The coin the stone is set in dates from the 15th century, so the setting is later than the crusader story, which is the family tradition. What is recorded is the use of the stone by people who believed in it, including a town in plague, and its treatment as a permitted exception to the kirk's ban on charms. It is a rare case of a charm stone being tolerated by the Presbyterian authorities.
Folklore & legend
The Lee Penny of Lee Castle
Lee Castle, near Lanark
Legend from the 14th century; use recorded in the 17th century
The house is private and the penny is held by the Lockhart family.
- Evidence
- Long-standing local tradition
- Access
- Private property
- Location
- 55.699, -3.824 (Parish-level only, treat as an area)
Sources: Wikipedia, "Clan Lockhart" (section on the Lee Penny) [other]
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