OS1/3/37/16

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
The Dule Tree
(Continued)
039 [continued from page 15]
of the domestics when he was informed of her flight, he immediately Summoned Man & Horse, and went in hot Pursuit after the fugitives and his faithless Spouse; his Party being greatly Superior in Numbers, Overtook and Captured the fugitives at no great distance from the Gipsies Steps; It is Said that Sir John Chalanged the Earl to Single Combat but the latter declined the honour; they were all brought back to the Castle as Prisoners, and next day were hanged (15 in number) on the "Dule Tree", Sir John being the last,; The Countess being brought by the Earl her husband, to the Turret Window in front of the Castle, and there Compelled to witness the dreadful Scene; She was Subsequently taken to Maybole Castle and there Confined for life. - This Circumstance is also noticed in Chambers Picture of Scotland; the Common Version of the Countess's Story among the people of Maybole is as follows, John, the 6th Earl of Cassillis Obtained to Wife Lady Jane Hamilton, a daughter of Thomas first Earl of Haddington, the match it seems to have been one dictated by Policy, it is therefore very likely Lady Jane had not much to Say in the bargain, on the Contrary, her Affections were violated, She had been Previously beloved by a Gallant young Knight a Sir John Faa, of Dunbar, who had seen her at her fathers Seat of Tynningham. When Several years were Spent & Gone and lady Cassillis had brought her husband three children this passion led to a dreadful Catastrophe, her youthful lover Seizing an Opportunity when the Earl was from home Came to Cassillis, he was disguised as a Gypsy and attended by a band of these desperate Outcasts, Sang Some Songs which was Known to the Countess & she immediately recognised them, the Countess right Soon Condescended to elope with her lover, the Earl returning home & Missing the Countess, when he learnt the fact of her elopement immediately Set Out in Pursuit accompanyed by a band which put resistance out of the question, he Overtook & captured the Whole Party near a ford Over the Doon, Still Called the "Gypsies Steps", having brought them back to the Castle, he hanged all the Gypsys, including Sir John. upon the "Dule Tree", the Countess being made to survey the dreadful Scene, the Particular room where the unhappy lady endured this horrible torture, is still called the Countess's Room after undergoing a Short confinement in that apartment, she was removed to the Castle of Maybole & Confined there for the rest of her life, While Confined in the latter Place, she is said to have wrought a Prodigious quantity of tapestry so as to have Completely Covered the Walls of her Prison.

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 16
Sheet 39 Plan 14. -- Kirkmichael Parish

Transcriber's notes

Continuation of crossed out entry from page 15 transcribed here for interest.

  Transcribers who have contributed to this page.

Alison James- Moderator, NRS - Moderator, Nellie- Moderator

  Location information for this page.