Old Scone mercat cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Scone mercat cross |
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| Old Scone market cross | |
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The mercat cross in 2013
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| Location | Scone Palace, Perth and Kinross, Scotland |
| Built | 12–15th century |
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The Old Scone mercat cross (also called the Old Scone market cross) is a very old stone monument. It's the only thing left from the ancient Scottish town of Old Scone. This town was removed between 1803 and 1804 to make way for today's New Scone.
You can find this historic cross in the beautiful grounds of Scone Palace in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. It's just a short distance from where it originally stood. The cross was put up sometime in the late Middle Ages. Today, it is a very important historical item, officially listed as a Category A structure.
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What is a Mercat Cross?
A mercat cross is a special type of stone cross. It was often found in market towns across Scotland. The word "mercat" means "market" in old Scottish. These crosses marked the spot where people would gather to trade goods. They were also places where important announcements were made. Sometimes, laws were even read out loud there.
The Story of Old Scone
Old Scone was once a very important place in Scotland. It was home to Scone Abbey, where Scottish kings were crowned for centuries. Imagine a time when kings like Robert the Bruce and James VI and I were crowned right there! However, in the early 1800s, the Earl of Mansfield decided to build a new palace. To do this, the entire town of Old Scone was moved. A new town, New Scone, was built nearby. The mercat cross is a rare reminder of that lost town.
What the Cross Looks Like
The Old Scone mercat cross has a unique design. Its main part is an eight-sided stone pillar. This pillar has a decorated top, called a capital. On top of the capital sits a cross with leaf-like carvings. At the bottom of the cross, you can see other small stone pieces. These are likely fragments from the original structure.
Why This Cross is Important
This mercat cross is more than just an old stone. It connects us to a rich part of Scottish history. It reminds us of the medieval markets and the old town of Scone. Being a Category A listed building means it's one of Scotland's most important historical sites. It helps us understand how towns and communities changed over hundreds of years.
Gallery
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The cross in 2011
See also
