Remember you and Lembo running about the sports centre with all us Kirk Street and Langloan ones, sitting here listening to your music and songs in Turkey 🇹🇷 keep going buddy my wife loves your stuff 🎤🎸
It shows you the power of the clerics back then when illiteracy was rife they had no understanding of mental health issues back they did not exist back then.
This is by far the finest video I have ever seen. I've been in this graveyard. The background information is invaluable. You background made this alive to myself.
Reference to a fair is made in 1386, when King Robert II granted land to build the Tolbooth, for a nominal rent to be paid on the Festival of the Blessed Virgin Mary, held on the 15th of August - which eventually became known simply as 'Marymass'.
There's a high likelihood that JJ won't see your comment, as this is in fact a documentary on MY account, that I had a hand in creating. Agreed, a 15 minute runtime does not do this man justice, however, the selection of his music included in this piece more than proves his abilities as a songwriter. Something I'm sure you will agree with. I'll pass on your detailed and well-crafted expertise to my peers 😊
Thanks Ian! Yeah, very sad indeed, and a level of injustice and prejudice that's still present hundreds of years later. Hopefully more memorials can be placed in remembrance, in Irvine too. Thanks for watching!
Would Billy know of anything about the grounds on which Cunningham House is built (good reason for asking). Were women ever incarcerated in a building on that spot??? Would be grateful if he could shed some light on something I've thought about for years.
Thank you for that JJ. You lay yourself bare and I admire that equally as much as your voice. I so look forward to seeing you once again live in concert.
Absolutely fantastic presentation. The phenomenal videography and audio accompanied by Billy’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of local history makes for a captivating watch. Look forward to the next instalment.
Amazing info ,I’ve stayed in Irvine for over 45 yrs and still fascinated by our history, I would honestly say it’s one of the historic places in the uk, kings queens and witchcraft all rolled into 1
Delightful, thank you. Just one thought about the grave of Robert Montgomery for his wife. The winged skull at the top represents the spirit or soul of the deceased ascending to heaven. It was thought that the soul would leave the body and rise up to heaven when called to do so. This, they thought, may be well after death, by which time the human remains would be just bones. More normally the winged spirit is shown with flesh on it, but not uncommon to see it shown as a skull.
Thanks for your comment and for watching Landy! You're correct in saying that a winged-soul signifies the soul leaving the body at death to go to heaven. On a winged-soul carving the head is always a cherub with an angelic appearance. This isn't a cherub's head with wings but a nasty devilish skull with wings, to warn and scare the onlooker.There are plenty of winged souls in most graveyards of this time period but "winged death", like this one, is a much rarer occurrence and quite unique 😁
The position of the image on the gravestone (at the top heading up to heaven) and its wings distinguishes the symbol from a Deathhead and I suggest puts it in the category of winged spirit. There are plenty of similar skulls with wings symbolising such in Scottish Graveyards, particularly in The Borders and parts of Perthshire. There are some in North Northumberland too. But part of the fascination of stones of this age is the creativity of the stonemason, who sadly are completely anonymous despite their extraordinary skill.
If you are interested in the history of 18thC gravestones you might enjoy this group Britta, here is the link to the FB group that focuses on 18thC gravestones. facebook.com/groups/2077041982439221/
