Torhouse Circle

Upon Torhouse Stone Circle in southern Scotland KP and I descended last month. It was a cool but sunny afternoon, and the nineteen dumpy boulders looked wonderfully well bathing in the autumnal sunshine. Although not the largest circle I saw that month, it was certainly the most complete.

Andrew Symson, Minister of Kirkinner, wrote back in 1684 that a local tradition attributed the three central stones to the tomb of Galdus, an ancient, and possibly mythical, Scottish king. Marcus Pitcathly has researched the ancient sources, including one which makes him nephew to both King Caratacos and Queen Boudicca, and another opponent of the invading Romans. I suspect Galdus existed, in whatever form his name took, and is certainly bound to be buried somewhere. Torhouse is as good a place as any, but there are many others available.

Whether these ancient circles were the final resting place of their builders’ rulers, we shall not know this side of eternity. Wherever and whatever our tomb, grave or resting place, it is but temporal, for all people, good and bad, believer and unbeliever, will be summoned to rise in bodily form to hear and receive the judgement we deserve. If Galdus existed, and I think he did, and if somewhere he was buried, and I guess he was, then he, too, shall rise. We may not locate his tomb, but the great God knows all. Wrote the prophet Daniel in 12:2:

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and perpetual contempt. (Geneva Bible)