westford knight
Westford Knight plaque

Driving through Massachusetts, off 495, exit 32, is a mysterious and historic landmark in the town of Westford.  It’s known as The Westford Knight (or sometimes as the Sinclair Rock).  What it exactly should be called, besides a mystery, continues to be debated.  MW had the wonderful opportunity to stop by and check it out. (Watch Video Below)

The legend of the Westford Knight begins from curious markings and a definite punch style engraving being found on the face of a glacial boulder in Westford; along what is now Depot Street.  It is less than an hour’s drive from Boston to the Northwest.

Although badly worn from being left to outside elements over the passing ages, the etching on the boulder is known to have presented a man’s figure with shield and sword held in front.  Today, only the sword is clearly seen.  The full image has eroded away and seems lost to history.

First record of the carving’s presence on the boulder date back to 1873.  It was uncertain then who had carved the mysterious figure onto the boulder, and why.  At that time, the rock’s markings were assumed to be fashioned by Native Americans.  Possibly even Colonial.

bronze westford knight
Bronze monument of the Westford Knight’s mysterious stone carving

But later research into the subject matter of the carvings casts serious doubt on those first assumptions. The sword is identified as a 14th century large hand and a half wheel pommel type by Frank Glynn, past president of the Connecticut Archeological Society.  The pommel, hilt, and blade, albeit weathered, are still very visible, and so the question has to be asked, ‘Why does this rock illustrate a medieval sword, shield, and man as the subject matter?’

Further study in this anomaly by Glynn in the 1950’s suggested the shield held emblems belonging to the Gunn Clan (which was much more visible at that time).  This clan is linked to the Sinclairs of Scotland.  From the believed 1398 voyage of Henry Sinclair to the New World, many feel the mysterious boulder’s illustration might be to commemorate a fallen companion of that voyage.  Possibly a Knight Templar, named Sir James Gunn. Such the name ‘The Westford Knight’.

It was not until 2014 that the glass covering was placed overtop the glacial artifact to protect the features made onto the rock from further erasement.  Proof for who or why the etching was crafted may never be discovered. However, the fact remains it is a mystery and possibilities exist that the rock, if a carving from a voyage made by Sinclair in 1398, shows evidence of a pre-Columbian visit to America.

 

westford knight sword stone
Westford Knight Sword and Outline

 

Watch the Video to see more of the amazing site and stone’s carving:

 

Directions to visit the Westford Knight:

Exit 32 off 495 in Massachusetts.  From Exit, drive West towards Westford.  Turn Right on Lincoln Street. Straight onto Main Street.  Bear Left on Depot Street.  Westford Knight on right along Depot Street.  Drive past the monument to park at nearby Abbot School.

 

 

8 Comments

  1. That was just about the best Windex/Bounty commercial I’ve seen yet. A little brawny elbow grease and ta da the Kile team cleans house, battle won. Thanks to you two the Westford Knight is resting proud again.

    Strawshadow
    1. I agree, Strawshadow.

      That respectful gesture was AWESOME!

      Wouldn’t you just know that Sir James Gunn and/or Westford Knight is smiling right now?

      Jenny…you and Mahlon should offer your professional Templar Knight Grave Restoration Services worldwide! 🙂

      You know…some people say that Christopher Columbus actually had maps in his possession from previous explorers…i.e. Templar Knights.

      His 3 ships DID sail with the Templar Cross on their sails.

      http://www.htmodel.sk/htmodel/userfiles/images/plastove/lode/heller_lode/7352910_christophe_colomb.jpg

      Fun stuff!

      Thanks, Jenny and Mahlon.

      JC1117
  2. Thanks all! Your comments are appreciated, and make me smile. We like to have fun. We’re still learning on how to do videos, but we’ll get there…

    The subject involved is so interesting…… evidence certainly does exist that Columbus wasn’t the ‘first’ to visit America…..

    It’s amazing how History is an ever changing discovery for us…. and so wonderful!

    Jenny Kile
  3. For those who visit the Knight, there is a related artifact called the Boat Stone in the nearby town library (on the ground floor). It shows a medieval boat called a knorr and may have been carved by the same group.

    David Brody

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