Enter the Villian

For every good amazing hero, there needs to be a villain to match him. For Wallace, Edward Longshanks fit that bill.

He was Edward I, king of England and he was as ruthless as they came. He got his nickname because he was very tall, 6' 2" in height. We know this because historians opened his coffin and looked at him. However when they went t close it back up, they noticed one of his fingers was missing. They think one of the people stole it. He was also said to have had one drooping eyelid. No one knows weather it was from a stroke, or because he was poisoned when a young man on a crusade. (Unfortunately, he was saved in time and lived to torment Scotland and other places.)

He was a powerful man. You can't deny it. He loved to joust and was a frequenter of tournaments, where he sustained wounds. The people of England thought him brave and probably almost invincible. You did not want to cross him. He was not a man to let things go, and one slightly whispered word against him, and you could find yourself on the gallows or worse. 

That was why when William Wallace stared his campaign, Longshanks really didn't think much of it. When Wallace's peasant army won against England's might at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, that was another story. Longshanks knew then who he was dealing with and decided it best if he got rid of Wallace all together. He understood the Scots' attachment to him and knew that, without a leader the caliber of Wallace, they would not be able to stand.

A interesting thing I have always thought about Edward was that he, apparently really did love his first wife. He made her monuments all over London after she died and you can still see them today. A lot of people try to let him off easy and say that he was only the ruthless evil tyrant we see in history because of his wife's death, but it is historically proven that he was always nasty, even when he was a teenager. So there.

Unfortunately, Longshanks did not live long enough to see Scotland freed by Wallace's predecessor, Robert the Bruce, but he died a lonely man. Ill, old, and unloved, rotting will malice and disease. Yes, I am cruel, but Longshanks really deserves it! 

But for all his faults, I have to admit that anyone less would not have been worthy to fight against William Wallace, and though he got his way, I think he would be completely disgusted to see that Scotland is still very much a nation today after he tried so hard to destroy it and thought he very well would succeed. 

I will be back later this week with more Wallace's posts so please keep checking back! And any comments, questions or stories about William I would be happy to hear!

Slainte, Hazel

The Rout to London

So, I'm once again back home after my vacation out West and ready to continue our Wallace month in earnest now. I have been inspired by the mountains of New Mexico which are absolutely beautiful this year since they have gotten so much rain. There is nothing prettier than mountains after a rain. I went hiking and the trees were all a lush green and the wildflowers were popping out all over the place. The mountains were also covered by patches and fields of beautiful purple thistles that made it almost look like Scotland. I made sure to bring one home with me.

But back to our subject at hand. William wallace, Scotland's protector and freedom fighter has been captured through betrayal and is on his way to London for a trial and sure execution at the hands of the English king, Edward Longshanks. (Next week, I am going to write a whole post on the horrible enemy of Wallace.) After he was taken from Dumbarton Castle he was given to Seagrave who escorted him to London. It was a nineteen day march from Robroyston to London. Wallace was taken there sitting on a horse with his hands tied behind him and his feet tied under the horse to prevent him from dismounting and running off. It might seem an odd thing that none of Wallace's friends tried to release him, but, in truth, there was no one who knew he was captured, and by the time anyone who cared found out, is was too late and Wallace was already in London, or dead. I think that if his capture had been known at the right time, he would have been rescued by those still loyal to him and Scotland.

As it was though, Wallace was captured and taken to London. I can only imagine the journey south for him. It must have been painful. Once they crossed the border into England, I can see him looking back and saying goodbye to his homeland forever. I can't imagine him thinking he would live to see Scotland again. He knew the justice of Edward Longshanks. 

At every English town Seagrave brought Wallace through, the Scotsman was taken from his horse and led chained through the streets for the people to scoff and jeer at. Everyone flocked to see England's most hated enemy in chains and they took advantage of the opportunity, throwing all manner of filth at him as he passed through the streets. (though, in truth, most of what they threw ended up on the guards who were leading Wallace instead.)

I will not even venture to say what Wallace was thinking as he saw London's skyline on the horizon. Only that I'm sure he figured that his life would not last much longer. Though, I'm sure that whatever went through his head, Scotland was probably the foremost thought in his mind. He loved his country dear, and he fought and shed blood for her, ultimately dying so that the people of Scotland would be free. He would have been brave. 

I will be back next week to talk about Wallace's trial.

In the meantime, have a good weekend!

