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All the United Kingdom Scotland Plague Grave
AO Edited

Plague Grave

The final resting place of three children, infected with the Black Death, who all died on the same day.

Culross, Scotland

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SEANETTA ALLSASS
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Here lie three poor souls.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Here lie three poor souls.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Small offerings have been left on the site.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Follow the markers.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Follow the trail.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A sign marks the spot.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A hidden plague grave can be found near here.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
‘Welcome to Culross’ reads a sign.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
A sign explains the history of the plague in the region.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Looking out to the Firth of Forth   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
The Black Death left a powerful mark on Scotland.   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
“Any donation for the upkeep of the paths and graves are welcome.”   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
West Kirk   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Black Death, or more commonly referred to as the bubonic plague pandemic, is said to have originated in Central Asia sometime in the mid-14th century. It would make its way across to mainland Europe, and eventually the United Kingdom, carried by fleas on the backs of rats who stored away on ships. There would be further outbreaks of the Yersinia pestis bacteria in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.

Scotland was not immune to this pestilence as a third of its population would fall victim to this deadly disease. The country was said to have been more immune to the plague due to its population centers not being as concentrated and the colder climes may have keep the outbreaks at a minimum. Unfortunately, this would not be the case for one family living in the bustling port of Culross.

On September 14, 1645 three siblings Robert, Agnes and Jeanie Bald all succumbed to the scourges of the Black Death. As was customary for victims of the plague the bodies were not allowed to be buried in the confines of the consecrated grounds of the church. To see that his children would have a proper burial, and not be forgotten, their father James built them a grave in Devilla Forrest.

Located within the woods a few miles north of Culross he constructed a final resting place for his beloved children. He carved a stone with an image of a hammer and crown, the tools of his trade, along with the names of his two daughters and son. This touching memorial by a grieving father is still visible some 400 years later.

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Death Graves Plague

Know Before You Go

The grave can be somewhat tricky to find. It is located along the Culross Heritage trail, which takes one on a mile long loop around the village. Follow the posted green signs. It is several yards west of the West Kirk, which some folks may recognize as being the 'Black Kirk' from the television series 'Outlander'.

Wear sensible footwear and clothing. The trail is a dirt path with an uneven surface and may be covered with underbrush.

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SEANETTA

Published

January 31, 2025

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  • https://secretscotland829724255.wordpress.com/2019/12/19/plague-grave/
  • https://secretscotland829724255.wordpress.com/2019/12/19/plague-grave/
Plague Grave
Devilla Forest
Culross, Scotland, KY12 8JL
United Kingdom
56.060201, -3.640156
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Nearby Places

Cobblestone Footpath

Culross, Scotland

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Cobblestone Footpath

Culross, Scotland

miles away

Lilias Adie Grave Marker

Torryburn, Scotland

miles away

Hippodrome Cinema

Bo’ness, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

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