Glamis Manse

NO 386469   54   DD8 1RT

Opposite church, on minor road off A94, in Glamis, Angus

This intriguing Class 2 cross-slab may have connections with the nearby healing well of St Fergus, as many of its motifs can be interpreted as relating to healing. The front of the cross is dominated by a beautifully carved full-length cross, decorated with intricately interlaced designs. In the top left-hand corner is an unusual animal with clawed feet and a long tail curled over its back, possibly representing the lion of St Mark. In the top right is a remarkable centaur, holding an axe in each hand. This has been interpreted as representing Chiron, who cut the branch of healing and gave it to Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Bottom left shows two warriors, armed with axes and locked in combat. Above them is a cauldron – realistically depicted, side on – with two pairs of human legs protruding from it. This perhaps is the Cauldron of Dagda, capable of curing battle wounds and even resurrecting the slain. In the bottom right is an animal’s head – perhaps a lamb, representing Christ – over a large cauldron symbol. The back of the stone bears a salmon, a snake and a mirror. The nearby church, dedicated to St Fergus, is also open to the public, and the well can also be visited via a landscaped trail.

  The fine and interesting Glamis Castle, which is regularly open to the public, is located nearby.

NOTE: Stone, well and church: access at all reasonable times

© Martin Coventry 2018