Folklore & legend

The Cout of Keeldar's Grave and Drowning Pool

Hermitage chapel and Hermitage Water, near Hermitage Castle

Legend set in the medieval period; recorded around 1802

Scott says Soulis's most redoubtable enemy was the chief of Keeldar, a Northumbrian district next to Cumberland, who died in a sudden fight on the banks of the Hermitage. The chief wore armour of proof and took no hurt in the fight, but stumbled while retreating across the river and was held under the water with lances until he died. The eddy where he perished is still called the Cout of Keeldar's Pool. His grave, of gigantic size, is pointed out in the burial ground of a ruined chapel, at the west corner of the wall. Cout means colt, and the name expresses his strength and stature.

Later guides describe the same mound about a quarter of a mile north west of the castle, and suggest the giant may recall a thirteenth century sheriff. The pin is set from that description and is approximate.

Evidence
Long-standing local tradition
Access
Access unrecorded
Location
55.258, -2.797 (Parish-level only, treat as an area)

Sources: Walter Scott, Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border, vol. 3 (Project Gutenberg) [public-domain]; Mysterious Britain & Ireland, "Cowt Of Keildar's Pool" [other]; Mysterious Britain & Ireland, "Hermitage Castle" [other]

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