page_title: Soulis Cross
section_title: Lord Soulis
hierarchical_section_title: Soulis Cross / History / Lord Soulis
caption_attribution_description: English: The Soulis Cross inscription, Old High Kirk, Soulis Street, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
context_page_description: The ancient Soulis Cross was originally located in the centre of Soulis Street near the Kilmarnock Water in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1825 a replacement cross in the form of a fluted pillar topped with an urn was erected using funds raised by public inscription and this was placed near the original site but located in an alcove situated within the high boundary wall of the High Kirk. A brass diamond mark was placed in the road to indicate the original site where Lord Soulis is said to have died, but this is no longer visible as it has become covered with tarmac.
context_section_description: Lord Soulis is said to have been killed by an arrow or cross-bow bolt fired by one of the Boyd family, some sources say Lord Boyd himself, from the opposite bank of the Kilmarnock Water. More detail is given under the Knockenlaw section.
  Timothy Pont records that the Lockharts followed by the Soulis family held the barony of Kilmarnock, however by 1444 this Soulis family had lost their power and influence having been after being punished by Robert the Bruce in the early 14th Century for their taking part in the 'Soulis Plot' against him. The De Soulis family had once been unsuccessful claimants to the throne of Scotland. Records also show that the Boyd's actually obtained the lands of Kilmarnock from John Balliol although they had passed to Robert the Bruce for around ten years at the time.
  Robertson points out that the coat of arms of the De Soulis & De Morville families is identical and they may therefore have been related to this very powerful and influential family.
  No record of a Lord Soulis has however been found for the dates 1444 or 1543 however and the story for the origin and significance of the Soulis Cross remains mired in confusion.
caption: The inscription on the pediment above the 1825 Soulis Cross.
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