Kilberry Sculptured Stones, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

In 1951 some 25 sculptured stones were removed from the basement of Kilberry Castle, a private residence, and placed in a purpose-built shelter for public display. In 1997 they were joined by the Kilberry Cross. All the stones were found on the Kilberry estate, most of them apparently from the site of the medieval parish church, a little to the east of the castle.

The collection comprises three early Christian grave-slabs, all incised with crosses, eight late-medieval West Highland grave-slabs, eight late-medieval cross fragments (including the Kilberry Cross, and another depicting a kneeling female with a rosary), and seven simpler grave-slabs dating from the 1500s and 1600s.

Of the eight West Highland grave-slabs, two bear effigies of armed warriors, one named John, son of Mauritius. Mauritius is a Latinised form of the Gaelic name Muiredach or Murchad. It was common amongst the MacMurachies, who are reputed to have held Kilberry at one time.

The fragment of cross-shaft known as the Kilberry Cross is 1m high. One face shows three figures – a mounted warrior on a rearing horse at the bottom, a cleric wearing robes and mitre in the centre, with one hand raised in benediction and the other holding an archbishop’s staff, and part of a second robed figure at the top. The other face is decorated with intricate leaf scroll looping around a pair of back-to-back, prancing lions at the base of a cross.

An associated cross-head, believed at one time to be the one missing from the Kilberry Cross, was discovered around 1860 in woodland near the site of the old church. The cross movingly depicts the crucified Christ. The foot of the cross is supported in the mouth of a small dragon.

References:

Historic Environment Scotland

Religious sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Samantha Davies (2 years ago)
These are beautifully Sculpted Stones steeped in history. There isn't parking though and are surrounded by private roads.

Mind Your Own Business (3 years ago)
Great place to visit if your passing by but ignore the door slamming idiot next to this place as he will certainly let you know he's a grumpy old sod! ?

Polly Wainwright (3 years ago)
Pulled off when we saw the sign, didn't know what to expect, certainly worth a drive down to, if passing. A 5 min read of the board, 5 mins looking round. Really interesting stones, and answered our thoughts on several old mausoleum type buildings we'd passed - all linked.

Gordon Stewart (3 years ago)
Yeah ...... It's ok. Couple of issues though. Firstly, there's not a lot of information on site. Nothing like Kilmory Knap Chapel where there's plenty of info. Secondly, it's a long drive for somewhere that's go no parking. Can't park anywhere at the site as you'd be blocking access ways for locals. If you're "into this" kind of thing it's probably worth a visit but other places like Kilmory and Kilmartin church are far more accessible, have more information and have more to look at. On the plus side, there's a couple of gorgeous beaches nearby.

Al Alexander (4 years ago)
Slightly disappointing in so far as it is a long slow drive to reach this location, only to find that there is no parking provision, but lots of "private, no parking signs". In addition, there is an information sign that focuses on the most important stone, the Kilberry Stone, but there are no interpretation signs for the others on display.

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