Date
23 August 2018
Location
Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute
NR 83445 98841; 56.13297°N, 5.48649°W
Information
Kilmartin Stones are a collection of decoratively carved grave-cover slabs dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. 23 slabs are on view in a shelter in the churchyard of Kilmartin Parish Church. Such grave covers were something of a status symbol for the local West Highland warrior class, with common themes for the carvings being swords and effigies. Other common motifs include hunting scenes, shears and fabulous animals.
The stones were moved inside a shelter in 1956 to protect them from the weather. This lapidarium was originally a mausoleum and was built in 1627 for Neil Campbell, Bishop of Argyll, and his wife Christine, daughter of John Carswell, who built Carnasserie Castle.
The collection is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
Further Reading
Kilmartin Stones (Historic Environment Scotland)
The designs appear to have a strong viking influence.
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🙂
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Wow those are really neat – I have a soft spot for old graveyards and gravestones!
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Thanks, MB! Me too. You might be interested in my back-catalogue of taphophilia 😉
https://geotopoi.wordpress.com/tag/graveyard/
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Love stuff like this, nice shots!
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Thank you fraggle!
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This is so cool, Graham, it’s almost enough to make me want to jump on the next plane. The designs, the stone, the size, the age, altogether they speak volumes. Beautiful, thank you.
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Very glad you like them, blue! It was a bit of a chance find after venturing a bit further on after my planned visit to some standing stones was kiboshed due to works on replacing a pedestrian access bridge.
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Serendipity wins again. 🙂
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🙂
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These are amazing, will definitely take a look at them next time I’m up that way. Thanks for posting this Graham.
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Simon! It is indeed a fine collection of slabs there.
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Very, very fascinating!
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Thanks, Resa. Yes, it is a very interesting collection.
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