Posted on 03/30/2005 1:06:55 PM PST by dead
LONDON - One of Scotland's national treasures, the 5-foot sword wielded by William Wallace, the rebel leader portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart," left its homeland for the first time in more than 700 years Wednesday.
The double-handed weapon that belonged to Wallace will be the centerpiece of an exhibition at New York's Grand Central Station during Tartan Day celebrations, which begin later this week.
Mick Brown a specialist remover prepares to pack William Wallace's sword at the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland Wednesday March 30, 2005. The sword will leave Scotland Wednesday for the first time in more than 700 years, travelling to the United States as part of the country's Tartan Day celebrations being held in April. Members of Stirling Council met earlier this month to decide whether to allow the national treasure make the trip to New York, where it will form the centerpiece of an exhibition. (AP Photo/Andrew Milligan, PA)
This year marks the 700th anniversary of the execution of Wallace, who led the Scots in their battle to free themselves from English rule and whose story was brought to the screen by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film "Braveheart." The film won five Academy Awards.
"This is an historic moment. It is the first time in 700 years that a relic of this importance has left these shores," said Colin O'Brien, a Scottish official accompanying the sword to the United States.
The 6-pound weapon will be returned to its home at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, after the celebrations.
Wallace's sword was kept at Dumbarton Castle for 600 years. King James IV is said to have paid for it to be given a new hilt in 1505.
Interest ping.
"Freedom!"
Thanks for the info.
A 700 year old "assault" weapon in NYC! I am shocked!!!!
"All men die, not all men truly live."
Darn, and I already had tickets to go see Elvis Presley's coat.
ping
And only 6 lbs. That's pretty good for a 5 foot sword.
Well we know that there will not be any field trips to see this sword, it might give the students of NYC schools the idea of lopping off the arms and legs of their fellow students.
Hmmm.
So we see the reproduction in the movie wasn't too accurate. Who cares, great movie.
That MUST be 60 pounds.
"Aye, fight and you may die, run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take away our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM! "
Can any of you find out how long the celebration is?
I want a picture of this thing and I will travel to nyc to get it.
Nice Tripod! ;-)
Maybe 6 pounds is what it costs to buy it.
April 2nd thru April 18th.
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