Granny Kempock Stone facts for kids
The Kempock Stone, often called Granny Kempock, is a large, ancient stone standing on a cliff in Gourock, Scotland. It is located behind Kempock Street, the main shopping area. This stone is a type of menhir, which is a tall, upright stone set up in ancient times. It is made of grey mica schist.
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The Mysterious Granny Kempock Stone
The Kempock Stone is a megalithic monument, meaning it is a large stone that was used to build a structure or monument in ancient times. People have wondered for a long time where it came from and what its original purpose was.
What is the Granny Kempock Stone?
The stone is sometimes called "Granny Kempock" because some people think it looks like an old woman. Its exact origin is unknown. Some ideas suggest it might have been an old altar used to worship a pagan god called Baal. Another idea is that it could be a memorial to an ancient battle. A set of steps leads up to the stone from Kempock Street below.
Old Beliefs and Superstitions
For many years, people believed the Granny Kempock Stone brought good luck.
- Sailors going on a long sea journey would walk seven times around the stone. They believed this would ensure a safe and successful trip.
- Couples about to get married would also walk seven times around the stone. They hoped this would bring them good fortune in their marriage.
The Witchcraft Story
The stone also has a connection to stories about witchcraft. In 1662, a local woman named Marie Lamont and a group of other women faced serious accusations. It was claimed that they had danced around the stone on a Sunday. The accusation was that they intended to curse and sink ships passing through the River Clyde by trying to throw the stone into the sea. These accusations led to severe consequences for Marie Lamont and the others in the local area.
Markings on the Stone
If you look closely at the stone, you will see many markings on its surface.
- Some of these markings appear to be graffiti from the 17th to 19th centuries. Most are simply initials carved by people.
- Alongside some initials, there are unexplained symbols. These symbols look a bit like modern navigation marks.
- Some people think these might be mason's marks, which are symbols used by stonemasons. However, it is not clear why someone would carve such marks on an irregularly shaped stone. This makes some wonder if the stone was once part of a larger structure, perhaps even Gourock Castle.
- There is also a small hole, about 2 cm (¾") wide, at the bottom of the stone. It is not known if this hole goes all the way through. If it does, it could mean the stone was moved at some point. It might have been used as an anchor or a counterweight. Because of its current location, some believe the stone might have originally stood somewhere else.
Granny Kempock in Pop Culture
The stories surrounding the Granny Kempock Stone have even inspired television. In 1987, a children's TV series called Shadow of the Stone was created by Catherine Lucy Czerkawska. This show dramatized the witchcraft element of the stone's history. The series starred Shirley Henderson as a young girl who felt a special connection to Marie Lamont. Scenes for the show were filmed in and around Gourock.
Historical Accounts
Reverend D. Macrae wrote about the stone in his 1880 book, "Notes about Gourock." He described it as a Bronze Age standing stone, dating back to about 2000 BC. He called it the "Lang Stane" or "Granny Kempock."
- He mentioned the idea that the stone might mark the site of an ancient altar to Baal from Druid times.
- Reverend Macrae also wrote about the stone being an object of "superstitious awe and reverence" for many centuries.
- He confirmed the tradition of married couples walking around the stone to get "Granny Kempock's blessing."
- He also detailed how sailors and fishermen would take sand from the shore. They would walk seven times around Granny Kempock, singing a special song. This was done to ensure a safe and prosperous voyage at sea.
