4iO Transactions. 



Sib Christopher Seton and his Chapel at Dumfries. 



By James Starke, F.S.A. Scot. 



In the churchyard of St. Mary's parish church there ia a 

 small monumental stone. There is no getting at a close 

 examination, and the stone is somewhat discoloured and 

 weatherbeaten. But it is understood to be composed of 

 fragments of stones, put together in the nature of a tomb- 

 stone, and to bear the following inscription : — 



" These stones, the relics of the ancient chapel, dedicated 

 to the Virgin Mary, erected by King Robert Bruce in mem- 

 cry of Sir Christopher or Chrystal Seatoun, are here placed 

 for preservation by Major James Adair. 1840." 



There are doubtless other stones to be found in the neigh- 

 bourhood which may reasonably be supposed to have formed 

 part of the old chapel, but the present are especially inter- 

 esting from their authenticity. I made enquiries on the 

 subject, and received a letter from the church officer, who 

 superintended the excavations when they were found. He 

 says : — The few stones erected within Major Adair's burying 

 ground were part of the east window of the old chapel, and 

 only brought to light when the workmen were excavating 

 the hill for the foundation of St. Mary's Church. Under my 

 immediate superintendence at the time every part of the 

 ruins were carefully inspected, &c. 



Major Adair here mentioned was a residenter in Dum- 

 fries, and one of the trustees of St. Mary's Church and ground. 

 In the list of the trustees in the Presbytery records, under 

 date 28th May, 1838, his name stands the first in order, — 

 Major James Adair, Albany Place. He was not a member of 

 the Kirk Session, as I understand, nor is there in the Session 

 records any reference to the erection of the monument. 



