OS1/13/87/13

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[Quotation] Gallows Knowe
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"When the rights of the Scottish proprietors came to assume a regular form, historians inform us, that, the lands of some were erected into baronies, those of others into regalities. The jurisdiction of the former was extensive, that of the latter as the name implies, royal, and almost unbounded. All cases whether civil or criminal were tried by judges, whom the lord of the regality appointed. Such power was never granted, but to families of distinction. The proprietor of Tullibole had this jurisdiction. During the last century, a quarrel took place between two of his vassals, at a market in the Crook of Devon. In the heat of passion, the one drew his knife, and stabbed the other to the heart. When his anger was abated, and he had recollected what he had done, he immediately fled. A party however was immediately sent after him, who overtaking him before he was a mile from the place, brought him back. Next day he was tried for the murder; a jury was summoned, the Lord of the regality presided. Witnesses were examined; the fact was clearly proven. The prisoner being found guilty, was condemned to be hanged the same evening. The place appointed for the execution, was a small rising ground at the East end of the village of the Crook of Devon. As this was the only person who ever suffered in the parish, his death has been handed by tradition, from one generation to another; and the small piece of ground where the gallows was erected, still goes by the name of the Gallow Know." Old Stat Acct [Statistical Account]