Soulis Cross

An unusual monument located in a niche in the wall of the churchyard of the Old High Kirk on Soulis Street in Kilmarnock (East Ayrshire). The Soulis Cross commemorates an English nobleman, Lord Soulis, who was killed nearby in 1444 who was said to be leading a force of English soldiers against Dean Castle. It is very unusual for the defenders, who were the Lords Boyd, to allow the construction of a monument to their enemy. The monument was recorded by map-maker Timothy Pont c.1600 when it was located nearby on Soulis Street. It was moved in 1825, with a new fluted column replacing a decayed one from the 15th C., the original now being in the Dick Institute.

An inscription above the niche reads:

"To the memory of Lord Soulis, 1444. Erected by subscription, 1825. The days of old to mind I call."


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better