The Black Death, or more commonly referred to as the bubonic plague pandemic, is said to have originated in Central Asia sometime in the mid-14th century. It would make its way across to mainland Europe, and eventually the United Kingdom, carried by fleas on the backs of rats who stored away on ships. There would be further outbreaks of the Yersinia pestis bacteria in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries.
Scotland was not immune to this pestilence as a third of its population would fall victim to this deadly disease. The country was said to have been more immune to the plague due to its population centers not being as concentrated and the colder climes may have keep the outbreaks at a minimum. Unfortunately, this would not be the case for one family living in the bustling port of Culross.
On September 14, 1645 three siblings Robert, Agnes and Jeanie Bald all succumbed to the scourges of the Black Death. As was customary for victims of the plague the bodies were not allowed to be buried in the confines of the consecrated grounds of the church. To see that his children would have a proper burial, and not be forgotten, their father James built them a grave in Devilla Forrest.
Located within the woods a few miles north of Culross he constructed a final resting place for his beloved children. He carved a stone with an image of a hammer and crown, the tools of his trade, along with the names of his two daughters and son. This touching memorial by a grieving father is still visible some 400 years later.
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