Sophia Inglis Memorial

It came as a surprise to discover recently that the standing stone we pass as we drive through Auchendinny is not of prehistoric origin but is a memorial stone. Although the light was dull, the field being devoid of sheep, I took the opportunity to see it close-to.

Now category C listed, and standing 11ft 9ins (3.58 metres) high, the three-sided stone was erected by one of her sisters in memory of Sophia Inglis (1741-75), eldest daughter of Archibald Inglis of Auchindinny and Jean, née Philp. The stone sits in full view of the house, high in the field on the other side of the road.

An inscription on the face opposite the house is worn and lichen-covered but the Scottish Places website helpfully tells us that it  reads:


In remembrance of Sophia Inglis 
eldest daughter of Archibald Inglis
a disconsolate sister caused this to be cut 
upon a native stone at Auchindinny
there angel like she spent her infancy.
Man that is born of a woman 
is of few days and full of trouble 
cometh forth as a flower and is cut down, 
fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not. 
The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, 
blessed be the name of the Lord.

Sophia Inglis Born 17th day of February 1741
Departed this life 21st day of April 1775.

Muse, at that name thy sacred sorrows shed,
Those tears eternal that embalm the dead
Call round her tomb each object of desire,
Each purer frame informed with purer fire
Bid her be all that cheers or softens life,
The tender sister, daughter, friend and wife
Bid her be all that makes mankind adore,
Recall her memory and be vain no more.

Sophia married John Monro of Auchinbowie when only sixteen and died aged thirtyfour.