Slainte, Hazel

Capture at Robroyston

Wallace’s capture took place on the third of August in the year 1305. It happened in Robroyston, a small town outside Glasgow. I think it a good idea to explain that Robroyston has nothing to do with Rob Roy MacGregor, seeing as this was for before his time, but it comes from the name “Ralph Raa’s town”. Who Ralph Raa was, I don’t know. but this became the place known for Wallace’s capture.

It happened at about midnight on August 3rd. William Wallace had been on his way down south, for what reasons we can only guess at. It is thought that he was drawn south after he got a letter from Robert the Bruce, saying that he wanted to meet with him. Weather or not this story is true, it is almost positive that Bruce did not have anything to do with Wallace’s betrayal. That was all from the side of a man named John Menteith.

Menteith was actually a Steward and earl of Menteith. The name comes from a corruption of the “mounth of Teith” mounth being the high ground that separates two rivers. The Menteith family was came from north of the lake of Menteith near Callander in Perthshire. It’s still called a lake to this day. No one knows weather it is because of John Mentieth’s horrible betrayal, or weather it was just a cartographer’s mistake. Menteith was one of the many earls who was captured by the English in the Battle of Dunbar in 1296 and was released when he agreed to fight got Longshanks in France. He eventually was set free and came back to Scotland sometime between 1297 and 1298 where he apparently joined up with Wallace. After Wallace went on his journey to France, it seems Menteith had, like most Scottish earls, swore fealty to Longshanks. He was recruited to capture Wallace by one, John Seagrave, who was asked by Longshanks to find someone who could bring him William Wallace. They arraigned to meet at the church of Rutherglen where Seagrave paid Menteith for the capture of England’s greatest enemy and he set off with a few chosen men to do the filthy deed.

It was said that Wallace was with his companion Kerlie when he was captured. Kerlie was killed in the process and Wallace was taken, though I doubt it was with ease. It is hard to believe that a man as strong and determined as William Wallace would be taken without a fight. I imagine him starting to fight them off as they came to accost him while he slept and I’m sure he gave them a run for their money. But Menteith, knowing Wallace personally and more then likely knowing his full capabilities, must have taken precautions because he was eventually brought down and chained to head off to Dumbarton Castle, where Menteith was sheriff. He was kept their the night and then Menteith had him escorted to a rendezvous with Seagrave who was to take Wallace to London for his trial and, untimely, his execution.

Even to this day, John Menteith is scorned and hated as the man who betrayed Scotland’s greatest hero. There is a monument at Robroyston now to commemorate Wallace’s capture is the barn there. The only problem with the plaque though, is that it says Wallace was captured on the 5th when he was really captured on the 3rd. There are several plaques around Scotland that have anachronisms on them. The barn that Wallace was captured in is long gone now, but Sir Walter Scott had a chair name out of the rafters and it is still at Abbotsford house along with all of his other artifacts.

The saddest part of this whole thing was that, not only was Menteith a good friend of Wallace, thus making the betrayal all the more painful, but it is thought that Wallace was also the godfather to two of Menteith's children. There’s no wonder Menteith has gone down in history as one of the most hated villains Scotland has ever known.

Here’s a website the Robryston monument

And here’s a link to a video David R. Ross showing us around the place and telling a little about the history of Wallace’s capture

I will be back later with another post talking a little bit about Wallace’s journey to London.

Slainte, Hazel

Wallace Month

So we have finally come to the month that I have been waiting for all year. This is the month I get to tell you all about one of my favorite historical heroes of all time: William Wallace.

I don't really know what attracted me to Wallace. I think it is because he was just such a steadfast man and knew exactly where he stood and was willing to do anything for his country and her people, even though it meant a horrible death at the hands of the English. On the 23rd of this month, Wallace was executed in 1305, and now we use that day to commemorate that great man who has, over the seven hundred years since his death, become the National Hero of Scotland. 

So this month, I am going to tell you piece by piece the story, legend and legacy of this man throughout the seven hundred years he has been gone. It is certain that Scotland would not be the same country she is today without Wallace. Robert Bruce may have won Scotland's freedom ultimately on the fields of Bannockburn, but it was Wallace who started the fight and died for his troubles so that is why we remember him to this day.

It sometimes makes me wonder why some people are remembered and some just aren't. I think it's because some people just "have it". People like William Wallace and George Washington who represented their country in it's darkest hour and did what was needed. There is so much I could say about Wallace, but I think I will just settle for saying that he was one of a kind. And in the words of Roy Williamson's famous song "Oh Flower of Scotland, when will we see your likes again?"

So throughout this month, I will try my best to tell Wallace's story. And I will be sharing some of my favorite poems and books about him.

