Note 53 — Chapter VIII · EDWARD AGAIN INVADES SCOTLAND.—SIR SIMON FRAZER DESERTS THE ENGLISH, AND JOINS HIS COUNTRYMEN.—WALLACE RETURNS TO SCOTLAND.—BATTLE OF ROSLIN.
Reading edition
The Croyz Gneytz was held in great veneration, in consequence of its being supposed to contain part of the wood of the real cross. The Black Rood of Scotland was one of the national monuments carried off by Edward. Its sanctity was considered equal to that of the black stones of Iona; and an oath made upon it, gave the same stability to a contract. It was the favourite crucifix of Queen Margaret. The cross was of gold, about the length of a palm—the figure of ebony, studded and inlaid with gold. A piece of the true cross was also supposed to be enclosed in it.
Aldred, p. 349 apud Twisden.—Hailes, vol. i. p. 41.