Braveheart Killing 'Topped Bill At Fair'

Scotsman ^ | 1-8-2006 | George Mair

[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."

[UpTurn]

Had to be Rove's fault. :o)

[JCEccles]

One of my ancestors on my mother's side was William Walworth, the 14th Century mayor of London who killed Wat Tyler and put down the peasant's rebellion that threatened Richard II's reign. Maybe that's where my loathing of socialism and communism comes from. Although I must say, Richard II and the aristocracy were viciously despotic too.

[Billthedrill]

Dang, did those guys know how to have a good time or what? I'm thinking Tookie Williams, four horses, four different directions, and me with an arquebus in the middle. "Gentlemen, start your engines..."

[Lancer_N3502A]

Actually I believe he was racked, vivisected, beheaded, then drawn and quartered; with his head placed on London Bridge and his remains "scattered to the four winds"; i.e. taken to the farthest points on the compass in the British Isles.

[Cheburashka]

These things happen, after all it was a war.
I hope Sir Giles's family still isn't harboring a grudge.
Seriously, as a person who has an interest in history I respect the ability to trace your lineage back hundreds of years.
My own ancestors came from the European continent, but how they got here is obscure.
Perhaps there are still outstanding warrants someplace in France, Germany or Poland.

[yarddog]

I have never been that interested in genealogy but was lucky that other family members were. I met my Mother's clan at the Grandfather Mountain highland games and one of the Clan leaders there made a printout on the spot of my family right up to me. He had his computer there.

I was really surprised that he knew who we were. Actually was familiar with our branch.

Was even luckier on my Father's side. Only had to go back a few generations and found an article in an old Saturday Evening Post tracing one of our GGGGrandfathers ancestors all the way back to Pepin of Landen around 800 AD.

Sir Giles de Argentin was a direct ancestor of both Lady Diana and Churchill.

I always thought if I met her I would apologize.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Blam.

Just adding this to the GGG catalog, not sending a general distribution.

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[WorkingClassFilth]

No, not ONLY lefties, but they flock there in spades. They'd make the perfect venue for executing their foes - us.

[Redak]

I'm adopted so I only know I'm Scots-Irish on both sides. I'll have to wait for DNA test to improve drastically. The health issues would be nice to know also.

[Xenalyte]

Having performed at the largest Renfest in the country for several years, I can tell you that your statement is not at all true of the patrons.

The patrons frankly aren't there to be political . . . they're there to be entertained. And you'd be surprised how many armed services members we get.

Now, as regards the performers, I'm in quite a minority. There's only one person at TRF as far to the right as I am . . . and here he is. I give you Sholo the Nubian! (Don't let the look fool you . . . he's really a big teddy bear.)

[Sawdring]

My kids love the Renaissance Festival here in Minnesota. We have attended this last summer and the summer before. Do they have the Puke and Snot show there as well or is it a local thing?

[brazzaville]

Good evening.
"...we'll all be executed at Earth Day Festivals or Renaissance Fairs."

They'll play hell trying to take us at the Ren Faire, what with all the edged weapons we all are carrying. huzzah!

Michael Frazier

[Godebert]

"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."

Aye. Twas Sir Henry de Bohun, the Earl of Hereford's nephew that was slain by The Bruce at Bannock burn. He brought down his axe with such force that he cut through de Bohun's Helmet, skull and brain and his axe handle shivered in two.

[yarddog]

At one time, the U.S. ambassador to Scotland, which I assume must have been mostly ceremonial, was from my home town. His name was Bruce btw.

He had collected a large amount of armor and weapons from Scotland and when he died left them to the town. They were displayed in the city library and as a kid, I would wander around and look it over not knowing anything about it.

The one thing which stuck with me was how large the weapons were. I didn't know what a claymore was at the time and probably thought they were one handed swords.

I thought they must have been incredibly strong.

[SunkenCiv]

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