The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

spoons · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject: John Paul Jones, Kirkbean

Not listed on UKNIWM

Location inside Kirkbean Church at OS Map Ref: NX 980 591

This is probably the only memorial to the American war of independence in Dumfries and Galloway. At first sight I did not see this as a war memorial but John Paul Jones is famed for his pivotal role in the founding of the US Navy and for his daring raids on Ireland, Scotland and England. Therefore I think that these deeds (like those of Robert the Bruce and Lord Dowding whose memorials are already posted) are symbolic of the campaigns as well as the man and entitle this to be considered as a war memorial. Apart from this, this is a cracking memorial and certainly the best church font I have seen.

There are 3 square and 3 round bronze plaques set into a stone font. The plaques depict …. Dedication, details of presentation, Jones’ ship the Bonhomme Richard and two showing modern warships. The last could possibly be the (then) current Bonhomme Richard, an Essex class carrier. John Paul Jones was born the son of a gardener in Arbigland where his cottage is preserved and open to the public.

jamiemcginlay · Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 930 Location: Glasgow

Just thought I'd tack this on Paul.
The John Paul Jones Cottage is located in the Arbigland Estate south of Kirkbean. The website is here:
http://www.jpj.demon.co.uk/

The house has been converted into a museum and work seems to be ongoing in restoring the building to the way it would have appeared in Jones' time.

Front Room:

Bedroom:

The museum is beside the house and is full of exhibits and information on Jones. The Fireplace has many photographs and dedications, particularly from the U.S.S. John Paul Jones.

Finally the view from the cottage, which the Young John Paul must have gazed out at as he grew up.

spoons · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks for posting this Jamie, still on my list to visit - must try harder to make it.

\Paul

spoons · Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 9:15 pm Post subject:

The church is now closed and the future of the font is not known.

The font was designed by George Henry Paulin, designer of the Kirkcudbright memorial.

\Paul

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

Having checked the National Guidelines I am in agreement that this is probably a War Memorial.

Accordingly it is now on the WMR (ex UKNIWM)71757