Local Scottish History

[Jamie Robson]

Hello Everyone

The village I am from in Scotland is steeped in history. The celebrated poet 'Robert Burns' was born and raised there, the successful King 'Robert The Bruce' was crowned close by. 'Napoleans' wife was born there before moving to France. 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' gathered most of his support and strength from this area.

Before all this, the Roman Armies developed many settlements and permanent camps in the area because of the suitable terrain. Deep and narrow vallies laced with harsh water and rocks were perfect for building tactical strong-holds.

There is a poem written by 'Robert Burns' about 'Robert The Bruces' march to the legendary battle of 'Bannockburn'.

The history behind this battle is truly fascinating. A relationship developed between out-lawed 'Nights Templars' and 'Bruce' is an increasingly accepted reason why the out-numbered Scots (Approx 6000 against 30,000) won so 'efficiently'.

The stories on how 'Bruce' became King, why and how the Crusaders became allies with 'Bruce' and what subsequently happended are very interesting.

If anyone is interested, just ask and i'll continue the thread.

I will post the poem in the 'Languages' section as it is written in 'Old Scots' which was once accepted as a seperate language from English.

( Please note - There is no 'Anti-English theme in this post. It is well known English and Scottish fought on both fronts, the Spanish and French were also present on both sides. )

Love and Respect To Everyone

Jamie
Shaolin Wahnam Scotland

[cnholmes]

If anyone is interested, just ask and i'll continue the thread.

I'm interested Please do continue.

[drunken boxer]

Me too, I love stories about ancient warriors.

[Jamie Robson]

Scottish History - Continued

As with many sudden political changes in history, 'Bruces' path to becoming King was often violent and bloody.

Bruce had competition. His name was 'The Red Coman'. A giant of a man with wild red hair and thought to have 'Viking' roots. Bruce and the Coman were invited to 'Grey Friars Kirk'.

The Kirk was an ancient church often used as shelter or a hiding place for important figures in trouble. The plan was that the Friar would decide who was to become King, in the eyes of God.

Unknown to the Coman, Bruce was very close to the Friar because of his family.

On the day of the meeting, people began to gather outside the Kirk, waiting to discover who their new King would be. Suddenly, Bruce emerged from the doors and declared " A had slain tha Coman! ". A famous allie of Bruce, Sir Roger D Kirkpatrick then shouted " All mak sickar! ", stormed into the church, found the Coman on the floor and thrust a dagger into his back.

From that day on, the Kirkpatrick Family Crest was a dagger dripping in blood with the phrase below " All mak sickar! " which translates as " I'll make sure! ".

So, Bruce was King. Little did he know, that due to a chance conversation with a wandering Monk, his Religious and Military power was to in increase in a way he never imagined.

To be continued -

Jamie
Shaolin Wahnam Scotland

[Zen R Ridge]

nice

very nice so far jamie, im sure i have read or heard about this somewhere before but its always nice to here tales of the old, i look forward to the rest

Metta

Zen

ps didn't the irish get involved as well, somewhere along the line?

[DarkCosmoz]

Was Robert de Bruce in "Braveheart?"

[Zen R Ridge]

he was, i belive thnat depicts when he first became king, but i am sure Darryl will correct me, im not scottish

[Jamie Robson]

The Roman Influence On Scotland

Hello Everyone

In continuation to this thread on 'Scottish History', I would like to discuss the colossal impact made by the Roman invasion in the early first century.

During the 400 years that the Roman Empire occupied the Island we now call 'Great Britain', many shifts and changes occurred within Political, Military and Religious circles.

Scotland was no different.

Indeed, the word 'Scot' comes from the Roman Latin phrase 'Scotti'. From this came 'Scot - Land' and Scott - ish'.

Interestingly, the name 'England' originates from the Saxon invasion. The Saxon settlers called themselves 'Anglo-Saxon'. The called their Kingdom 'Anglo - Land' which over time became 'England'.

The first Roman invasion came in 43 AD. Led by General Claudius.

Once the Romans created a strong foundation in the South, the famous General 'Agricola' was instructed to push North.

They discovered two ancient tribes, native to the upper North. The 'Celts' and the 'Picts'.

The Celts had built many defensive fortifications (called 'Brochs'), developed successful farming techniques and used Celtic art to depict stories, information etc. They spoke Celtic and ran a tribal society.

The Picts were very different. They often did not wear clothes, men were heavily tattooed. They based themselves in much smaller but well connected communities. They were highly accomplished warriors and did not entertain farming as greatly as the Celts. The Picts continued to hunt daily, which explains their impressive understanding of herbs, natural remedies and holistic healing.

The word 'Pict' comes from Roman Latin 'Picti'. It means 'painted person', relating to the tattoos that covered them.

When the Romans arrived North in 80-81 AD, the Celts were clever. They did not resist. They allowed the Romans to take over, thus they incorporated many modern practices into their society. The Celtic way of life rapidly increased in quality, high-tech farming systems, new construction techniques, an introduction of a law system etc.

The Picts however, did not entertain the Roman presence.

From day one they gathered all the small tribes together and held strong against any Roman intrusion. Their ability to control a large number in combat and very close quarter skills impressed the Romans.

It always puzzled the Romans how Pictish warriors could continue while suffering from serious injury, often pressing on with arrows still in them!

The reason, was the result of a complex ceremony before battle. The Pict warriors would gather, often indoors or under shelter (caves etc) and pray, exchange ancient stories of great fighters and enjoy a very potent 'broth'.

This 'broth' or thick soup-like drink contained many herbs and spices. One special ingredient was 'mushrooms'. These however, were not any ordinary mushrooms. They were what are often called today 'magic mushrooms'.

The result of this broth was hullucinogenic symptoms, pain-killing properties and increased time span of adrenaline release....basically they were drugged up to the eye-balls!

This is similar to the Amazonian tribes-men who would eat specially prepared coco leaves before hunting dangerous wild animals. What they ate was basically 'cocaine'. Zulu warriors did something similar.

To be continued -
Note - I will also continue the story of 'Robert The Bruce' soon.

[Joan]

Hi Jamie,

Thank you for that very interesting and informative 'story'. I am glad that you have returned to the thread.

I haven't heard of the 'Picts' before, did they just live in Scotland?

Looking forward to hearing more

Smile from the Heart
Joan.

[Emiko H]

Dear Jamie,

This is very interesting reading indeed. Thank you.
I am looking forward to the next installment.

Best,

Emiko