Grave of Maid Lilliard

Situated just beside the path, this grave is said to be that of the Maid Lilliard, the heroine of the Battle of Ancrum. As with so many legendary figures, how much is fact and how much fiction cannot really be assessed. If legend is to be believed, she was at the Battle of Ancrum in 1545, and when her lover was killed by the English, in an act of revenge she set about the English, slaying them to left and right. Despite being severely wounded she fought on until death. As the legend upon her grave states:

'Fair maiden Lilliard lies under this stane
Little was her stature, but muckle was her fame;
Upon the English loons she laid mony thumps
And when her legs were cuttit off, she fought upon her stumps.'

Lady John Scott, who penned the song 'Annie Laurie' was responsible for the major refurbishment of the grave site, adding the inscription:

'TO A' TRUE SCOTSMEN.
By me it's been mendit:
To your care I commend it.'

Back to Stage Two: St. Boswells to Harestanes