Graeme

The first Battle of Falkirk took place on 22 July 1298 during the Wars of Independence. The Scottish forces, led by Sir William Wallace, were defeated by a larger force led by King Edward I of England. One of the knights who fought alongside Wallace and who was killed at that battle was Sir John de Graeme (I posted a photo of his memorial fountain a few days ago).

His body was taken to the church in Falkirk (now Falkirk Trinity Church) and is reputed to lie in the kirkyard there. This tomb is said to be his final resting-place, although the decorative ironwork dates from much later.

Various events took place in Falkirk on Saturday to mark the 720th Anniversary of the battle and flowers were left, both at John de Graeme's tomb and also at the memorial cairn in Callendar Park (see extra).