OS1/13/121/68B

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 68b
[continued from Page 68a]
that is all that history notices of Dunfermline & Sir W. Wallace
I have many reasons for concluding that this "site" is
the Site of the ancient weeping or Sepulchral Cross so
common in northern church yards before the Reformation
at which time they were overthrown and "The Gospel thorn"
planted on the place - the 'site' you indicate has a thorn
being from the original which was blown down by a storm
in 1784 - I would suggest that the words may be left
with the following addition to it, viz - "Supposed Site
of Sir William Wallace Mothers Grave, or ancient weeping
or Sepulchral Cross of the Abbey
4th. In alluding to Sir William Wallace brings me to a
second notice - viz - a little below "Tower Hill" in
the plan you have "Wallace Spa" this is another
faint tradition but worthy of no credit - I have every
reason for concluding that the word wallace is a corruption
and that Well of Spa ought to be the proper name
in the olden time report says it possessed medicinal
properties - the wording may stand as you have it - but
I think you might add "or Well of Spa"
5th. In the northern transept of the present New Abbey
church you have "Royal Burial Place" I exploded
this idea of this site so far bacK as the year 1836 - the
late Sir John G. Dalzeel was misled in his search in the
Royal tombs in July 1807. I convinced Sir John of this in
1841 or 42 to his satisfaction - most undoubtedly the word
"Royal Burial Place" should be entirely left out. "The
Royal Burial Place" was not confined to one particular
site - from 1093 to 1250 The Rud Awtr as Winton calls
it was in the present old building near the east end - the
interments were "before and near to this Rud Autre (Rood
Altar or Altar of the Holy Cross - The Royal Burial place
from 1093 to 1250 was just at the place where you have
the word Church - of the words "Nave of the Abbey Church
In 1250 a splendid church was erected - and the translation
of Malcolm 3d and his Queen were transferred from this spot
to the east end or Lady chapel of the then new errection
Alexander 3d was interred in this new building in 1284 and Robert
1st (Bruce) in 1329 at the place where you have "Bruces
Grave". In the Nave at your word church lie interred
Alexander 1st - David 1st, Edgar - Malcolm 4th, Duncan &c. near to where
you have "Bruces Grave" are interred Alexander 3d Robert
1st and his Queen - Randolph Earl of Murrey and a large
retenue
[Continued on Page 68c]

Transcriber's notes

See Town Plan - http://maps.nls.uk/view/74415326

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Moira L- Moderator, Jill S

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