The Wigtown Martyrs by nodrognai

The Wigtown Martyrs

While walking in the graveyard near Stirling Castle I came across this beautiful memorial.

Margaret Wilson (c. 1667 – 11 May 1685) was a young Scottish Covenanter, from Wigtown in Scotland executed by drowning for refusing to swear an oath declaring James VII (James II of England) as head of the church. She died along with Margaret McLachlan. The two Margarets were known as the Wigtown Martyrs. Wilson became the more famous of the two because of her youth. As a teenager, her faith unto death became celebrated as part of the martyrology of Presbyterian churches.

The Wigtown Martyrs Monument in the Old Town Cemetery, Stirling, depicts Margaret Wilson reading the Bible with her young sister Agnes, watched over by a despairing guardian angel.
(info courtesy of Geni)
What a fascinating piece of history, Ian! The cloudy sky in the background seems appropriate.
September 16th, 2021  
Such an interesting monument, very well presented.
September 17th, 2021  
Very interesting!
September 17th, 2021  
A wonderful monument and amazing history, those certainly were not very good times.
September 17th, 2021  
She is supposedly an ancestor of mine ?
My Aunt did extensive research of our ancestors in Scotland
Wilson is my fathers maternal name
Nelson is the paternal
I look forward to visiting there someday
I only hope to be a bit of that brave if ever put to the test!!
September 17th, 2021  
It’s lovely and such a sad story. Fav
September 17th, 2021  
@kellykat How interesting. I can assure you it is a beautiful monument and I hope you do manage to visit it one day and also the place of her birth.
September 17th, 2021  
Wow! What a tragic story. Really love how those statues are encased in glass like that.
September 17th, 2021  
A beautiful monument dedicated to these women!
September 18th, 2021  
Beautiful memorial and admirable the strong faith that the Margaret’s chose death over allegiance to another head of the church. Wow
September 24th, 2021  
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