Chapter XX: Remains
The Stewarts of Cardonald were a family in the neighbourhood of Paisley, and are often mentioned in the Abbey Charters. They became Protestants at a very early period, and the soldier to whom the above is erected, though born a Catholic, seems from the inscription to have died a Protestant. He was an ancestor of the family of Blantyre. [17] Below the window which fills the east end of the north aisle is the tablet which we have noticed as probably having formed part of the tomb of Archbishop Hamilton. It was inserted in its present position at the last renovation of the Abbey in 1861. The upper part contains the ecclesiastical heraldic arms of the Archbishop. The first and fourth quarters of the shield, a ship with its sails furled for Arran ; and second and third quarters, three cirque ports for Hamilton ; the cross for a crest, and two angels for supporters, with the initials of his name. [18]
In the east gable there is a tablet bearing the following inscription :—
This is the tomb of the generous burgess of Paisley who, with Elizabeth Galbraith, his spouse, founded the Chapel of Saint Mirin.
In the east gable is also another tablet inserted in the wall.
This Captain Robert Crawfurd was a great-grandnephew of James Crawfurd of Kilwynet and Seedhill, and held the appointment of grainter, or granary keeper, to the Monastery.
In the south aisle there is a small tablet inserted in the wall bearing the following inscription, executed in relief :—
These Pyrries were an opulent family in Paisley for a century.
On the west buttress of the transept, twenty-one feet above the base, there is a shield containing the cheque of the Stewarts, with the top of a pastoral staff for a crest in bold relief, and the engraved word : —
One of the south pillars of the nave is called the Cathcart Pillar, and bears upon it the shield of that family, beautifully carved in stone. The Cathcart family were long closely connected with the Abbey, [19] and the tradition attaching to this pillar is worthy of notice. Sir Alan Cathcart was an intimate companion of King Robert Bruce, and on many occasions fought by his side. Barbour gives a striking description of this stalwart and courteous knight, in words which are applicable to many of his descendants, who have often occupied a prominent place in the military annals of the country :—
A knycht, that there wis in hys rout,
Worthy and wycht, stalwart and stout,
Curtaiss and fayr, and off gud fame,
Schyr Allane of Catkert by name.
[17] He was a generous man.
[18] An engraving of the tomb is given at the end of the previous chapter.
[19] The family have a burying-place in the transept. I am much indebted to the present Earl of Cathcart for the interest he has taken in this work, and for an elaborate paper which he has sent me, shewing the connection between his family and the Abbey.