| 023
Hanging Stones, Braid Road, Edinburgh. |
Prev |
Next |
Description
Two large slabs, actually bases for two gibbets or gallows, can
be found embedded in the west side of Braid Road at the junction
with Comiston Terrace, just to the south of South Morningside
Free Church Hall. They are known locally as the 'hanging stones'
and measure 1m square and were found to be about 30mm thick when
excavated during road repairs.
Directions
Braid Road is situated towards the south side of Edinburgh and the
use of a street map is highly recommended. At the north junction
of Braid Road and Comiston Road, head south along Braid Road,
keeping to the western footpath. The stones are recessed into the
road surface just before the junction with Comiston Terrace.
Parking
There is no charge for parking along most of the streets in the
area.
Folklore
The two slabs mark the spot of Scotland's last execution
for highway robbery and the gallows were specifically
erected for the hanging of Thomas Kelly and Henry O'Neill on
25th January 1815. An information plaque can be seen
embedded in the pavement.
Fieldnotes
The Hanging Stones do not really have a place with most of the
other stones in this web site but having tracked them down, I
though they might as well be here. There are actually two
stones, both very similar.
|
