Kirkmadrine Early Christian Stones
These stones are some of the oldest and most important early Christian memorial stones in Britain.
Believed to date from the 5th or early 6th century, the Kirkmadrine Early Christian Stones are now under the care of Historic Scotland and are on display in the glass-fronted porch of the Kirkmadrine Burial Chapel.
The oldest stone is a pillar stone erected around AD 500 to mark the graves of priests serving a Christian community close to Kirkmadrine. At its head is a carving of the early Christian symbol, the Chi-Rho, a cross with a looped top. Below is a Latin inscription commemorating two of Kirkmadrine's first bishops, Viventius and Mavorius. The second stone is inscribed for Florentius, another of Kirkmadrine's priests. The third stone is simply inscribed with the Latin motto, ‘INITIVM ET FINIS’ which translates as ‘The Beginning and the End’.
Contact
Mr
Graeme
Bowie
Sandhead
Nr Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
DG9
Scotland
Tel: +44 (131) 6688800
Fax: +44 (131) 6688888
E-Mail: hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
