Official Clan MacTavish Society
since 1997
William Wallace
Robert Gunn, Author and Historian
On 11 September, 1297 it will be 704 years since William Wallace's stunning victory at Stirling Bridge. In remembrance of that event, I submit the history of the battle and of wee bit about Wallace.
Part One -
An original historical composition written exclusively for US Scots magazine and
was published in 1996/97.
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Prologue
The situation leading up the confrontation of loyal Scots under the command
of Sir William Wallace against the powerful Anglo-
After a prosperous and relatively peaceful reign under King Alexander III, Scotland was enjoying economic success and some degree of peace with it's southern neighbour England. With Alexander's tragic death in 1286 A.D., all of the old problems and new ones came crashing down on Scotland leading to what is nowcalled the "First war of Scottish Independence".
Background: Scotland, 1286 A.D.
Edward I of England had only recently completed phase
one of his conquest of Wales by defeating the forces of Prince Llywelyn. Edward,
for all of his disreputable charateristics, was indeed one of England's most powerful
and effective rulers ....particularly in his military campaigns. At the time, Anglo-
Edward had shown his military tactics in battles in Wales, England and France, to be very effective, if not cruel and ruthless. He was indeed an enemy to be feared.
It was Welsh misfortune to choose to fight with one of England's most powerful rulers. Like other medieval kings, Edward had problems to settle in France, but throughout his reign these were overruled by his determination to increase English influence in Britain. Such a focus of attention, backed up by high military expertise, was bad news for the island's Celtic realms. For, after Wales, Edward set his sights on Scotland. In 1286, against the desires of his advisors, Alexander III, king of Scots, went for a midnight ramble to Kinghorn to see his new, young bride.
"Neither storm nor floods nor rocky cliffs, would prevent him from visiting matrons, virgins and widows, by day or by night as the fancy seized him", said one contemporary. It appears this night, Alexander was intent on being with his young bride. He, in the dark, steep mountains, plunged over a cliff and was found with a broken neck.
Alexander's heirs, his daughter and wife had died before him, and no direct adult
heir was available to fill the now vacant throne of Scotland. Chaos and confusion
reigned in Scotland now, instead of a rightful king or queen. Alexander's only direct
heir was his grand-