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Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
manded that the whole question of right and sovereignity should be submitted to his decision . The dispute almost became a quarrel , but Edward Avas too prudent to quarrel with one so powerful as the Poj > e , and probably the Pope regarded the King of England with a somewhat
similar feeling . Each maintained his OAVH view of the question in dispute , and Avent on his own way as before . Edward proceeded in his efforts for the complete subjugation of Scotland ; and it was not long until the Pope came round to his
side , and commanded AVisheart , Bishop of GlasgoAV , one of the most zealous of Scottish patriots , to desist from all opposition to him , falsely declaring the patriotic bishop to be the " prime mover and instigator of all the tumult and discussion Avhich had arisen between his dearest
son in Christ , Edward , King of England , and the Scots . " At the same time , the Pope addressed a bull to the Scottish Bishops collectively , commanding them to be at peace Avith Edward , and threatening penalties in case of disobedience . Such was the state of things at the beginning
of the year 1302 . The prospects of Scotland were almost as gloomy as can be imagined . The Scottish patriots had no ally upon whom they could depend . Philip , King of France , had seemed likely to befriend them , but had thought it for his own interest to desert their cause , and
make peace Avith the King of England . The heart of Scotland , however , was re-animated by die Battle of Rosslyn , and the future fortunes ol the Avar , even to the crowning victory of Bannockburn , may be said to have depended upon it . Edward had appointed Sir John De Segrave Governor of Scotland . He AVUS a great English
nobleman and warrior , distinguished by his former services in the field . Anxious to repress the Scottish patriots , AVIIO Avere everywhere rising in opposition to the English , he marched from Berwick-on-Tweed towards Edinburgh , Avith an army of 20 , 000 men , consisting chiefly of cavalry , and commanded by some of the most distinguished English kni ghts and generals .
He reached Rosslyn unopposed , and was now only about six miles from Edinburgh . His army Avas divided into three parts , each division separated by a considerable distance from the other . This circumstance proved fatal to it in the battle whicli ensued , but still more fatal , and
the immediate cause of disaster and rout , Avas the fancied security of the English . All were sleeping in their tents , when early in the morning of the 24 th of February 1302 , a boy rushed into the Governor ' s tent , and called out that the enemy was upon them . The Governor Avas Avith
the first diyision ofthe army , and that division was speedily overthrown by the Scots . The Scottish army had marched from Biggar during the night , and came upon the English by surprise . The troops of Dumfriesshire , Ayrshire , and Clydesdale , had been gathered at Biggar ,
mostly , like their English adversaries , cavalry . They Avere under the command of Sir John Comyn , Avhom , until they should settle the question of the succession to the throne , the loyal and patriotic Scottish nobles had made Governor of Scotland , and of Sir Simon Frazer , of Oliver
Castle , 111 Iweeddale , the head of a great old Scottish family , now represented b y Lord Lovat , and connected with Invernesshire , instead of the south of Scotland . The Scottish forces made a forced march during the night from Biggar , to surprise the enemy at Rosslyn . The district
through which they passed abounds in moor and bog , and doubtless bore even more of that character five centuries and a half since than it does now . It is to be borne in mind , hoAvever , that Scotland AVUS in a more advanced state of agriculture and other arts , at the close of the reign of
Alexander III . than it was two centuries afterwards . The long wars with England , and the subsequent border strife , which made a large district of the country the scene of disorder and violence for centuries , threw Scotland back to a degree not generally noted as it ought to be by historians , and from Avhich it did not begin to recover
till after the Reformation . The fact which Ave have on record that in the thirteenth century the Bishop of Glasgow had a country seat in one of the most remote parts of his diocese , in the south of Roxburghshire , and close to the frontier of England , clearly indicates a state of things very different from that Avhich prevailed throughout the
Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
three , following centuries , and there are traces of ancient cultivation in many parts of Scotland , Avhere in our day the plough has not again been used . From Biggar the Scottish army must have crossed over a hilly upland tract to the valley of the Lyne Water , and proceeding up that
valley , must have crossed the Lyne somewhere near the place now known by the name of Romanno Bridge , from Avhich their course Avould be nearly the same with that of the great road now leading from Edinburgh to Dumfries , the Pentland Hills upon their left . Passing from the
