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Inverkeithing, Bank Street
Market Cross (16th Century), Sundial (17th Century)
Site Name Inverkeithing, Bank Street
Classification Market Cross (16th Century), Sundial (17th Century)
Alternative Name(s) High Street; Townhall Street
Canmore ID 50971
Site Number NT18SW 5
NGR NT 13010 82872
NGR Description Moved from NT 13035 82906
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/50971
- Council Fife
- Parish Inverkeithing
- Former Region Fife
- Former District Dunfermline
- Former County Fife
NT18SW 5 13010 82872 (moved from NT 13035 82906)
(NT 1303 8290) Cross (NR)
OS 25" map (1927)
The Market Cross, Inverkeithing, was re-erected in its present position in Townhall Street in 1799. Prior to then, it was situated at the N end of High Street just S of the Townhall Street opening.
The octagonal shaft rises from a base which rests on two circular steps, evidently the work of 1799. Affixed to an iron band round the shaft is the staple for the jougs or the branks. The shaft terminates in a capital of the same form, bearing four shields of arms. Above the capital is a series of four sundials and on the summit stands a unicorn carrying a shield with the Cross of St Andrew.
The sundials appear to be later than the shaft and capital. The unicorn dates from 1688.
W Stephen 1921; Burgh Records 8 July 1796
This market cross is adequately described by the preceding authorities; it is in good condition. The heraldic work has been painted.
Visited by OS (AC) 12 March 1959
Cross has been moved to NT 1301 8287.
Visited by OS Reviser May 1978.
Mercat Cross. Octagonal shaft on which have been set iron rings (? for jougs). The moulded capital bears four shields, their heraldry including the arms of Douglas and of Robert III and his queen, suggesting a date of 1398, the year in which Robert's heir, David, Duke of Rothesay, married Mary Douglas. Sundial and unicorn finial added 1688.
J Gifford 1988.
NT18SW 5 13010 82872 (moved from NT 13035 82906)
Architect: James Gillespie Graham, 1826 (rebuilding).
Field Visit (12 June 1928)
Market Cross, Inverkeithing.
The market cross, dating from the 16th century, stands in Townhall Street. It was moved from the north end of the High Street to this position in 1799 (1). The shaft is octagonal in section and rises from a graduated base. The capital is moulded and is enriched with roses. On the sides are four shields bearing arms as under(cf. NT18SW 3): (1) and (2) A lion rampant within a tressure flory-counter-flory, the Royal arms; (3) A heart, on a chief three stars, for Douglas; (4) Parted per pale: dexter, the Royal arms; sinister, five bars wavy, apparently for Robert III and his queen Annabella Drummond. Above the capital is a cubical sundial, on which sits a unicorn supporting a shield bearing a saltire. The unicorn was placed on the cross in 1688, and the sundial is of the same time.
HISTORICAL NOTE. The special connection of Robert III and Annabella Drummond with Inverkeithing (cf. NT18SW 3), has not been satisfactorily explained. A charter of 6 January 1399 in possession of the burgh (2) provides for the payment to that queen of an annual revenue of 100 shillings due to the Crown, but she had revenues also from many other burghs. Their eldest son, David, Duke of Rothesay, married in 1400 a daughter of the third Earl of Douglas.
RCAHMS 1933, visited 12 June 1928.
(1) Stephen's Inverkeithing and Rosyth, pp. 23-4. (2) Ibid., p. 338.
