was an inn located down an alleyway which later became known as ‘Covenant
Close’. It gains its association with the Covenanters from the fact that one of the National
Covenants was placed here ready to receive the signature of those who wanted to adhere to it. 1
Cowgatehead, looking into Grassmarket.
James Renwick, fleeing from his pursuers,
was eventually caught here. He received a
number of blows before falling to the
ground and being taken to jail, placed on
trial and finally executed on 17th February
1688.
Attribution: Chris Gunns
1
478
John Knox House
[66] NT 260 737
Fearless, faithful John Knox before Queen Mary.
John Knox’s house.
Advert for John Knox House Museum.
Magdalen Chapel
[66] NT 256 734
Magdalen Chapel this is where the first General Assembly
of the Scottish Assembly met after the
Reformation, 1560.
479
The pulpit, Magdalen Chapel.
This table is part of what was used
by devoted women, for the washing
and preparing of the bodies of the
Covenanters for burial, after
execution at the Grassmarket.
Sword of John Paton.
T HIS S WO RD BE LON GE D T O CAPT . JOHN
PAT ON OF FE NWICK, W HO WA S A
COMMANDE R IN AL L T HE SKI RMI S HE S IN
W HIC H T HE COVE NANT E RS WE RE INVOLVE D
HE WA S E XE CUT E D IN T HE GRA SSM A RKE T IN
1685
Information on
display board.
480
Treasury of the Scottish Covenant
The First Generall Assemblie Holden at
Edinburgh, December 20, 1560
_________________________
The first Assemblie consisted of forty-two members, only six
of whom were ministers. The following are the names of the
ministers and commissioners, as also the places represented. 1
Christopher Goodman
David Spence
Robert Kynport
James Douglas
James Moir
David Weems
William Lamb
William Bancle
William Christosen, Minister
George Lowell
William Carmichael
John Knox, Minister
James Baron
Edward Hope
(West Kirk,
beside Edin)
Forfar
Kirkliston
Kyle
William Harlow, Minister
Robert Fairlie of Braid
Alex Guthrie, of Hackerton
William Durham of Grange
John Kincaird
Hugh Wallace of Carnhall
John Fullerton, of Dreghorn
Charles Campbell of Skeldum
David Lindsay, Minister
Andrew Lamb
Free Church College
Kyle
Patrick Boynaln
Charles Drommond, Provost
Andrew Mill
Walter Balfour
George Hume of Spott
Laird of Tillyvard
Laird of Fettercairn
John Erskine of Dun
Laird of Garteis
John Fow, Minister
Robert Wyuram
William Darroch
William Norwell
John Brown
Thomas Boyd
James Polwart
[66] NT 255 736
Bullet hole through Bible of
Covenanter Lieutenant Ross.
The Bible saved his life.
1
This list is displayed in Magdalen Chapel
481
Redford Road
[66] NT 226 686
Covenanters’ monument on Redford Road, by
Dreghorn Barracks which marks the place where the
Covenanters camped before the Battle of
Rullion Green.
One of the four sides of the monument.1
1
2
Stone by the Covenanters’ monument.2
This monument also commemorates the Romans, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The inscription on this stone is almost illegible.
482
St. Cuthbert’s Church (Parish Church)
[66] NT 248 736
St. Cuthbert’s Church, Edinburgh, the
Rev. David Williamson, a Covenanter, was minister here and
is buried in the churchyard, one of the oldest churchyards in
Edinburgh.
Portrait of the
Rev. David Williamson
by Sir John de Medina.
Information beneath portrait.
483
DAVID WILLIAMSON
DAVID WILLIAMSON, MINISTER OF ST. CUTHBERT’S 1661-1674, 1690-1704. ORIGINALLY HE WAS A
VERY PROMINENT COVENANTER AND FOR MANY YEARS AFTER 1674, IN DANGER OF HIS LIFE, BUT