head waters of the Lyne to those of the North Esk , they must have descended along the banks of the river to Rosslyn . It Avas a daring exploit Avhich the Scottish leaders undertook , and which , through the courage of their patriotic followers , they successfully performed . AVe
must give them credit also tor military skill and good generalship , as well as for heroism and patriotism . It is not to be supposed that they were , ignorant of the manner in Avhich the English Army had pursued its march from Ber-Avick-on-Tweed , in three divisions , separated by
considerable distances , and encamping separately tit night , and , although Avell invare of the inferiority of their army , in point of numbers to the whole English force , it is evident that they calculated upon being able to fall upon each division by itself , in which case the advantage of
numbers Avas upon their side . To accomplish this , it was necessary that the English should be taken by surprise , and therefore the rapid and long march from Biggar , the distance of Avhich being about thirty miles , must have made the English Generals pretty confident that they were
sale lrom sudden attack at Rosslyn , even if they were aware that a Scottish army had been assembled at Biggar . The darkness ofthe night favoured the enterprise of the Scots , and ere yet morning had diiAvned , the First Division of the
English Army was attacked , and being completelytaken by surprise , was routed almost Avithout a conflict . The English had not time even to form their troops in order of battle , and many were slain in their tents , or before they could saddle and mount their horses . The First
Division of the English Army Avas commanded b y the Governor , Sir John de Segrave himself , and he was severely wounded and made prisoner . His brother also and his son fell into the hands of the victorious Scots . Those of the F'irst Division
who escaped , caused great confusion amongst the troops of the . Second Division , to the camp of Avhich they naturall y fled . This division Avas commanded b y Sir Ralph De Manton , often called , in virtue of his office of Paymaster , Ralph the Cofferer . The Scots , flushed with
victory , rushed on impetuously to attack this Division , and although they met with more resistance from it , than they had from the First Division , the battle AV ; IS soon fought and won , and the rout of the English was complete . There remained now only the Third Division ,
which was probably weakened and impeded , rather than strengthened and helped by the disorderly and disheartened fugitives from the F'irst and Second . Not , however , being so completely taken by surprise as those of the F'irst and
Second Divisions had been , the English made a stout resistance , and the battle raged for a considerable time before the victory of the Scots was complete . Deeds of valour Avere performed on both sides . The commander of this Division
Avas Sir Robert De Neville , a nobleman who had rendered important services to Edward in his AVelch wars . At Rosslyn he rescued , by his personal gallantry , the English Governor , Sir John De Segrave , who , as has been alread y mentioned , had been taken prisoner by the Scots , and
De Segrave escaped along with him and the shattered remains of his army into England . It is recorded that when De Segrave was informed of the attack which the Scots had begun to make upon his camp , he was advised by some of his officers to fall back upon the Second Division with such of his troops as could be collected , but
this advice he rejected , as inconsistent Avith his knightly honour . AVhat mi ght have been the result if he had followed it , may be somewhat difficult to conjecture ; yet it seems probable that the overthrow of the English would not have been so complete as it was , and the victory of the Scots Avould at least have been more dearly
Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
bought , especially if the Second Division of the English had been able to resist their onset until the Third could come up to their aid . It is to be regretted that Ave do not know the exact distances of the English Camps from one another . It is stated b y historians , that on their
march from Berwick-on-Tweed , the Three Divisions of the English Army Avere separated , the F'irst from the Second , and the Second from the Third , by distances of four miles , but it is hard to suppose that even when they had no apprehenhension of immediate attack , they Avould encamp
for the night in a hostile country , at distances so great , nor is this notion consistent with the uniform testimony of those AVIIO have transmitted to us an account of the battle , that it was fough t at Rosslyn , no other place being mentioned as the scene of any of the three successive victories
which the Scots obtained over their enemies . It is painful to be compelled to mention that after the rout of the First Division of the English , and again after the rout of the Second Division , the Scottish generals felt themselves compelled , by reasons of military necessity , to give
orders forthe slaughter of the prisoners ; but they dreaded that Avhilst they Avere engaged in battle Avith another body ofthe enemy in front , they might be assailed in the rear by the numerous prisoners who had fallen into their hands . AVe must not judge the conduct ofthe Scottish generals in this
