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Ancient Groat Family Tombstone at Canisbay
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Ancient Groat Family Tombstone at Canisbay
Canisbay lies on the Pentland Firth, 2 miles west of John o Groats. The medieval St Drostans Church has in its porch a tombstone commemorating members of the Dutch Grot, Groot or Groat family which settled in Caithness in the late 15th Century and whose descendants operated a ferry to Orkney. Jan de Groot, who held a pennyland in nearby Duncansby from the Earl of Caithness, gave his name to John o Groats. Date: 1908
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Grave Groats Groot Marker Tomb Stone 15th Groat
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This ancient tombstone, housed in the porch of St Drostans Church in Canisbay, commemorates members of the Dutch Grot, Groot, or Groat family. The Groats are believed to have settled in Caithness, Scotland, towards the end of the 15th century. The family's name is said to have given rise to the name of the nearby village, John o' Groats, which lies on the Pentland Firth, just two miles west of John o' Groats. Jan de Groot, a member of the Groat family, held a pennyland in Duncansby from the Earl of Caithness. He is believed to have operated a ferry service to Orkney, providing an essential link between the Scottish mainland and the Orkney Islands. The intricately carved tombstone dates back to 1508 and is a testament to the family's historical significance in the region. The Dutch origin of the family is reflected in the inscription, which is written in both Dutch and Latin. The Dutch text reads, "Anno Domini M.X.VIII. Hic iacet Jan de Groot, et Anna, uxor ejus," which translates to "In the year of our Lord 1508. Here lies Jan de Groot and Anna, his wife." The tombstone is a poignant reminder of the rich history and cultural diversity that once existed in the northernmost tip of Scotland. The Groats' connection to the Netherlands and their role in the local community are an intriguing part of the region's past, and this tombstone stands as a memorial to their legacy.
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