For today, I recommend what I think is the best tribute to Wallace. Do yourselves a favor this month and find a copy of David R. Ross' book For Freedom The Last Days of William Wallace. There is no other words to describe this book but fantastic. It really is a legacy of two great men. David Ross recounts his own feelings of Wallace and tells of his last days and then tells of his own tribute to the man when, on the 700th year after Wallace's execution in London, he walked from Robroyston to London and held a commemoration there in honor of Wallace. Please get this book and read it. There's no better tribute to Wallace out there.

So I will have another post of tuesday telling about Wallace's capture, so be back for that.

Slainte, Hazel

Ian Duh Nan Cath

As a small token to a great man, I wrote this poem in honor of John Graham of Claverhouse in the voice of one of Dundee’s men. The title comes from the name the Highlanders gave him in Gaelic, Ian Dhu Nan Cath meaning Black John of the Battles. (As usual in Scotland, he was not called black because of evil ways, but because he had black hair and a dark complexion)

Ian Dhu

Oh lads, come listen to my tale,

For I must tell it ye,

Of a hero of our hills and glens;

A brave gallant man was he.

The Highlanders called him Ian Dhu,

The English called him “Bloody Claver’se”.

But we always called him Bonnie Dundee

For he did his country and people favors.

How can a man be thought a butcher

When all he ever did was fight for his land?

Fighting and dying for Scotland’s cause;

Trying to deliver her from a tyrant’s hand,

Our Ian Dhu fought just as bravely

As all our great heroes before.

He won the heart of all his men

And became the man that we adore.

Oh, brave Dundee, you were the pride of the band

And taught us which cause was right

Just like your ancestor, the great Montrose

Who paid for his deeds on the gallows height.

The Grahams were ever a gallant clan

Ever ready to raise a sword

In defense of the country that they held dear;

We’d follow Dundee at a single word.

Like your ancestors before you

You never failed to be there

When Alba called out your name,

To fight you would always dare.

But for your country, you paid a price

It came as death, no less.

At the battle of Killiecrankie

You fought so the enemy would their wrongs confess.

And Dundee, you never died in vain,

For you fought through thick and thin.

Even through the darkest, bloodiest battles

That you knew you’d never win.

For what is it that makes a hero?

Is it all in bravery true?

Or is it also in perseverance

To win the good he knew.

Dundee, you’ve been written as a scoundrel,

A villain convicted of cold murder;

But we know the truth of your tale,

How you loved Scotland and would never hurt her.

For you did what you knew was right

For your country and your king.

Who could condemn ye for all of that?

We’ll write a new song to sing!

So though some know ye as Ian Dhu,

And some your character just do not see.

To us you will always and forever remain

Our John Graham: Bonnie Dundee.

Have a good weekend and I will be back in August to introduce my official Wallace Month.

Slainte, Hazel

On The Braes of Killiecrankie

Killiecrankie is known as one of the best Scottish victories in the history of the country. And it certainly was. It was not a draw; it left no question as to who won; it was a down right victory for the Jacobites.

The Pass of Killiecrankie itself was an amazing place for a battle. Look at some pictures of it. The place itself is beautiful, but also a perfect place for a traditional Highland Charge. John Graham’s Highland forces took advantage of that, and used it to the full.

Bonnie Dundee, John Graham, who used to be Lord of Claverhouse but was now Viscount of Dundee, was now an outlaw with a price of twenty thousand pounds on his head. He knew that something had to be done with the Covenanter rising, and gathered all the men he could for a last battle to end it once and for all. He was able to gather about 2,500 Highlanders, eager to support the Jacobite cause in the name of King James II who had been forced to flee to Ireland. There were also Irish supporters under Colonel Alexander Cannon who were eager to support “Royal Jamie” but came over to Scotland as untrained warriors and no money to speak of. As the men were gathering to Dundee’s banner, he set up his headquarters in Blair Castle.

General Mackay, the Covenanter leader, was sent to deal with Dundee’s new army. In late July, he moved to Dunkeld with six regiments of foot, four troops of hourse, four troops of dragoons and a baggage train of 1,200 horses. It was about four thousand troops in all. Mackay had planned on seizing Blair Castle. When he reached the Pass of Killiecrankie around noon on the 27th of July, his scouts told him it was clear and headed toward the north end where he regrouped his forces above Urrard House.

Dundee, when he heard about Mackay’s approach, gathered his Highlanders, Irishmen and the few horses he had to Craig Eillaich above the north end of the Pass. Mackay was able to see them on the skyline and knew they meant trouble, so he formed up his troops to face uphill on a shelf of land with his infantry on the wings and what artillery he had in the center and cavalry behind. Dundee’s Highlanders were in three divisions with his cavalry in the center, ready to take on Mackay’s artillery.

