Over the centuries in Scotland I have come across 'notices' (meaning a sign giving information) where feelings run high. They may be plaques, monuments, headstones or obelisks. The subject is always a passionate one, sits in a public place and, furthermore, doesn't mince words!
These notices have always intrigued me: certainly feelings run high and, clearly, someone was behind the drive to erect the structure plus carve the text. Someone (or group) 'noticed' that something needed to be said about a topic which was being overlooked or unheralded and felt justice needed to be served. Basically they about wrongs needing to be put to right!
Here is the first of several I am about to post:
William Wallace Monument which has the following text carved on the base around the back.
Aberdeen city centre.
The text states:
Edward First of England, having attempted to annex Scotland to his dominions, was opposed by WALLACE, through whose consummate wisdom and valour the English were driven out of Scotland and her independence was restored.
Renewed attempted by Edward to conquer Scotland were heroically resisted by WALLACE, till he was treacherously deserted by the Scottish Nobility and betrayed by Sir John Monteith. He was thereupon seized, conveyed to London, and there arraigned as a traitor to the English King, amid mockery and indignity, which, conscious of his integrity, he bore with dignified compare.
On 23rd August, 1305, this GREAT HERO was led to Smithfield, and, with Edward as an eye-witness, was there put to death, solely for his love of liberty, his effectual resistance of aggression, and his fidelity to his Native Land.
Renewed attempted by Edward to conquer Scotland were heroically resisted by WALLACE, till he was treacherously deserted by the Scottish Nobility and betrayed by Sir John Monteith. He was thereupon seized, conveyed to London, and there arraigned as a traitor to the English King, amid mockery and indignity, which, conscious of his integrity, he bore with dignified compare.
On 23rd August, 1305, this GREAT HERO was led to Smithfield, and, with Edward as an eye-witness, was there put to death, solely for his love of liberty, his effectual resistance of aggression, and his fidelity to his Native Land.
This gives 'the other side of the story'. Question: is this aspect ever taught in history lessons? M-m-m-m there is a title for a history series "The Backside of Scottish History" or better still .... "The Underside of Scottish History" (lots of material there!)
Carved in stone at the front: In honour of William Wallace
Guardian of Scotland
'Guardian' is a word that deserves another history lesson.... but that is another story.
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Top photo is Wikipedia: the bottom 2 photos are mine with thanks to Alec and Christine (December 5, 2013 in the middle of Aberdeen dodging the traffic!)
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