OS1/34/55/27
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REFUGE STONE | Refuge Stone Refuge Stone Refuge Stone |
Revd. [Reverend] J Duns Revd. [Reverend] W. Branks Mr. J. Johnston |
005 | [Situation] About 140 links WSW [West South West] of the parish church in the Grave Yard A Short stone pillar Standing erect in the earth having a cross rudely Sculptured on the top. It stand in the Grave Yard and served as a mark in the centre of the ancient Sanctuary which appertained to the Hospital or preceptory of Torphichen The Space of a mile around this stone as a centre Consisted of the Sanctuary, at the extreme limit of which were placed four Similar Stones in direction of the four Cardinal points from the centre one. This sanctuary has long lost its privilege and perhaps the necessity for such does not exist in modern times -- Turn over |
Continued entries/extra info
[page] 27[Note] -- " A Stone resembling a common milestone but with
a cross Carved upon its top and situated in the Churchyard
near the west end of the present Church marked the
Centre of a privileged Sanctuary-ground attached
to the preceptory and Similar stones are said
to have stood at the extremities or Corners of that
ground each a mile distant from the Centre. All
the space within the circle drawn round these
extreme Stones was as much a legal Sanctuary as
the Church at its centre and afforded protection
against the law to every Criminal or debtor who
entered and remained within its precincts." -- Fullartons Gazetteer of Scotland
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Moira L- Moderator, Jeanette
Location information for this page.
Linked mapsheets.
