View of gravestone commemorating Barbara Crookshank, 1730, including a scene of possible bull-baiting, in the churchyard of Lundie Parish Church.

Description View of gravestone commemorating Barbara Crookshank, 1730, including a scene of possible bull-baiting, in the churchyard of Lundie Parish Church.

Date 1988

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number B 4011/16

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 2236504

Scope and Content Gravestone of Barbrew Crookshank, Lundie Parish Church, Angus This gravestone features an armorial shield upon which are carved an ox yoke and parts of a plough, indicating the trade of a farmer. The top of the stone carries a scene which can be interpreted as either a cow and calf, or a dog attacking a bull, a 'sport' known as bull-baiting. The possible bull-baiting scene on this stone is almost unique (one other example can be found in Monifieth Churchyard, Angus), but the pose of the animals can be compared to popular Staffordshire ceramic figures of the period. Bull-baiting involved a bull being tied up and attacked by small dogs such as bull terriers and bulldogs. People would bet money upon these fighting dogs, and bull-fights were often arranged at times of celebration, such as at country fairs and mayoral elections. Some people claimed that bull-baiting should be carried out before an animal was slaughtered in order to tenderise its meat. The 'sport' was banned by the Protection of Animals Act of 1835. This gravestone commemorates Barbrew Crookshank, who died in 1730. It is inscribed: 'Erected by/Colin Crookshank and Elizabeth Gellatly/his spouse in memory of their daughter/Barbrew Crookshank who died 15th March/1730'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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