Sites and Monument Record: John de Graeme Tomb (Graham Monument) (SMR 2067)

Description
The most prominent feature of the Sir John De Graeme Tomb is the Gothic cast iron cupola made by the Falkirk Iron Company in 1860. It takes the form of iron railings with halberd-like terminals set into a rectangular stone base. The corner rails have elongated pinnacles. The ogee arched top is made of four fretted frames extending from the corners to meet at the centre under a lion finial. A solid cast iron shield attached to the railings bears a coat-of-arms featuring birds. Within the railings are a series of stone slabs. The lowest is a stone effigy of a knight, probably of 14th century date. Above it is a table tomb that would have been put in place around 1570 when Blind Harry's poems were published. The middle slab was erected by the Duke of Montrose, c1752. The upper stone was furnished by William Graham of Airth in 1773. A phosphor alloy sword was added in 1869 and replaced in 1999.
The tomb was refurbished in 2011. This work included placing small vertical rods between the railings, reinstating the sword and painting the ironwork.
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Object detail

Site type
Site history notes
the site of the Battle of Falkirk, fought on 22nd July 1298, is not known, but it was close enough to the town for the more notable noblemen to be buried in the graveyard of the parish church of Falkirk. The grave was elaborated over the years. Each time that the stone slab was renewed the inscription and coat-of-arms were copied from the previous one. Part of the inscription reads "Heir lyes Sir John the Grame, baith wight and wise, Ane of the chiefs who rescewit Scotland thrise, Ane better knight not to the world was lent, Nor was gude grame of truth and hardiment."
Site grid ref
NS 8874 7999

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