MacDuff's Cross

Lindores, United Kingdom

MacDuff's Cross is the remains of an ancient white sandstone monument, located on a historic site between Lindores and Newburgh. Robert Sibbald suggested the date of its construction to have been 1059 CE, however earlier dates have been considered.

The cross is supposed to mark the spot where the clan Macduff, in return for its chief's services against Macbeth, was granted rights of sanctuary and composition for murder done in hot blood. This legend suggests a penalty of nine cows and a heifer for such a crime. Shortly after the death of Macbeth, King of Scotland, Malcolm III of Scotland was also supposed to have bestowed on the Thane of Fife the privilege of ordaining the King, and leading the charge in battle. The cross was originally dedicated to Saint Magider and smashed to pieces by a mob of fanatical followers of John Knox in 1559.

References:

Wikipedia

Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

Address

Woodriffe Road, Lindores, United Kingdom

See all sites in Lindores

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tony D (2 years ago)
A Scottish Sanctuary Gyrth at least 1000 years old. Duff and MacDuff Family monument.

Greg Kilgour (4 years ago)

macedonboy (5 years ago)
The field where this is located is a cattle field. I was conscious of the cattle staring at me as I wandered from the gate to the monument. No doubt wonder who is this eejit coming all the way to see a mound. A mound is really all this is. It's a mound bordered by rocks with a larger stone in the centre of the raised mound where a cross was supposed to have been. There are legends associating this monument to Pictish kings, MacBeth and Malcolm III. That's the only reason it's two stars instead of one.

Scott Baird (6 years ago)

Gillian Hogarth (6 years ago)

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.