High above us stands the Robroyston Wallace Monument. It commemorates a pivotal moment in Scottish history. Today we will delve into the story of William Wallace’s capture. This event shaped the course of Scotland’s fight for independence.
The Robroyston Wallace Monument marks the spot of a farmhouse. Here William Wallace was betrayed. He was captured on August 5 1305. This was 706 years ago. Wallace was heading to Glasgow to seek help from Bishop Robert Wishart. The bishop had been supporting Wallace with money arms and food.
Rab Rae the farm owner betrayed Wallace. Sir John Mentieth a Scottish noble loyal to King Edward I received the tip off. Mentieth betrayed Wallace. English troops captured him late at night. Wallace was taken to London. He was charged with treason. He was hanged drawn and quartered. Kerlie Wallace’s friend was killed near the Wallace Well during the scuffle.
The Robroyston Wallace Monument is a tall pink granite Celtic cross. It stands on a plinth. The cross design is from St Martin’s Iona. Public subscription erected it in 1900.
The monument has inscriptions. One reads “I tell you the truth the best of all things is freedom never son live under the bonds of slavery”. Another says “Who dared to nobly stem tyrannic pride or nobly die” from Burns. A third states “We are not here to sue for peace but to fight for the freedom of our country” Wallace at Stirling Bridge.
Facing the road another inscription marks the betrayal site. It mentions the year 1900 and the public subscription. It also references Wallace’s capture. It notes Kerlie’s death. The inscription concludes with Wallace’s heroic patriotism. It inspired Scotland and led to victory and regained independence at Bannockburn.
Rab Rae’s betrayal gave the area its name. Rab Rae’s Toun became Robroyston. The Clan Wallace Society adopted the monument in 1986. This was under the City Council’s Adopt a Monument scheme. The society funded its restoration.
In 1955 the Robroyston Wallace Monument stood in farmland. By 2004 new housing estates encroached on the site. Vandalism frequently occurred.
Wallace’s Well is near the monument. This spring is where Wallace may have taken his last drink as a free man. The well was statutorily listed in 1970. It was de-listed in 1993 due to a change of criteria.
The Society of William Wallace voiced concerns about development near the well. They feared the well might be lost. Restoration of the well finally began in June 2011. Members rebuilt the wall around the Memorial Cross. They repaired damaged stonework. They installed benches and planters. A plaque honored David R. Ross.
Historians emphasized the importance of preserving sites like Wallace Well. They believed these sites should be major tourist attractions. They argued that Scotland needed to better commemorate its history.
The Robroyston Wallace Monument stands as a reminder. It signifies Wallace’s courage and sacrifice. It underscores Scotland’s enduring quest for freedom. As we stand here let’s reflect on the past. Let’s also appreciate the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.