David Steel's Gravestone

Lesmagow Kirkyard

Lesmagahow

Lanarkshire

NGR - NS 814398

David Steel's gravestone is located in the old churchyard in the centre of Lesmahagow. This graveyard is usually locked, so access can be difficult.

The inscription reads as follows:

HERE LYES

the Body of DAVID STEEL Martyr

who was Murdered by Crichton for his

Testimony to the Covenants and Work

of Reformation and because he durst

not own the Authority of the

Tyrant destroying the same. He was

shot at SKELLYHILL the 20^th of Dec^r

1686 in the 33^d year of his age

Be thou faithful unto Death and

I will give the a Crown of Life

David, a shepherd first and then

Advanced to be the king of men,

Had of his graces in this quarter

This heir, a wanderer, now a martyr,

Who for his contancy and zeal,

Still to the back did prove true steel.

A play, True Steel, was written by Robert S. McLeish, based on the story of Steel's martyrdom. This has been performed a number of times, including at Strathaven in 2016, as part of the SCMA's 5oth Anniversary.