plaque · Scotland
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This unique plaque commemorates the 'Dirty Bottles' at Ye Olde Cross Public House, a collection of bottles said to have remained undisturbed since 1725. The bottles achieved their local notoriety when the landlord of the time reportedly died suddenly after handling them. This unusual event led his wife to declare them cursed, resulting in their permanent enclosure within the pub's window. The memorial marks this long-held local legend, which posits that the bottles are kept under glass for the safety of passersby, even as other mysterious events are believed to persist within the establishment.
The memorial plaque at Ye Olde Cross Public House reflects a tradition of local folklore and community storytelling, which often imbues everyday objects with supernatural significance. Such tales frequently serve to explain unusual occurrences or to add a distinctive character to an old building or landmark. This particular narrative, linking a landlord's sudden death to a curse on bottles, is a classic example of how local legends can evolve over centuries, becoming an intrinsic part of a place's identity and heritage. It speaks to a bygone era where such beliefs were commonly woven into the fabric of daily life.
The plaque and the 'Dirty Bottles' it describes are located at Ye Olde Cross Public House in Scotland. Visitors to the establishment will find the bottles displayed within a window, where they have been encased since 1725. The pub remains an active public house, offering an opportunity to view this curious local artefact while experiencing a historic setting. Respectful viewing of the memorial and adherence to the pub's operating hours are advised.
Inscription
“These here bottles have remained untouched since 1725, when the then landlord dropped dead after touching them, his wife proclaimed them cursed and they have remained locked in this window ever since for the protection of all who pass by, although other eerie happenings still continue within.”
Background
These here bottles have remained untouched since 1725, when the then landlord dropped dead after touching them, his wife proclaimed them cursed and they have remained locked in this window ever since for the protection of all who pass by, although other eerie happenings still continue within.
Original summary by TributeLegacy, informed by public sources.
Source: Open Plaques. Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.