St. Clements Wells

Like everywhere, Musselburgh and the surrounding villages are getting new build housing estates, one such being St. Clements Wells on the outskirts of Wallyford.

As part of the development, there are some sculptures going in, which is this case are some stone wells (see extra).

The history behind this name in this area is as follows. Clement was a Christian in first-century Rome, and was said to have been martyred at sea with an anchor round his neck and was therefore regarded as the patron saint of sailors (hence the anchors on the sign).

The cult of Clement spread to Scandinavia in about the 11th century and then to Britain. St Clements Wells were probably named by Scandinavians living in the Tranent (neighbouring town) area. We know they were here because of the presence of a powerful landholder of likely Scandinavian descent, Thor of Tranent, son of Swain, who is mentioned in many 12th-century charters. He held extensive lands in the area and granted the church of Tranent to Holyrood Abbey.

Who would have thought there was such Viking history behind this new extensive housing estate.

Anyway, I hope you are having a good Sunday.