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:

Comments

Your name



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)
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

House of Blackheads

House of the Blackheads (Melngalvju nams) is a building situated in the old town of Riga. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried German merchants in Riga. Major works were done in the years 1580 and 1886, adding most of the ornaments.

The structure was bombed to a ruin by the Germans June 28, 1941 and the remains demolished by the Soviets in 1948. The current reconstruction was erected from 1995 to 1999. Today the House of Blackheads serves as a museum and sometimes concert hall.