Chink in the Armour

 

Sir John de Graeme's tomb

    Sir William Wallace is a name which is known throughout the world and someone I have written about previously.

    But, great warriors such as Wallace are only as good as the men and women who are willing to follow their command, therefore it is important that they also protect their own well-being by having a valuable assistant and confidant.

The Wallace Monument, Abbey Craig

    Wallace was no different and in a church-yard very close by to my home lies the body of, Sir John de Graeme, his right-hand man.

Stirling Bridge

    Graeme fought alongside Wallace in Scotland's battles of independence, most famously the Battle of Stirling Bridge, where the Scots defeated King Edward's army in 1297.

    However, one year on, July 22 1298, Sir John met his demise at the Battle of Falkirk. It is said that due to ill-fitting armour a sword penetrated through a small chink and not only did Wallace lose the battle he lost his close colleague.

    Sir William Wallace, saddened by his friend and fellow warrior's death took Graeme's body into his arms and carried it to its final resting place, the church-yard where it still lies entombed today.

    The following words carved on the stone seemed especially poignant as the bells were ringing out when I took the photograph and also reminded me that there are still constant battles being fought for our freedom.

'Her lyse Sir John the Graeme, baithwight and wise.

Ane of the chief who rescewit Scotland thryse.

Ane better knight no to the world was lent,

Nor was gude Graeme of truth and hardiment.'