matter too severely , nor too hastily ascribe it to the barbarity of the age . Reasons of military necessity have been alleged , even in our own day , for deeds still more cruel , such as burning of defenceless villages , and the bombardment of towns Avhere exploding shells scattered destruction among
Avomen and children . Amongst the prisoners who were put to death at Rosslyn , Avas Sir Ralph dc Manton , the Cofferer , the Commander ofthe Second Division ofthe English army . He had been taken prisoner by Sir Simon Fraser ; he begged that his life might be spared because he
was a priest . " This laced handwork is no priestly habit , " said Fraser . AAliere is thine albe or thy hood ? " and forthwith he struck off the hands of the unfortunate priest , and then at one stroke severed his head from his body . After their final victory , the Scots reposed
from their fatigues upon the field of battle , and there also divided their booty , which Avas very great , and amongst these was , Avhat the gallant Scots must have highly valued , much armour . They carried aAvay Avith them many
prisoners , amongst Avhom were some persons of considerable note , who , it is probable , Avere afterwards held to ransom , or advantageously exchanged for Scottish kni ghts and nobles , prisoners in the hands of the English . No prisoners were put to death after the battle was
over . It has been much disputed among Scottish writers , whether Sir John Comyn or Sir Simon Fraser deserves the honour of the great victory at Rosslyn , but the arguments advanced on both sides are rather political than historical . The
conduct of Sir John Comyn at the battle of Falkirk , and his ready submission to Edward I . in A . D . 1304 , are urged as reasons against giving him credit for fighting Avell on behalf of his country at Rosslyn in A . D . 1302 , but there is little force in these arguments . The probability appears to
be that both the great Scottish chiefs , Comyn and F ' raser , exerted themselves to their utmost in their country ' s cause , on the memorable day of the battle of Rosslyn , however they differed afterwards , as to the course to be pursued in the difficult political circumstances ofthe times .
It is much to be regretted that so few particulars respecting the battle of Rosslyn have been preserved , and that , with the exception of the leaders , Comyn and Fraser , we do not know the names of any of the Scottish nobles and knights Avho took part in it , and who had come Avith
retainers to Biggar to fight for the deliverance of their country . It is not even recorded Avhat part the Baron of Rosslyn himself took in the battle which was fought on his own domain and in the vicinity of his own castle . It is not improbable
that he had contributed his aid already by holding his castle against the English , as Ave read nothing of its having been taken or retaken . The possession of it , a friendly garrison , must have been of no small advantage to the Scots , even although the garrison Avas not strong enough to
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
manded that the whole question of right and sovereignity should be submitted to his decision . The dispute almost became a quarrel , but Edward Avas too prudent to quarrel with one so powerful as the Poj > e , and probably the Pope regarded the King of England with a somewhat
similar feeling . Each maintained his OAVH view of the question in dispute , and Avent on his own way as before . Edward proceeded in his efforts for the complete subjugation of Scotland ; and it was not long until the Pope came round to his
side , and commanded AVisheart , Bishop of GlasgoAV , one of the most zealous of Scottish patriots , to desist from all opposition to him , falsely declaring the patriotic bishop to be the " prime mover and instigator of all the tumult and discussion Avhich had arisen between his dearest
son in Christ , Edward , King of England , and the Scots . " At the same time , the Pope addressed a bull to the Scottish Bishops collectively , commanding them to be at peace Avith Edward , and threatening penalties in case of disobedience . Such was the state of things at the beginning
of the year 1302 . The prospects of Scotland were almost as gloomy as can be imagined . The Scottish patriots had no ally upon whom they could depend . Philip , King of France , had seemed likely to befriend them , but had thought it for his own interest to desert their cause , and
make peace Avith the King of England . The heart of Scotland , however , was re-animated by die Battle of Rosslyn , and the future fortunes ol the Avar , even to the crowning victory of Bannockburn , may be said to have depended upon it . Edward had appointed Sir John De Segrave Governor of Scotland . He AVUS a great English
nobleman and warrior , distinguished by his former services in the field . Anxious to repress the Scottish patriots , AVIIO Avere everywhere rising in opposition to the English , he marched from Berwick-on-Tweed towards Edinburgh , Avith an army of 20 , 000 men , consisting chiefly of cavalry , and commanded by some of the most distinguished English kni ghts and generals .
