OS1/5/40/15
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWIN LAW | Twins Law Twinlaw Twinlaw Twinlaw |
Robert Darling Esqr (Priestlaw Mr Robert Niel Mr James Buckhan Mr. James Wilson |
014 | A considerable height with two large well built Cairns on its summit; by which it can be distinguished at a great distance. It is said that portions of over 12 Counties can be viewed from this Hill. Is Situate on the S.W. [South West] margin of the Lammer Moors adjoining the Lauderdale Hills |
| TWINLAW CAIRNS | Twinlaw Cairns Twinlaw Cairns Twinlaw Cairns |
County Map (by Fowler) Mr Robert Niel John Buckhan |
014 | Two large heaps of Stones forming circles of twenty Yards diameter. and upon both a column of stones 10 ft. in height, and 30ft in circumference. is built, each column has a recess with Seat, open to the South for herds to shelter in. According to tradition these Cairns were placed here to commemorate the spot where a Duel was fought between Twin Brothers in which both were killed - hence the name of the Hill |
Continued entries/extra info
[page] 15Westruther Parish -- [Sheet] 14 -- by Charles Buck
[Note] -- "The Twin law Cairns are undoubtly of very great antiquity, having contained
in the heart, probably of both, undoubtedly Still one of them, a Kist-vaen,
a Stone or giant Chamber or Scarcophagus, the earlist Kind of Catacomb,
or place of Sepulture Known in the North of Europe, & used during what
has been Called the Stone period, before the use of implements either of
bronze or Iron was Known, - antecedent of Course [to the] time of the Romans -
These Kist-vaens are formed from 3 to 4 feet in height, depth, & breadth, of
flat Slabs of Stones for the bottom; Similar ones Set on edge for the 4 Sides, & Similar ones laid over the
top for a lid, the Corpse doubled up in it, not laid at length - The tradition is, that these Cairns were erected
as monuments over the bodies of two brothers, who were there buried, having been Killed in a great
engagement near that place. Two versions exist, one that the two brothers commanded a native
Army which overcame & repelled a body of invaders, but in which the brothers were slain - & there buried.
The other, that two brothers commanded separate bodies, fought a Sanguinary battle with each other, in which both
were Killed - Each Cairn Stands on a circular base of Stones, 60 feet in diameter, Sloping from the ground at the Circumference to 5 feet
in height, at the base of each Cairn. The Cairns Stand about 15 feet high above that base.
The Cairns Stand on the top of a high & conspicous hill - the Twinlaw Hill. Almost all the Stones (which are grawacke) are
water worn, not Quarried, - There are no loose Stones or boulders on the hill, & the tradition is, that the Stones were taken
out of the Watch Water at the North base of the hill, & carried to the top by a line of Soldiers placed from the bottom to the
top - & conveyed from hand to hand till they reached their ultimate destination." --
copied from a Manuscript written by J. Spottiswoode Esq. Spottiswood
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Moira L- Moderator, GreenflyNZ
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