Kilmartin graveslab
This
black and white photograph is another example of the type of graveslab found at
Kilmartin graveyard but is one which does not figure in the books which claim
certain graveslabs are those which covered the graves of Knights Templar who had
arrived in Argyle late in 1307 and hid there for seven years before helping out
Robert the Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn 23rd - 24th June 1314.
This is a more complicated version of the sword and floral pattern previously discussed. The blade of the sword bears the letters "A. Mc. L." and is another example of how a gravestone has been re-used by a later generation.
In this instance the sword is more integrated into the overall design. The pommel 'flows' into the foliate pattern which becomes two 'back to back' animals.
The slab is 1.64 meters long and 0.47 meters wide (at the top) and tapers to the bottom.
Yet again the question to be asked is: if a simple sword depicts that of a Knight Templar then what does one with a sword and a floral design represent? In this this example there are two animals incorporated into the floral pattern and so we must ask what the combination of three elements represents.
Once all the evidence is to hand we shall re-consider this question.