He reached Rosslyn unopposed , and was now only about six miles from Edinburgh . His army Avas divided into three parts , each division separated by a considerable distance from the other . This circumstance proved fatal to it in the battle whicli ensued , but still more fatal , and
the immediate cause of disaster and rout , Avas the fancied security of the English . All were sleeping in their tents , when early in the morning of the 24 th of February 1302 , a boy rushed into the Governor ' s tent , and called out that the enemy was upon them . The Governor Avas Avith
the first diyision ofthe army , and that division was speedily overthrown by the Scots . The Scottish army had marched from Biggar during the night , and came upon the English by surprise . The troops of Dumfriesshire , Ayrshire , and Clydesdale , had been gathered at Biggar ,
mostly , like their English adversaries , cavalry . They Avere under the command of Sir John Comyn , Avhom , until they should settle the question of the succession to the throne , the loyal and patriotic Scottish nobles had made Governor of Scotland , and of Sir Simon Frazer , of Oliver
Castle , 111 Iweeddale , the head of a great old Scottish family , now represented b y Lord Lovat , and connected with Invernesshire , instead of the south of Scotland . The Scottish forces made a forced march during the night from Biggar , to surprise the enemy at Rosslyn . The district
through which they passed abounds in moor and bog , and doubtless bore even more of that character five centuries and a half since than it does now . It is to be borne in mind , hoAvever , that Scotland AVUS in a more advanced state of agriculture and other arts , at the close of the reign of
Alexander III . than it was two centuries afterwards . The long wars with England , and the subsequent border strife , which made a large district of the country the scene of disorder and violence for centuries , threw Scotland back to a degree not generally noted as it ought to be by historians , and from Avhich it did not begin to recover
till after the Reformation . The fact which Ave have on record that in the thirteenth century the Bishop of Glasgow had a country seat in one of the most remote parts of his diocese , in the south of Roxburghshire , and close to the frontier of England , clearly indicates a state of things very different from that Avhich prevailed throughout the
Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
three , following centuries , and there are traces of ancient cultivation in many parts of Scotland , Avhere in our day the plough has not again been used . From Biggar the Scottish army must have crossed over a hilly upland tract to the valley of the Lyne Water , and proceeding up that
valley , must have crossed the Lyne somewhere near the place now known by the name of Romanno Bridge , from Avhich their course Avould be nearly the same with that of the great road now leading from Edinburgh to Dumfries , the Pentland Hills upon their left . Passing from the
head waters of the Lyne to those of the North Esk , they must have descended along the banks of the river to Rosslyn . It Avas a daring exploit Avhich the Scottish leaders undertook , and which , through the courage of their patriotic followers , they successfully performed . AVe
must give them credit also tor military skill and good generalship , as well as for heroism and patriotism . It is not to be supposed that they were , ignorant of the manner in Avhich the English Army had pursued its march from Ber-Avick-on-Tweed , in three divisions , separated by
considerable distances , and encamping separately tit night , and , although Avell invare of the inferiority of their army , in point of numbers to the whole English force , it is evident that they calculated upon being able to fall upon each division by itself , in which case the advantage of
numbers Avas upon their side . To accomplish this , it was necessary that the English should be taken by surprise , and therefore the rapid and long march from Biggar , the distance of Avhich being about thirty miles , must have made the English Generals pretty confident that they were
sale lrom sudden attack at Rosslyn , even if they were aware that a Scottish army had been assembled at Biggar . The darkness ofthe night favoured the enterprise of the Scots , and ere yet morning had diiAvned , the First Division of the
English Army was attacked , and being completelytaken by surprise , was routed almost Avithout a conflict . The English had not time even to form their troops in order of battle , and many were slain in their tents , or before they could saddle and mount their horses . The First
Division of the English Army Avas commanded b y the Governor , Sir John de Segrave himself , and he was severely wounded and made prisoner . His brother also and his son fell into the hands of the victorious Scots . Those of the F'irst Division
who escaped , caused great confusion amongst the troops of the . Second Division , to the camp of Avhich they naturall y fled . This division Avas commanded b y Sir Ralph De Manton , often called , in virtue of his office of Paymaster , Ralph the Cofferer . The Scots , flushed with
victory , rushed on impetuously to attack this Division , and although they met with more resistance from it , than they had from the First Division , the battle AV ; IS soon fought and won , and the rout of the English was complete . There remained now only the Third Division ,
which was probably weakened and impeded , rather than strengthened and helped by the disorderly and disheartened fugitives from the F'irst and Second . Not , however , being so completely taken by surprise as those of the F'irst and
Second Divisions had been , the English made a stout resistance , and the battle raged for a considerable time before the victory of the Scots was complete . Deeds of valour Avere performed on both sides . The commander of this Division
Avas Sir Robert De Neville , a nobleman who had rendered important services to Edward in his AVelch wars . At Rosslyn he rescued , by his personal gallantry , the English Governor , Sir John De Segrave , who , as has been alread y mentioned , had been taken prisoner by the Scots , and
De Segrave escaped along with him and the shattered remains of his army into England . It is recorded that when De Segrave was informed of the attack which the Scots had begun to make upon his camp , he was advised by some of his officers to fall back upon the Second Division with such of his troops as could be collected , but
this advice he rejected , as inconsistent Avith his knightly honour . AVhat mi ght have been the result if he had followed it , may be somewhat difficult to conjecture ; yet it seems probable that the overthrow of the English would not have been so complete as it was , and the victory of the Scots Avould at least have been more dearly
Historical Notice Of The St. Clairs Of Rosslyn, Grand Master Masons Of Scotland.
