William Wallace and his connection with Robroyston

Wallace Monument in Robroyston. Source: Wikimedia Commons

William Wallace, widely considered by most Scots to be one of the most revered and recognisable historical figures in the country's history. He travelled far and wide during his campaign for independence against the Kingdom of England. From the glorious battle of Stirling Bridge to the defeat at Falkirk, Wallace had travelled across the country in his fight against the English. However, one location that has a particularly special relationship with Wallace is Robroyston.

Located In the northeast of Glasgow, on the city limits, Robroyston is an expanding area, constantly undergoing rapid changes. A persistent structure remains, however, in the form of a large Celtic cross constructed in 1900 with the help of public funding. This cross was dedicated to Wallace, as this was the location in which he was betrayed and handed over to the English. The opening ceremony in 1900 was led by a woman named Emmeline McKerlie, who was a direct descendent of one of Wallace’s trusted friends and soldiers, William Kerlie.

A Scottish knight named John de Menteith had captured Wallace in his bed and then delivered him to the English. In the ensuing struggle, William Kerlie was killed. Menteith was awarded handsomely for the betrayal in the form of being granted land and titles. He was later given an unflattering nickname, Fause Menteith, translating to false Menteith.

The monument itself has various inscriptions around it, one includes a quote in Latin, translating as: “I tell you the truth, the best of all things is freedom, never son, live under the bonds of slavery." The monument has undergone very few changes, while the landscape has drastically changed from what it was in 1900, with a housing development being built behind it.

Wallace Monument inscription. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Wallace’s connections to Robroyston don’t just end there, a mere 5-minute walk from the monument is Wallace’s Well. It’s believed William Wallace regularly drank from the well. Unlike Wallace’s monument, the well has gone through a few changes over the years; the present-day incarnation of the well dates back to 1911. The well is located on a narrow country road and visitors should beware as there’s no pavement leading up to the well. Located directly next to the well is a ravine and thick vegetation and flowers, which, in the summer is, home to butterflies and bees. A red granite stone on the top of the well indicates that you are in fact at Wallace’s Well, in case you were in any doubt.

Concerns were raised after the well had been delisted as a protected historical site in 2001. With further housing developments encroaching near, residents were concerned that it may be demolished. However, the well remains and there are currently no known plans to radically change the well itself. Both monuments have stood the test of time and continue to bring what little tourist activity there to the area.