OS1/15/37/20
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRESTON CROSS | Cross (ancient) Cross (ancient) Preston Cross Preston Cross Preston Cross |
John Grieve Grocer Mr. Atkin Farmer Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] 1841 Revd. [Reverend] J Struthers Mr. Robert Turnbull |
008 | [Situation] In the Village of Preston. A Stone pillar about 15 feet high Surmounting a small octagonal erection about 9 feet high. Of its origin or the date of its erection nothing is locally known. The Chapmen or travelling merchants of the Lothians, had at a time when their craft was of no Small importance to the Country, formed themselves into a Society, and they annually attended a fair held at this village, for the purpose of electing their office bearers for the ensuing year and the cross, or pillar is claimed by them, the villagers affecting to be Successors of the chapmen annually in July hold a rustic fete round the Solitary Cross, which is now enclosed in a small garden near the West end of the village. "In a garden, on the opposite side of the road from the castle garden wall is the ancient cross of the village. Annually in the beginning of July, it is the scene of a little innocent merry-making. As if at the Summons of some ancient wizard in a mood of mirth and gentleness a numerous Company unexpectedly encircle the solitary pillar and amidst the agreeable warmth of a summer noon, interchange many pleasant and friendly salutations, in commemoration doubtless of important transactions which happened long ago. Their accustomed rites being duly performed the reign of silence is again allowed resume its sway around that simple monument of departed greatness. It is the property of the Chapmen of Lothian and is supposed to have been acquired by them in 1636. It is supposed by some antiquaries that the Company referred to are the modern representatives of that most respectable fraternity and it is worthy of remark that according to common report the descendants of those most useful persons are men no less deserving of public confidence and respect than their mercantile progenitors were." Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] of Haddingtonshire 1841 Page 310. |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 20Parish of Prestonpans -- 8D Trace No. 2
[Signed] T Smith
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CorrieBuidhe- Moderator, Clarinda
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