Today is also a historical event. After Robert the Bruce fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, he might have one Scotland's freedom in his own mind, but, as with all wars, things very rarely end on the battlefield. There was a lot of cleaning up to do before England would see Scotland as a free country. More battles were fought, and finally led to a two year truce, enacted by Edward II of England. Bruce took this opportunity to make diplomatic maneuvers abroad. He appealed to the pope, but because of the incident where he had killed Red Comyn in a church, the pope had excommunicated him so he would not give him the help he needed. Bruce didn't give up and set about penning a document with his council for the pope, asking him to recognize him as the King of Scots. This document became known as the Declaration of Arbroath, today is the day, in 1320, when it was said to be received by the pope.
The Declaration of Arbroath is very much like America's Declaration of Independence. The language both the documents use is very similar. One of the most popular parts in the Declaration of Arbroath is this:
"For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, we shall never on any conditions be subjected to English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honors that we fight, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up except with his life."
Slainte, Hazel (And once again, Happy Tartan Day!)
Hope you enjoyed your tartan day. I really must get reading about Scottish history - there is so much to know.
ReplyDeleteYes there is, and no one will ever know all of it, though I think some of the greatest Scottish historians like David R. Ross and Nigel Tranter came close. Thank you! I did enjoy Tartan Day!
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