Note on a Sculptured Stone at the Parish Church of Birse, Aberdeenshire

Abstract

Dedicated in the name of St Michael, it was in mediaeval times the prebendal church of the Chancellor of the Chapter of Aberdeen Cathedral. The present building was erected in 1779, and there are no remains of the old church. A sculptured grave slab is built into the south wall of the present church. The carving may be described as partly incised with rough broad lines, partly in relief; it represents a sword by the side of a small cross with another similar cross in an inverted position at the other end of the slab. The fact that the crosses face opposite ways, suggests that the slab was recumbent.