IN THE COURSE OF TIME, HIS OPINIONS BECAME MODIFIED, AND THE REPORT THAT HE WAS A
COMMANDER AT THE BATTLE OF BOTHWELL BRIDGE IS WITHOUT FOUNDATION. SHORTLY AFTER
IT WAS FOUGHT, THE GOVERNMENT ISSUED AN ENORMOUS LIST CONTAINING 1653 NAMES OF
THOSE THEN DENOUNCED AS REBELS, AND AS HIS NAME DOES NOT APPEAR IN IT, IT SEEMS CLEAR
THAT BY THIS TIME HE HAD MADE HIS PEACE WITH THE AUTHORITIES. HE WAS RESTORED TO HIS
CHURCH AFTER THE REVOLUTION, AND CONTINUED TO MINISTER THERE UNTIL HIS DEATH.
LOOKED ON AS ONE OF THE MOST ELOQUENT PREACHERS OF THE DAY, HE WAS RAISED TO
THE MODERATOR’S CHAIR IN THE ASSEMBLY OF 1702. HIS FAME AS A CHURCHMAN IS HOWEVER
ECLIPSED BY HIS ACHIEVEMENTS IN ANOTHER DIRECTION, FOR HE WAS MARRIED SEVEN TIMES,
AND IS FAMOUS AS THE “DAINTY DAVY” OF SCOTTISH SONG. THE NAME OF HIS SIXTH WIFE HAS
NOT BEEN PRESERVED. THOSE OF THE OTHERS TAKEN IN THEIR ORDER ARE ISOBEL LINDSAY,
MARGARET SCOTT, JEAN KERR, MARGARET DOUGLAS, MARGARET MELWING, JEAN STRAITON.
THE PORTRAIT WHICH IS BY SIR JOHN DE MEDINA WAS PRESENTED TO THE KIRK SESSION IN
MARCH 1912 BY MISS FORBES, WHOSE FATHER HAD FOR MANY YEARS ACTED AS SESSION CLERK
OF ST. GILES.
Information beneath portrait of the Rev. David Williamson.
Enclosure containing
Williamson’s grave.
Inscription on Williamson’s
grave.
484
Edinburgh Castle
[66] NT 251 734
Argyle Tower, Edinburgh Castle where several Covenanters,
including Archibald Campbell were imprisoned.
Attribution: Jonathan Oldenbuck
Museum of Edinburgh
[66] NT 264 737
Framed poster in the museum.
485
THE
NATION A L
COVEN ANT
“FOR GOD AND THE KING”
THE NATIONAL COVENANT WAS SIGNED IN GREYFRIARS CHURCH ON 28 FEBRUARY 1638 BY
MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AS A PROTEST AGAINST THE RELIGIOUS POLICY OF
CHARLES I WHO WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENFORCE AN EPISCOPALIAN FORM OF CHURCH
GOVERNMENT ON SCOTLAND. THE DOCUMENT IS A SINGLE PIECE OF DEERSKIN CONTAINING
APPROXIMATELY 4150 SIGNATURES FROM ALL RANKS OF SOCIETY. SOME PEOPLE WERE SO
ZEALOUS THAT THEY WERE REPUTED TO HAVE SIGNED IN THEIR OWN BLOOD. COPIES OF THE TEXT
WERE CIRCULATED TO MOST TOWNS AND PARISHES IN SCOTLAND AND TO SCOTTISH SOLDIERS
SERVING IN ARMIES ON THE CONTINENT.
THE NATIONAL COVENANT WAS DESIGNED TO BE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN - IT WAS BOTH A
DECLARATION OF PATRIOTISM AND A REVOLUTIONARY MANIFESTO. IT WAS CONCEIVED AS A
BOND OR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE NATION AND GOD TO MAINTAIN THE ESTABLISHED RELIGION
AGAINST WHAT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE AN ATTEMPT TO EVENTUALLY RESTORE ROMAN
CATHOLICISM, AND ALSO TO DEFEND THE PERSON AND AUTHORTIY OF THE KING. IN THE YEARS
WHICH FOLLOWED IT BECAME INCREASINGLY APPARENT THAT THIS TWO-FOLD COMMITMENT TO
BOTH RELIGION AND MONARCH WAS PROVING DIFFICULT TO SUSTAIN.
FOLLOWING THE BISHOPS’ WARS OF 1639-40 DIVISION OF OPINION BECAME SO DEEP THAT
CIVIL WAR WAS INEVITABLE. JAMES GRAHAM, MARQUIS OF MONTROSE, ALTHOUGH A SIGNATORY
OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT, ASSUMED COMMAND OF THE ROYALIST FORCES IN SCOTLAND
WHILE THE COVENANTING ARMY UNDER THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL,
MARQUIS OF ARGYLL, ALLIED ITSELF TO THE ENGLISH PARLIAMENTARIANS. THE ‘GLORIOUS
YEAR’ OF 1644-45 CONSISTED OF A SERIES OF BRILLIANTLY FOUGHT MILITARY CAMPAIGNS.IN
