Martyrs' Cross House

NT26SW 27 22991 62387.

(NT 2299 6238) The house named "Martyrs' Cross" was the old parish school of Glencorse. In 1859 it was purchased for a dwelling house, when it acquired its present name on account of its proximity to the district associated with the "martyrs" of Covenanting times, and the fact that there was a cross on the building. The endeavour to explain the cross on the building probably led to the idea that the site had some connection with a convent, but there is no factual basis for this tradition. The cross is an old stone that was found on the ground, and placed in its present prominent position to preserve it.

W Grant 1927

No further information.

Visited by OS (BS) 10 December 1975

NMRS NOTES:

Part West End before 1700 (Title deeds of Mauricewood House). End of 18th century Parish School called Glencross School. (Statistical Account). Extended for schoolmaster to the E. (Statistical Account).

West end and first turnpike stair probably early period. Second turnpike stair and second door, smaller carve, blocked window with stair going across lower half now (photo). Front door probably that in the NE end under round arch.

Turnpike curious position for original building. Originally ended wirh thick wall corresponding to that beside the turnpike - recently pulled down, end-stones on the wall outside here.

The stone round the window is finely dressed to make a frame, by stones rough horizontal dressing as corner stone, but other not except stringcourse. 19th century building rougher and more rubbly than other at the back.

Niches upstairs as on plan. Outline above roundel windows marked on stones, they are odd shapes. New window beside chimney at W end downstairs. New door beside it. Small window behind house formely similar one below, no back and door formerly.

Stonehead from Dunfermline.

Copied verbatim from notes by owner.