Adam & Eve Stone, Colmonell

My first introduction to a classification of memorial stone known as ‘Adam and Eve Stones’ was on a rainy walk through the village of Colmonell in South Ayrshire. The roofed entryway of the church beckoned, a lone bench offering shelter from the downpour. 

I’m not a religious person, but have long appreciated the solace and shelter offered by many a churchyard along my wanders. I’ve sat in many a cemetery for my meal breaks, or to rest my weary feet, and of course to explore the tributes to the dead. 

As I huddled in the entryway, I found some interesting information about the stones in little cemetery including the ‘Fall Stone’ or ‘Adam and Eve Stone’, which dates to about 1758. This type of stone was apparently common in centuries past, but few remain in good condition today. The stone depicts:

·      The Resurrection across the top, with a skeleton flanked by two trumpeting angels.

·      Adam, Eve and the Serpent across the center.

·      A depiction of farming with 2 ploughman and oxen across the bottom (which is sadly sinking into the earth.)