It was just about eight o’clock p.m. as the sun was setting that Dundee ordered the charge. The Highlanders fired their muskets once then charged down the hill with their broadswords drawn and glittering in the last of the day’s sunlight in their ferocious Highland charge. Mackay’s troops fired their first volley at them, but were unable to fix their bayonets in time before the Highlanders fell upon them, overwhelming them with the sheer power of their charge.

The battle only lasted a few minutes. After the Highland charge, Mackay’s troops broke ranks and ran for their lives. There’s a story that one of the young men, Donald MacBean made a huge leap over two rocks to make his escape. There is still a place at Killiecrankie now called “Soldier’s Leap” in memory of the event, weather or not that was the exact place it happened. MacKay’s troops suffered great losses that day.

But no one suffered as much as the Jacobites. Their brave leader, John Graham, Bonnie Dundee, died on the field that evening. Accounts say that as he was charging into battle on his horse, shouting encouragement to his men, his arm raised, a stray musket ball struck him in the side underneath his breastplate and he fell from his horse. It was said that, as he lay dying, he asked a solider “How goes the day?” to which the soldier replied, “Well for King James, but I am sorry for your lordship.” Dundee then said, “If it goes well for him, it matters less for me.” The Highlanders were at a loss to find their brave leader who they called Ian Dhu nan Cath, Black John of the Battles, had been killed on the field. They carried him off on their shoulders and a piper played the lament known as Lochaber no More.

Dundee went down in history as a great man. Some may not share that opinion, but for what it’s worth, I personally think he was a great hero.

Here is a song about the Battle of Killiecrankie sung by the Corries.

Slainte, Hazel

Battle of Harlaw

The Battle of Harlaw, fought on the 24th of July in 1411, was mainly nothing more than a big clan war, but it has gone down in the history of Scotland in song and story like most things and is remembered as pretty much a bloodbath and a non-victory for either side. It’s one of the many battles that is counted a draw.

The Lord of the Isles had a fiefdom of Clan Donald for longer than a century, since the Norsemen had lost control of the Western Isles in 1266. He was well into mainland politics. The MacDonalds had fought with Bruce in the Wars of Independence and their Chief, Angus Og had been one of Bruce’s lieutenants at Bannockburn. The Lord of the Isles was based in Dunyvaig Castle, but had control over all the Western Isles and could muster an army of Ten thousand men at his pleasure.

At Christmas time in 1411 Donald, the Lord of the Isles, had a clan gathering at his castle, Ardtornish on the Sound of Mull. It was said that he selected six thousand men and sent the rest back home, then sent his army to the mainland and marched up the Great Glen to Inverness. He burned Inverness and was joined by followers from other clans including the MacIntoshes, the MacLeans, the MacLeods, the Camerons and men from Clan Chattan. His troops, now ten thousand strong, headed to Aberdeen where he promised them lots of plunder for their troubles.

Alexander, the Earl of Mar, was not daunted with Lord Donald’s men and gathered what he could along with the Provost of Aberdeen who was only able to muster a few burgesses. Mar however, could count on the allegiance of of some north-eastern lairds as well as some seasoned knights.

On the eve of battle, the Highlanders on a plateau north-east of Inverurie while Mar’s forces, who were less than Donald’s but better armed, gathered at the slope of the hill. At dawn, the armies began to prepare for battle. There were not many tactics involved; it was mainly a test of valor and courage. Not loosing any time preparing or waiting for tactical ideas, the two armies charged each other. The Highlanders bravely faced the Lowlanders better weaponry of spears and armor, but they kept charging and regrouping.

The Lowlanders held their ground at first, but the Highlanders were relentless and by the afternoon, the battle had turned into ferocious hand to hand combat. By nightfall, the two armies had done all the fighting they could. There was no real victory on either side. They withdrew and Donald moved back to Inverness, leaving about a thousand clansmen, including the chiefs “Red Hector” MacLean and the MacIntosh, dead on the field of Harlaw. The Earl of Mar also had heavy losses. Six hundred men including the Provost of Aberdeen. The city of Aberdeen had been saved, though the battle just deepened the division of Lowland and Highland.

Today the battle is marked by a monument that was erected by the city fathers of Aberdeen in 1914 and is still remembered as the Battle of Red Harlaw.

There is a song called the Battle of Harlaw sung by the Corries. Go have a listen!

I’ll be back next week to talk about the battle of Killiecrankie

Slainte, Hazel