French Prisoners' Monument, Valleyfield, Penicuik

The French Prisoners' Monument in Valleyfield, Penicuik, was designed by Thomas Hamilton and completed in 1830. This high oblong monument is made of ashlar and resembles a Greek sarcophagus, set on a pedestal. The base course leads to a swept-in pedestal featuring advanced square inscribed panels on the north and south sides. It is topped with a cyma recta cornice and a deep band course, which supports the plinth of the sarcophagus. The sarcophagus itself has recessed panels on the north and south sides and is capped with a cyma recta cornice, adorned with acroteria and a pitched cap.

On the south elevation panel, there is an inscription that reads: "The mortal remains of 309 prisoners of war, who died in this neighbourhood, between 21st March 1811, and 26th March 1814, are interred near this spot. Grata quies patriae: sed et omnis terra sepulchrum. Certain inhabitants of this parish, desiring to remember that all men are brethren, caused this monument to be erected in the year 1830." The same inscription is translated into French on the north elevation panel.