SMR 494 / NS 8887 7207
This small walled family graveyard is located immediately to the north of the Limerigg to Avonbridge road, near Babbithill Farm (NS 8892 7207). The square walled enclosure is placed in the triangular plantation of trees at the south-west corner of a large field. The ground slopes from the south to the north and the enclosing wall is taller on the downhill side so that the substantial square copes are level throughout. The interior is level and measures 3.81m N/S by 3.60m W/E, but there are no grave markers. The two small, squared stones now on the ground are to be associated with the door head. The entrance is in the centre of the east wall. The walls are made of random rubble evidently derived from field clearance and are now 1.5m tall from the internal floor, though the height from the threshold stone is 1.7m. The coping stones are neatly squared on the outside face, with diagonal broaching, but less regular on the internal face. They are the same width as the walls – 0.36m. The quoins and door margins are of dressed sandstone, the latter housing a small external rebate.
The cope stones immediately to either side of the doorway, and the lintel, were raised, above the level of the surrounding walls. This lintel stone, 1.10m long, is now lying on the ground and bears the inscription “W B 1851”, a date in keeping with the style of the copes. William Boyd was in occupation at this time. The doorway itself is 0.82m wide and there are two iron hinge pivots on the outside on the north side, and a central hole on the opposite side for the catch.
The tomb forms one of several on the Slamannan plateau which belong to descenting families. Most are late 18th century and it is probable that the date of 1851 on the Babbithill lintel represents a refurbishment. The enclosure is now used as a shelter by sheep.
Bibliography
| Bailey, G.B | 2021 | website: Family Tombs & Graveyards, Pest Graves and Miscellaneous Burials in the Falkirk District. |
Falkirk Local History Society 