bought , especially if the Second Division of the English had been able to resist their onset until the Third could come up to their aid . It is to be regretted that Ave do not know the exact distances of the English Camps from one another . It is stated b y historians , that on their
march from Berwick-on-Tweed , the Three Divisions of the English Army Avere separated , the F'irst from the Second , and the Second from the Third , by distances of four miles , but it is hard to suppose that even when they had no apprehenhension of immediate attack , they Avould encamp
for the night in a hostile country , at distances so great , nor is this notion consistent with the uniform testimony of those AVIIO have transmitted to us an account of the battle , that it was fough t at Rosslyn , no other place being mentioned as the scene of any of the three successive victories
which the Scots obtained over their enemies . It is painful to be compelled to mention that after the rout of the First Division of the English , and again after the rout of the Second Division , the Scottish generals felt themselves compelled , by reasons of military necessity , to give
orders forthe slaughter of the prisoners ; but they dreaded that Avhilst they Avere engaged in battle Avith another body ofthe enemy in front , they might be assailed in the rear by the numerous prisoners who had fallen into their hands . AVe must not judge the conduct ofthe Scottish generals in this
matter too severely , nor too hastily ascribe it to the barbarity of the age . Reasons of military necessity have been alleged , even in our own day , for deeds still more cruel , such as burning of defenceless villages , and the bombardment of towns Avhere exploding shells scattered destruction among
Avomen and children . Amongst the prisoners who were put to death at Rosslyn , Avas Sir Ralph dc Manton , the Cofferer , the Commander ofthe Second Division ofthe English army . He had been taken prisoner by Sir Simon Fraser ; he begged that his life might be spared because he
was a priest . " This laced handwork is no priestly habit , " said Fraser . AAliere is thine albe or thy hood ? " and forthwith he struck off the hands of the unfortunate priest , and then at one stroke severed his head from his body . After their final victory , the Scots reposed
from their fatigues upon the field of battle , and there also divided their booty , which Avas very great , and amongst these was , Avhat the gallant Scots must have highly valued , much armour . They carried aAvay Avith them many
prisoners , amongst Avhom were some persons of considerable note , who , it is probable , Avere afterwards held to ransom , or advantageously exchanged for Scottish kni ghts and nobles , prisoners in the hands of the English . No prisoners were put to death after the battle was
over . It has been much disputed among Scottish writers , whether Sir John Comyn or Sir Simon Fraser deserves the honour of the great victory at Rosslyn , but the arguments advanced on both sides are rather political than historical . The
conduct of Sir John Comyn at the battle of Falkirk , and his ready submission to Edward I . in A . D . 1304 , are urged as reasons against giving him credit for fighting Avell on behalf of his country at Rosslyn in A . D . 1302 , but there is little force in these arguments . The probability appears to
be that both the great Scottish chiefs , Comyn and F ' raser , exerted themselves to their utmost in their country ' s cause , on the memorable day of the battle of Rosslyn , however they differed afterwards , as to the course to be pursued in the difficult political circumstances ofthe times .
It is much to be regretted that so few particulars respecting the battle of Rosslyn have been preserved , and that , with the exception of the leaders , Comyn and Fraser , we do not know the names of any of the Scottish nobles and knights Avho took part in it , and who had come Avith
retainers to Biggar to fight for the deliverance of their country . It is not even recorded Avhat part the Baron of Rosslyn himself took in the battle which was fought on his own domain and in the vicinity of his own castle . It is not improbable
that he had contributed his aid already by holding his castle against the English , as Ave read nothing of its having been taken or retaken . The possession of it , a friendly garrison , must have been of no small advantage to the Scots , even although the garrison Avas not strong enough to