WHICH THE ROYALISTS WERE CONSISTENTLY VICTORIOUS BUT WHICH ULTIMATELY , WITH
DEFEAT AT PHILIPHAUGH IN SEPTEMBER 1645, FAILED TO SECURE SCOTLAND FOR THE CROWN.
CHARLES I’S EXECUTION AT THE HANDS OF THE ENGLISH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON 30
JANUARY 1649 AND THE DEFEAT OF THE SCOTTISH ARMY AT DUNBAR IN 1650 HERALDED A DECADE
OF UNEASY UNION WITH ENGLAND UNDER THE PROTECTORSHIP OF OLIVER CROMWELL. IN 1660
THE MONARCHY WAS RESTORED WITH THE CORONATION OF CHARLES II BUT ECCLESIASTICAL
DIFFERENCES WERE TO CONTINUE IN SCOTLAND FOR A FURTHER THIRTY YEARS, DURING WHICH
TIME MANY PEOPLE WERE PERSECUTED FOR THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS UNTIL THE PRESBYTERIAN
FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT WAS FINALLY ESTABLISHED BY THE REVOLUTION SETTLEMENT
OF 1690.
Information on framed poster.
486
William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian, Signatory of the National
Covenant and supporter of the Covenanter cause.
Information beside engraving.
The National Covenant in the Museum
of Edinburgh.
George Gordon, 2nd Marquis
of Huntly. Royalist sympathiser
whose sons fought for the King.
(Engraving by Richard Cooper)
Information beside engravings.
King Charles I
Born in Dunfermline, Charles
succeeded his father James VI and I
in 1625. He visited Scotland in 1633
for his coronation, and in 1641, in an
attempt to appease the Covenanters.
He was defeated in his war with the
English Parliament, and was executed
on 30th January 1649 at Whitehall.
(Engraving by John H. Robinson)
487
David Leslie, Lord Newark
Commander of the Covenanting
army. (Engraving by E. Scriven)
Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll
Information beside engravings.
James Graham, 5th Earl and First Marquis of Montrose
Montrose signed the National Covenant, but opposed the extremists. He
fought for King Charles I during the English Civil War, but was
defeated by the Covenanters at Philiphaugh in 1645. After escaping to
Europe, he returned to Scotland in 1650, but was defeated at Carbisdale.
In May 1650, he was executed in Edinburgh.
(Engraving by Richard Cooper)
Information beside engraving.
488
Ha l t pa fsen ger , ta ke h eed Q t th ou doft s ee
Th i s t om b d ot h fh ew for Q t fom e m en di d di e.
Her e l yes i n t err ’d y duft of t h efe wh o ft ood
‘Ga in ft per jur y, r efi ft i n g unt o bl ood .
Adh er in g t o t h e Coven a n t ’s an d La w’s
E ft a bl i fh i n g th e fa m e wh i ch wa s t h e Ca ufe.
Th eir li ves wer e fa cr i fi c’d un t o th e l uft
Of Pr el a t i ft s a bjur ’d. th ough h er e th ei r duft
L y’s m i xt wi t h m ur der er s an d ot h er cr ew
Wh om juft i c e di d juft l y t o dea t h pur fue.
But a s for t hir in th em n o ca ufe wa s foun d
Wor t h y of dea t h but on l y t h e y wer e foun d
Con ft a nt an d ft ed fa ft z ea l ou s wi t t n effi n g
For th e pr er oga t i ves of C HRIST t h eir kin g,
Wh i ch tr uth s wer e fea l ’d by fa m ous Gut h r i es
h ea d
An d a ll al on g t o Ma ft er Ra n wi ck’s bl ood
Th e y di d en dur e th e wr a th of en em i es
Repr oa ch es t or m en t s dea th s an d i n jur i es
But yet t h e y’r e t h efe wh o fr om fuch t r obl s ca m e
And n ow t r i um ph in gl or y wi t h th e LAMB.
F r o m ma y 2 7 t h 1 6 6 1 , t h a t t h e n o b l e M a r q u e f s o f
A r g y l e fu f f er e d , t o t h e 1 7 t h o f f e b r . 1 6 8 8 t h a t M R
J a m e s R a n w i ck fu f f e r d , w e r e e x e cu t a t E d i n
