02/12/2025
A 16th Century example of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
These images were taken at Gight Castle, Aberdeenshire. This overgrown tower set in a field high above the river Ythan was the ancestral home of Lord Byron, but was sold before he became of age.
If you are willing to brave the muddy hill track, the cow paddies in the field and manage not to rip your jeans on the barb wire (like I did) youâll be rewarded by some hidden Catholic history.
Scrambling over fallen rocks to the entrance youâll find a single-bay rib-vaulted vestibule. On the central boss a beautiful heart surrounded by a crown of thorns is carved. This 16th century piece of Catholic symbolism is not often described, but by those who have, it is considered to be a Arma Christi. Probably because the crown of thorns is also associated with the instruments used in Passion of our Lord.
Personally, I argue the carving represents an early example of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The symbol as we know it now wasnât revealed to Margaret Mary Alacoque until the 17th century, but the devotion was initially developed in the 11th century and common in the 16th century with the Jesuit order, who were particularly active in the area when Gight Castle was build.
Perhaps next time youâre in the area, carefully, checkout this unique piece of Catholic history.
