The truth about the welsh that fought Wallace..
Many scots seem to think the Welsh were happy to fight with the English against Wallace but this was far from the case.
Wales was at the time fresh from conquest and suffering extreme hardships and slaughter.
Many of the Welshmen that come to Scotland with Edward had no choice.
One thing for sure though. they were hard work, as the quote below will tell you.
Those 'bloody Welsh'
"Provisions became scarce in Edward’s camp at Kirkliston and the fleet from Berwick was anxiously looked for. The surrounding country, having been many times wasted by fire and sword (by Wallace), had English soldiers complaining bitterly of their scanty provender, and a change of quarters was contemplated. Only a small supply was received as the great body of the fleet was still being detained by adverse winds. A dangerous mutiny broke out in the English ranks.
Under his banner, Edward had vast numbers of Welsh bowmen, led by their chiefs, whom he had recently subjected to his stern sway. The famine was allowed, to be pressed hardest on the Welsh before the English. A supply of wine sent to them brought on a crisis and during the ride north. Edwards new Welsh archers got into a killing fight with the English soldiers, which nearly broke up the whole invasion force in a sudden paroxysm of national antipathy. The Welsh turned upon the English in their tents at night. Edward’s trumpets sounded promptly to the horse, and charging the Welsh he slew more than eighty of them, and eventually restored order. Exasperated and sullen, the Welsh chieftains now openly threatened to join Wallace.
“Let them do so” said Edward scornfully; “let them go over to my enemies. I hope soon to see the day when I shall Chastise them both”. "
Wales was at the time fresh from conquest and suffering extreme hardships and slaughter.
Many of the Welshmen that come to Scotland with Edward had no choice.
One thing for sure though. they were hard work, as the quote below will tell you.
Those 'bloody Welsh'
"Provisions became scarce in Edward’s camp at Kirkliston and the fleet from Berwick was anxiously looked for. The surrounding country, having been many times wasted by fire and sword (by Wallace), had English soldiers complaining bitterly of their scanty provender, and a change of quarters was contemplated. Only a small supply was received as the great body of the fleet was still being detained by adverse winds. A dangerous mutiny broke out in the English ranks.
Under his banner, Edward had vast numbers of Welsh bowmen, led by their chiefs, whom he had recently subjected to his stern sway. The famine was allowed, to be pressed hardest on the Welsh before the English. A supply of wine sent to them brought on a crisis and during the ride north. Edwards new Welsh archers got into a killing fight with the English soldiers, which nearly broke up the whole invasion force in a sudden paroxysm of national antipathy. The Welsh turned upon the English in their tents at night. Edward’s trumpets sounded promptly to the horse, and charging the Welsh he slew more than eighty of them, and eventually restored order. Exasperated and sullen, the Welsh chieftains now openly threatened to join Wallace.
“Let them do so” said Edward scornfully; “let them go over to my enemies. I hope soon to see the day when I shall Chastise them both”. "
Comments
Post a Comment