bur g a bout an hundered of Nobl emen G ent
l m e n M i n i ft e r s & o t h er s n o b l e ma r t y r e s f o r
J E S U S C H R I S T t h e m o ft p a r t o f t h e m l y
Th i s T om bst on e E r ect ed An n o 1706
The original headstone for the Greyfriar’s Martyrs’ Tomb and its inscription. This is located in
the courtyard of the Museum of Edinburgh (formerly Huntly House Museum). The wording,
though very similar, is slightly different from the replica headstone. Note in particular that the
original headstone omits to mention the total number of martyrs executed at Edinburgh
(18,000 according to the replica headstone), stating only that about one hundred of them were
noblemen or the like.
489
Images copyright: Museum of Edinburgh and used with kind
permission
Although not known for certain, this is generally regarded as being Hugh McKail’s Bible as it
dates from the same period and is inscribed with signatures of the McKail family, the earliest
being an entry of the marriage between Thomas McKail and Janet Ramsay in 1703. The Bible is
bound in wood (pine) and animal (possibly pig) skin and is known as a ‘Breeches Bible’
because in the Garden of Eden God made garments (breeches) of animal skin for Adam and
Eve to wear.
I am indebted to Denise Brace of the Museum of Edinburgh (formerly Huntly House Museum)
for allowing us to view the Bible. Due to its very delicate state we were not permitted to take
photographs, but have been granted permission to use these. Again, I am very grateful.
Denise explained that she doubted the Bible would come out of its box again as it is just too
fragile to handle.
490
National Museum of Scotland
[66] NT 258 733
COVENANTER FLAGS
Member James Rothery of Edinburgh wrote to me, complaining about the display of Covenanter
flags in the National Museum of Antiquities in Queen Street, Edinburgh. On a recent visit
Mr. Rothery was annoyed that he could not get a close look at the flags, because they are hung high
above the heads of the public. I had noticed this myself on a previous visit, so I was able to pass a
strong complaint on to the Museum. The reply will probably please and interest members.
The Assistant Keeper, Hugh Cheape, writes to say that the first new National Museum in Scotland
for over a century is to be built at Chambers Street, Edinburgh. It will adjoin the existing Royal
Museum of Scotland, and it is scheduled to open in 1998. Even although the completion date is so
far ahead, the museum authorities have already been busy on their displays, and they have chosen
five Covenanter flags for display in the area devoted to the Reformed Church. Hopefully the flags
will be more accessible for viewing. However, there are big problems to overcome, such as the state
of preservation, indeed frailty of the flags, and the control of the environment in which they will be
displayed.
Until 1998, I fear, we will be unable to have a close look at those flags, but it is something
to look forward to. 1
The wooden lantern carried
by Grisel Hume on her
nightly trips to her father in
Polwarth Church.
1
The mask and wig worn by
Alexander Peden whilst
preaching to avoid recognition.
William Hannay’s Bible.
Hannay was hiding in straw
in a barn when government
troops approached. He
escaped to the hills and
when he returned found his
Bible had been cut by a sword.
491
Title page of The Life and Prophecies of the
