The Lee Penny

Abstract

The Lee Penny is the name of a charm, amulet, or talisman, preserved at Lee Castle, the seat of the ancient family of Lockhart. It consists of a small stone set in the centre of a silver coin. The stone comes from southern Spain. The coin is thought to be a groat from the reign of Edward I. The traditional story of the acquisition of the talisman and its history as an object with healing powers is recounted along with references which appear in one of Sir Walter Scott's novels.