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Home | News | The Wallace Sword, National Treasure of Scotland Coming to Summerside

The Wallace Sword, National Treasure of Scotland Coming to Summerside

20 June, 2008

Islanders will be able to see a special piece of history that is recognized as a symbol of freedom and liberation in Scotland as the Wallace Sword will be traveling across the Atlantic and arriving in Summerside for the College of Piping and Performing Arts Highland Gathering. 


 


The Wallace Sword, once belonging to William Wallace, a Scottish Knight, landowner and patriot who led the resistance during the years of Scottish Wars of Independence will be transported to Summerside by Lord Provost Fergus Wood of Stirling Scotland, Chieftain of the Highland Gathering.


 


The sword is presently kept on display at the National Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland, overlooking the site of Wallace’s most famous victory at the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge.  The sword is a two handed broadsword that measures approximately five and a half feet long, with a blade over four feet long and weighing six and a half pounds.


 


Wallace gained notoriety and was named “Guardian of Scotland and Leader of its Armies” after defeating an English army at the Battle of Stirling in 1297.  He then invaded England, winning several battles until his defeat in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.  Betrayed by a Scottish night, Wallace was captured in 1305 by English Soldiers, imprisoned in Dumbarton Castle, and then taken to London where he was tried for treason, declared guilty and executed.


 


His sword remained at Dumberton Castle for two hundred years after his capture and execution, until King James IV ordered the sword to be repaired as a way of honouring and remembering Scotland’s National Hero.


 


Many are familiar with the Wallace name as the best known account of the life of William Wallace is in the 1995 film Braveheart, directed by and starring actor Mel Gibson.  The film went onto win five Academy Awards including Best Picture.


 


This 700 year old national treasure of Scotland, that is making a very rare visit off Scottish soil will be available for viewing as it will be on display at the Wyatt Heritage Properties Lefurgey Cultural Centre on Friday, June 27th from 10am to 5pm and at the College of Piping Highland Gathering on Saturday June 28th from 12 noon to 4pm.

Contact:Brian Hawrylak
Phone:432-1288
Email:bhawrylak@city.summerside.pe.ca




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