Reverend Mr Alexander Peden on display in
the museum.
Peden’s sword (3) and Snuff Mull (4).
492
Information on computer
screen by Covenanter
display.
display.
493
display.
Communion or conventicle tokens.
Small sword carried by
Andrew Craig at the Battle of
Drumclog.
Covenanters’ conventicle tokens, cast in lead from
stone moulds, for open air services conducted by
ministers who had been forced to leave their
churches. The tokens were used to give admission
to communion and are cast with fragmentary texts:
Give me Thy Hart, I am the Vine, I am the Way, I
am the bred of Lyfe, Holiness to the Lord
Information relating to communion tokens.
494
Sword belonging to Covenanter,
Matthew Craig at the Battle of
Bothwell Bridge.
A True Narrative of the Proceedings of
his Majesties Privy Council, 1678.
An Exact Relation of the Defeat of the
Rebels at Bothwell Bridge.
Academic gown and cap of
Alexander Henderson.
Alexander Henderson’s speech, delivered
before the subscribing of the Covenant.
Opposition to Charles I’s policies was led by Presbyterian ministers as well as by members of the
nobility.
One of those involved in drawing up the National Covenant was Rev. Alexander Henderson,
minister of Leuchars and of Edinburgh, and rector of Edinburgh University. Henderson was the
moderator of the Glasgow Assembly of 1638 which defied Charles I, abolishing bishops and
rejecting Laud’s Liturgy.
495
Information beside display.
Stool belonging to Jenny Geddes. She threw
Silver Communion Cups from the tolbooth
the stool at Dean Hannay when he began to
Kirk, Edinburgh, made by Patrick Borthwick,
read from the Episcopalian prayer book in 1637.1
Edinburgh, 1642.
Original Covenanters’ banner carried at
the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679.
1
Replica of Covenanters’ banner.
I am not sure if this is the original stool. It is very different from the replica in St. Giles. Stools like this one were used before pews were built in
churches.
496
Another Covenanter banner
displayed in the museum.
Oak pulpit, said to be from St. Giles. The sermon was central
to worship and the simple style of this pulpit is characteristic
of the uncompromising attitude of early 17th century religion.
Information relating to the pulpit.
Oak pulpit from St. Giles.
497
THE NATIONAL COVENANT
The National Covenant called for all Scots to band together in
opposition to the religious and political policies of Charles I and
against Roman Catholicism. It was first signed in 1638 in Greyfriars
Kirk and was copied so that every burgh and parish should have and
subscribe a copy.
The term National Covenant drew on Old Testament notions of
covenants between God and Man, and between God and Israel. It
suggested that the Scots were a chosen race, comparable to the
children of Israel.
The Solemn League and Covenant of 1643 was an even more
revolutionary document, which appealed to the English to adopt
Presbyterianism. For a short while this document allied the
Covenanters with Cromwell’s parliamentary forces of the English
civil war.
Copy of the National Covenant.
Information displayed next to the National Covenant.
The Solemn League and
Covenant of 1643.
498
Potterrow
[66] NT 261 731
Rev. Patrick Anderson lived in a house on
Potterrow. He was summoned before the Privy
Council for holding meetings in his home between
the years 1674-1678, before his imprisonment on
the Bass Rock.
OTHER COVENANTERS AND REFORMERS OF EDINBURGH

