Posted on 01/08/2006 2:22:49 PM PST by blam
Braveheart killing 'topped bill at fair'
GEORGE MAIR
WILLIAM Wallace's execution was the opening attraction of a giant medieval carnival, according to research which sheds new light on the freedom fighter's death in August 1305.
The killing of 'Braveheart' Wallace, during which he was hanged, drawn and quartered, is now believed to have marked the opening of Bartholomew Fair - the largest medieval market in England, held annually for centuries to commemorate St Bartholomew's Day on August 24.
Tens of thousands flocked to Smithfield - the site of his execution - for the fortnight-long celebration, which featured vast cloth and meat markets as well as sideshows, musicians, wire-walkers, acrobats, puppets, freaks and wild animals.
The fair, which was first held in 1133, was unique in that everyone from peasants to the upper echelons of England's aristocracy attended. By the 18th century it was one of the most spectacular national and international events of the year. It ended in 1855.
The convener of the Society of William Wallace, David Ross, who discovered the link, said: "Wallace was captured near Glasgow on August 3, 1305, and was rushed to London, where he arrived on August 22.
"I had always wondered why he was taken down to London in only 19 days, which included some time during which he was kept at Dumbarton Castle, where his famous sword was left.
"The English king, Edward Longshanks, had Wallace rushed to London, where his trial was hastily set up at Smithfield, facing St Bartholomew's Church.
"Unlike most prisoners, who were thrown into dungeons to languish for months or even years, Wallace appeared in London on August 22, was tried on the 23rd and executed immediately after. That is extremely unusual, but until now we have never known why - other than that Wallace was to be made an example of.
"But Bartholomew Fair presented the perfect opportunity for King Edward to demonstrate his power to the maximum number of people.
"A vast number of people thronging to the medieval fair would have seen the champion of Scotland torn to pieces, and known what would happen to those who crossed Edward."
Ross added: "Bartholomew Fair was the biggest fair in the country - the population of London doubled as traders came from far and wide to Smithfield.
"The fair centred around St Bartholomew's feast day, and at its focal point was St Bartholomew's Church, outside which Wallace was executed.
"It was customary for the Lord Mayor of London to open the fair formally at that place on St Bartholomew's Eve - the very day Wallace was executed.
"It seems clear that Wallace's hideous murder was the fair's opening spectacle, timed perfectly for the day when most people congregated from all over the country - and led by the Lord Mayor himself to commence the celebrations."
GGG Ping.
I understand that Robert of Bruce was really running that operation. Different rules for nobles back in those days, I guess.
Articles that don't give the source of the information they reveal are becoming more and more popular these days. This is interesting, but I'd like to know how/where, at this late date, this information was uncovered.
The timing WAS suspicious...
From what little I know, both Wallace and Bruce were fierce skilled fighters.
I hate this story. Now the Democrats will think Tom DeLay is getting off easy.
ping
For that we have a lot to thank Wallace for and Longshanks? What a joke he was after the approach of his dotage became apparent to him. Wallace by far outwaxes anything Longshanks or any English King had done since.
Would that Mel Gibson's production could have shown the future King of Scotland as so.
I recall reading where some English Lord saw Bruce by himself and thought he would end the battle by killing him. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) Bruce killed the Englishman instead with a battle axe.
Wow, folks were into medieval fairs way back during medieval times. Talk about being ahead of their time!
Surely you're not suggesting that only lefties frequent Renfests.
I hope not. Fighting lefties is a pain. You have to carry your guard wider and your dagger hand becomes much less useful.
Oh. He means POLITICAL lefties. Never mind.
Can one imagine Wallace on the chopping block, summoning the last breath in his lungs to yell "SECURITY!"?
Well, Scotland was a quagmire.
Sometimes you get the Bruce, sometimes the Bruce gets you.
"Western Trek" was a popular show. Trekkies dressed up like Geronimo, General Custer and Wyatt Earp.
My Mother's (not sure how many greats) Grandfather supposedly killed Sir Giles de Argentin at Bannockburn.
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