The Cursing Stone, continued.

 

The Curse 

 

The curse of 1525 was aimed specifically at Reiver families known for terrorising the region. It was specifically created in order to be read out by priests in every parish, in an attempt to curb the illegal activities. Dunbar's curse was a sort of mass-produced excommunication, designed to frighten the lawless people of the Anglo-Scottish borders generally.

It makes no specific reference to Carlisle, the only place name references being to various 'dales' of the Scottish side of the border. Made nearly 500 years ago for general proclamation from churches, it excommunicates the 'common traitors, Reivers and thieves' dwelling in 'Teviotdale, Eskdale, Liddisdale, Ewesdale, Nithsdale and Annandale' (i.e. the Scottish Middle and West Marches of the Anglo-Scottish Border). The curse was to apply until such times as theReivers chose to  'forbear their sins and make satisfaction and penance'. Written in a southern Scottish dialect, the curse is one of the longest on record, running to over 1500 words. The text used on the "Archbishop's Stone" is 383 words long, and in order to be read, one must circle the stone anti-clockwise, or "witherlins".

 

 

The use of prohibition by the church was a standard way of bringing people back to what was considered 'civilised' behaviour.  Local Christian groups were consulted and were in agreement with the artworks suggested. The City Council consulted extensively when the gallery content and public art scheme were being put together with Churches Together (all denominations), with the City Chaplain and with the then Bishop of Carlisle. A blessing was also included within the walkway artwork and is taken from the Bible, Phillipians 4, verse 6 and reads:

 

"whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, gracious. If there is any excellence, if    there is anything worthy of praise. Think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me do. And the God of peace be with you".

 

  The cursing stone was created for the city’s millennium celebrations and has pride of place in the Millenium Gallery linking the castle with Tullie House Museum. It is made of solid granite, weighs 14 tonnes, and was designed by Carlisle born artist Gordon Young. 

                     

 

 

TAKEN FROM: www.cumberland-news.co.uk/digitalcopy