Peden Memorial, Cumnock Old Graveyard

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 13 Sep 2013

Four Covenanters are buried in this railed-off enclosure in the Old Graveyard at Gallows Knowe: Thomas Richard, tenant of Greenock Mains in Muirkirk parish, shot here on 5th April 1685; David Dun and Simon Paterson, shot here a month later, and Alexander Peden, who died of natural causes in 1686. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In memory of Alexander Peden (A native of Sorn) That faithful minister of Christ, who, For his unflinching adherence to the Covenanted Reformation in Scotland, was Expelled by tyrant rulers, from his parish Of New Luce, imprisoned for years on the Bass Rock by his persecutors, and hunted For his life on the surrounding mountains And moors till his death on 26th, January 1686, In the 60th year of his age; and here, At last, his dust reposes in peace, awaiting The Resurrection of the Just. "Such were the men these hills who trode, Strong in the love and fear of God, Defying through a long dark hour Alike the graft and rage of power." Erected in 1891

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0