Fascinating graveyards Stirling, Scotland
Written by Karen Bryan
I really like visiting graveyards and cemeteries and the Old Town Cemeteries lie on the way up to Stirling Castle.
View to Stirling Castle
There are two distinct graveyards beside the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling. The “Old Kirkyard” has some headstones dating from as far back as 1579. The rows of headstones face east towards the rising sun. Many of the headstones were erected before death as status symbol. You can see illustration of death and trade symbols on some stones.
Portrayal of Death
The other part of the cemetery is know as the “Valley” and mainly Victorian. The most eye-catching piece, surrounded by white pillars, is the staute of Margart Wilson who at the age of 18 was executed by drowning for the refusal to renounce her Protestant faith. This happened in the south west of Scotland so although there was no local connection Victorian sentimentality deemed Wilson an appropriate Scottish figure for commemoration.
Valley Cemetery, Stirling looking toward the Ochil Hills
The Star Pyramid commemorates all those who were martyred seeking religious freedom. A local eccentric is said to be interned inside the pyramid, seated at a feasting table.
The Star Pyramid
Have you visited the Top of the Town graveyards in Stirling?
Hi. I also like to visit graveyards – here (California) and in Great Britain. (Actually, anywhere I travel.) I’m trying to find more informaiton about the symbols on the grave stones and on the tombs I have seen in the cathedrals in Great Britain. For instance (but not all inclusive) what does it mean when a knight’s feet are crossed or not, the position of the hands, the presence of a lamb or lion, etc. Do you know of some good web sites or books that would have this kind of info?
Thank you for your attention. Karin
Hi Karin, reassuring to know that i’m not the only one who likes visiting graveyards. I’m sorry I don’t know of any good resources for information about the meaning of various symbols on headstones.
[...] is probably best know for its castle. I really like the graveyards just down from the castle. My favourite walk in Stirling is called the Back Walk, a circular walk [...]
During a brief stay in Scotland, I was able to work with the MGRGB, a group in Moray that clean and document (in detail) grave stones. I have never had such a rewarding hobby and can’t wait to get back to do it again. It really does satisfy a parched desire to touch history. They are always happy to have new volunteer members.
Sue. W.Van. B.C. Canada
Thanks for you comment, Sue. It sounds like a very interesting way to spend some of your time in Scotland, doing something that you enjoyed and maintaining the grave stones for others to enjoy in the future.
We visited Stirlings graveyards in 2007. Of all our travels, Stirling and Scotland in general is our favorite place to visit. We arrived in Stirling just before sunset, our first day in Scotland. Decided to walk up from the Golden Lion Hotel to the castle to watch the sunset. Just opposite the graveyard stood a lone Bagpiper playing as the sun when down. I will never forget the site. This one event was the start of me taking up playing the Bagpipes. It’s strange how being in the right place at the right time can effect the direction of a life. We speak of Scotland daily and I have joined a pipe band here at home. Visiting Scotland was indeed a dream come true.
Hi Billy, thanks for sharing you Stirling experience with us. I really miss Stirling even although we moved away almost 4 years ago. I ennjoy ed going for a walk up to the castle and round the graveyards on a Saturday afternoon after lunch in the town.
How are you progressing with your bagpipe playing?