Ref - SMMMLNBW01

Alias - Watson Stone

County - Midlothian

Parish - Newbattle 

Graveyard - Newbattle Graveyard 

Year -  1708

Stone - Red sandstone 

Motifs - green man,  putti, kilt, book, figure.

Insciption - GEORGE WATSON, SON OF ROBERT WATSON TENANT IN WESTHOUSES, WHO DIED 20TH JANUARY 1708, AGED TWENTY TWO YEARS (Willsher notes).

Description  - Built into the south-east wall of the graveyard stands this memorial to George Watson, who died aged twenty two. In high-relief is carved a reclining figure, wearing a kilt and reading a book. This reflects George's youth when he died. Above the main scene is a cartouche which bears a weathered inscription; a transcription has been provided by Betty Willsher. Willsher’s notes also identify two green men at the top and bottom of the cartouche, though these are not visible now. On either side are two now-decapitated putti which hold up furled edges of the cartouche.  Built into the wall above is a rude skull and cross bones, below a memento mori inscription, although this is from a separate monument and has been latterly built into the wall.