William Lin, a writer, was imprisoned on the Bass Rock.

Thomas Brown, a shoemaker, was present at the Battle of Bothwell Bridge and
hanged at Magus Muir.

Rev. Robert Bruce was minister for some time in Edinburgh.

A Covenanter named Finlaw was shot in Edinburgh.

Robert Rollock was rector of Edinburgh University from around 1585 to his death in
1598.

James Scot is listed in Wodrow as being from Edinburgh.

David Straiton was found guilty of heresy and burnt at the stake in 1534.

Rev. Robert Douglas, minister of Greyfriars, officiated at the coronation of King
Charles II. He refused to accept episcopacy in Scotland.

Sir Hugh Campbell, of Cessnock, died in Edinburgh in 1686.

Rev. David Dickson was a Professor of Divinity in Glasgow and Edinburgh and a
moderator of the General Assembly of Scotland.

Alexander Dickson, son of Rev. David Dickson, was also a professor in the city.

James Fithie was chaplain of Trinity Hospital and was imprisoned on the Bass Rock.

Elizabeth Glendonning died in prison in Edinburgh.

John Campbell, First Earl of Loudoun, died in Edinburgh in 1662.

Rev. James Fraser of Brea, died of illness in Edinburgh in 1698.

Robert Ker was imprisoned in Edinburgh for a time.

Rev. Andrew Morton absconded to Edinburgh during the years of persecution and
then returned to his home church of Carmunnock.
499

Rev. Gilbert Rule became a minister in Edinburgh after the Revolution.

Rev. Robert Trail was minister of Greyfriars for a time.

Patrick Walker opened a small shop selling religious tracts in Edinburgh.

Rev. Thomas Wilkie became the minister of Canongate, Edinburgh after his fugitive
years.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aiton, John.
Barr, J. pp 24-25
Bartholomew Edinburgh Illustrated Map, Harper Collins
BOTHWELL BRIDGE - Places Index, Volume III, pp 145-154
Campbell, T. pp 89-92
Covenanter Prisons - Foreword and Introduction, Volume I, p xxi
COVENANTER PRISONS - Miscellaneous Index, Volume IV, p 17
GORDON, George - People Index, Volume II, p 118
The Early History of the Covenanters - Foreword and Introduction, Volume I, pp 5-6
JAMES VI - People Index, Volume I, p 165
John Knox House, History & Drama, A Brief Guide. Edinburgh: Netherbow ChapbookNumber One, John Knox House,
1991.
KERR, William - People Index, Volume I, p 176
LESLIE, General David - People Index, Volume I, p 187
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp xv-xvi, xii, 1-5, 18, 38, 61, 73, 85, 106, 111, 119, 131, 232-237
Love, Dane. The Covenanter Encyclopaedia. pp 52, 62-63, 88-89, 94, 119, 147, 157, 176, 183-184, 262-265
Magdalen Chapel information leaflet pp 96, 102
Orr, Brian, J.
*Story, R. H.
www.electricscotland.com/history/edinburgh/chap14.htm
www.the-grassmarket.com/history/covenanters.html
www.thereformation.info/execution.htm
www.thereformation.info/covenanters3.htm
www.thereformation.info/greyprison.htm
www.thereformation.info/martyrs_monument.htm
www.thereformation.info/martyrs.htm
http://ukwells.org/locations/displaylocations/1582
500
ELGIN
Moray
[28] NJ 216 628
Town
Elgin Tower - this is probably where Covenanters from
the area, including Jane Brodie,
Walter Pringle and Beatrix and Christina Leslie
were imprisoned.
Attribution: Kenneth Allen
OTHER COVENANTERS FROM ELGIN

Rev James Horn, demitted his charge from
this parish.

