Black Rood: The Lost Crown Jewel of Scotland

The Black Rood, a gold and jewel-studded reliquary for a piece of the True Cross, was smuggled into Scotland after the Norman invasion by the sister of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. It became a symbol of the authority and legitimacy of Scotland's kingship, giving its name to the abbey, palace, and parliament of Holyrood. David Willem's book tells the story of the Black Rood through the lives of the kings and queens of Scotland and England who honored it, treasured it, enacted themselves through it, fought over it, and sometimes died clutching it. It also explores the mystery of what happened to the Black Rood and explores the possibility that it might still exist and be waiting to be found.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

The Black Rood, a magnificent crown jewel that holds a rich history within the realm of Scotland, is the focal point of this captivating tale. Once revered as the Stone of Scone, this extraordinary reliquary was adorned with gold and adorned with precious jewels, serving as a container for a fragment of the True Cross. Its significance was immense, comparable to that of the Stone of Scone, and it was smuggled into Scotland following the Norman invasion by the sister of the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.

Upon her marriage to King Malcolm III, the Black Rood became an integral part of the Scottish royal family, symbolizing the authority and legitimacy of the Scottish kingship. It gave rise to the abbey, subsequently the palace, and eventually the parliament of Holyrood, all bearing its name. The Black Rood aimed to establish Scotland as a kingdom that was, at the very least, equal to England in the eyes of God, and in some respects, even superior.

Through the narratives woven by David Willem, the story of the Black Rood unfolds through the lives of the kings and queens of Scotland and England who honored it, cherished it, and saw themselves reflected in its grandeur. It became a catalyst for their actions, a source of conflict, and even a means of survival in times of adversity. Spanning a millennium of Scottish and English history, Willem's account paints a vivid and human picture, revealing the intricate tapestry of events that shaped the course of this remarkable relic.

In addition to the Black Rood, the author delves into the narratives of two other similar reliquaries of the True Cross: the Croes Gneth of Wales and Ireland's Cross of Cong. These crown jewels, like their Scottish counterpart, played a pivotal role in defining the autonomy and independence of their respective nations. They followed similar trajectories throughout history, each leaving its mark on the cultural and historical landscape.

As the book reaches its conclusion, it explores the enigmatic disappearance of the Black Rood, raising the possibility that it might still exist, concealed and waiting to be rediscovered. This tantalizing possibility adds an additional layer of intrigue to the story, further deepening our understanding of the complex relationships between Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland.

In conclusion, Black Rood presents a captivating journey through time, weaving together the stories of the Black Rood, its counterparts in Wales and Ireland, and the historical context that shaped their existence. Through the vivid narratives and rich historical detail, the book offers a fresh perspective on the intricate relationships between these nations, shedding light on the enduring legacies and mysteries that continue to captivate us.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849955317