Scottish mini-dramas
#OTD in 1300 the army of Edward I arrived before Caerlaverock castle in SW Scotland. Attached is a pic of the castle and its unusual triangular or shield-shaped design.
The siege of Caerlaverock was an interesting mini-drama of the Scottish wars. It was commemorated by a royal herald, who composed a poem celebrating the deeds of Edward's knights. These included a number of Scots - Patrick earl of Dunbar, Richard Siward, Simon Fraser.
The old king was trying to push his heir, Edward of Caernarfon, into the limelight. To that end Edward junior was given command of the fourth squadron of knights, and cut a fine figure:
"He was of a well proportioned and handsome person, of a courteous disposition, and intelligent, and desirous of finding an occasion to display his prowess. He managed his steed wonderfully well...now God give him grace that he be as valiant and no less so than his father."
At this stage young Edward had yet to be made Prince of Wales, and was very much on leading reins. The poet notes that he was accompanied by Sir John de St John, a veteran knight and former seneschal of Gascony, who followed Edward everywhere he went.
Other details can be picked out from the surviving rolls. The accounts for squires of the royal household (see extract in third pic) show two Welshmen present at the siege, Cynwrig Sais and Gromogh Sais. These men were paid 2 shillings per day from 7 July-7 August - very decent pay, when footsoldiers were generally paid 1 or 2 pence per day.
Edward I had previously raised staggering numbers of Welsh infantry to fight in Scotland and Flanders, but was starting to realise that big battalions didn't necessarily get results. The only other Welshmen at Caerlaverock were a group of nine under their captain, William le Wylde, serving as part of the royal bodyguard.
(Note: pic two is the only surviving photograph of Edward I. Yes, I am going to flog this joke to death).