Covenanters, Andrew and Donald Munro
were from Elgin.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Covenanter Prisons - Foreword and Introduction, Volume I, p xxi
COVENANTER PRISONS - Miscellaneous Index, Volume IV, p 17
ELLIOCK HOUSE
Near Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway
[78] NS 797 074
House
Elliock House, home in persecuting days, of an enemy to the Covenanters,
General James Dalziel, 4th Earl of Carnwath. He kept a garrison of dragoons here.
501
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*Simpson, Rev. R. pp 21-23
*Todd, Adam Brown. pp 122-123
ELLIOCK
In the grounds of Elliock House, near Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway
[78] NS 792 076
House
Grave of Henry George John Veitch, in
the grounds of Elliock House.
(Probable relation of Covenanter
William Veitch.)
ELVANFOOT
South Lanarkshire
[71/78] NS 954 167
Church (Parish)
Memorial plaque to Covenanter John Willison.
502
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CRAWFORD - Places Index, Volume III, p 261
DOUGLAS - Places Index, Volume III, pp 349-355
ENTERKIN PASS
Between Wanlockhead and Durisdeer, Dumfries and Galloway
[78] NS 876 127 – 878 078
Pass
A very difficult but highly rewarding walk, with only a rough path for part of the way. Drive about
3miles north on the Dalveen pass road A702) from Carronbridge. Then strike off left ½ mile after
going under the railway bridge. This road takes you past Drumcruilton Farm, and you continue for
about a mile beyond Muiryhill until a suitable parking place is found.
More a skirmish than a battle, this was still a very significant and exciting episode in July 1684. A
party of Covenanting prisoners were being escorted by dragoons to Edinburgh from Dumfries via
Nithsdale and the Enterkin Pass, a commonly used route then – roughly parallel to the Dalveen Pass
route. A group of armed Covenanters ambushed the party very successfully at Kelt’s Linn, at a
particularly difficult spot on the route, and most of the prisoners were released. The soldiers fled
north after one had been killed and a number wounded. Retribution was quick, however, with all
males in the area assembling for questioning in Dalgarnock Kirkyard in August. Much suffering
ensued, with three participants being executed in Edinburgh Grassmarket in December 1684. 1
Signposts to the Enterkin Pass, between
Wanlockhead and Carronbridge.
1
Nithsdale Covenanting Trail. Nithsdale Tourist Association.
503
A party of Covenanter prisoners were being taken along this route to Edinburgh,
29th July 1684, when the dragoons who were escorting them were ambushed.
The daring rescue of the prisoners was effected by James ‘Long Gun’ Harkness,
his brotherThomas ‘White Horse’ Harkness, ‘Black’ James McMichael and other
Covenanters. John McKechnie, one of the prisoners was injured in the fray and died thirteen
weeks later of his wounds. One of the soldiers, Captain Keltie, was shot by the Covenanters
and fell into a waterfall that has since been known as Keltie’s Linn. 1
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barr, J. p 181
CALDONS - Places Index, Volume III, pp 169-175
Location Map 2 – Covenanting Sites in Nithsdale, No. 19 - Foreword and Introduction, Volume I, p 19
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp 117-119
Love, Dane. The Covenanter Encyclopaedia. pp 89-90
Orr, Brian, J.
Simpson, Rev. R. no year given. pp 96-97. *Simpson, Rev. R. pp 418-419
www.electricscotland.com/bordertales/vol1story145-5.htm
ERICHT, River (See BLAIRGOWRIE)
1
Grid Ref. NS 884 091, but I have not been able to find it marked on the O.S. maps.
504
ERNCROGO
Near Crossmichael, Dumfries and Galloway
[83/84] NX 742 681
Farm
Erncrogo - home during Covenanting times of Covenanters, Andrew Crock, John Gaw and
John Gelly.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*Morton, A. S. pp 135, 229-230
*Wodrow, Rev. Robert. Volume II. p 109. Volume IV. p 23.
ERNFILLAN
Near Crossmichael, Dumfries and Galloway
[83/84] NX 753 655
Farm
Ernfillan Glen - the home of
Covenanter fugitives Robert and
Thomas Graham once stood here.
Attribution: James Bell
BIBLIOGRAPHY
*Morton, A. S. p 230
505
ETTRICK
Near Selkirk, Scottish Borders
[59] NT 259 145
Churchyard (Parish Church)
Ettrick Church
Back of Ettrick Church
Ettrick Church churchyard. Four
Covenanters, shot at Birkhill Pass, are
buried here somewhere.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Love, D. Scottish Covenanter Stories. pp 43-44
506
EVANTON
Near Alness, Highland
[21] NH 607 661
Church (Kiltearn Parish Church)
Memorial Plaque inside the modern
Kiltearn Parish Church, Evanton to
Rev. Thomas Hogg.
Image copyright: Rev. Donald McSween and used
with permission
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fraser, Catriona.
Howie, John. Volume II. pp 669-682
KILTEARN - Places Index, Volume III, pp 661-662
TAIN - Places Index, Volume III, pp 1052-1053
http://ukwells.org/locations/displaylocations/1268
507

eaglesham - Covenanting Trail

Transcription

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