Ruthwell 3
Ruthwell Graveyard [ page 1 ] [page 2 ] [page 3] [page 4] [page 5 ]  [Notes ]
The old graveyard surrounding this small country church has been extended to the rear and is still in use. Many of these old memorial stones are worn smooth and their inscriptions can no longer be read.
These fallen stones shown above and below commemorate the family of Rev. Gavin Young.
As Minister of the parish in 1640, he was instructed to destroy the Ruthwell Cross.
The Covenanting Assembly of the Church of Scotland, meeting in Aberdeen in 1640, decreed that this and all other  'Idolatrous Monuments' should be cast-down and totally destroyed.
Unable to ignore the clear instruction of his Religious Superiors, but not before some risky prevarication over a two year period, the Minister of the Parish, Gavin Young did obey.
As one writer has put it, he contrived a solution which 'kept the word of promise to the ear and broke it to the hope'.
The Cross was indeed cast-down but it was not totally destroyed.   (See Notes for a more detailed account.)
Here are two of the more unusual 
grave monuments in Ruthwell graveyard.
 [ page 1 ] [page 2 ] [page 3] [page 4] [page 5 ]  [Notes ]